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Claire Halfpenny

MBACP Counsellor Psychotherapist

I am a BACP-qualified counsellor for people aged 16 and over, offering compassionate, tailored therapy to people navigating life’s challenges. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, disordered eating – or something else entirely – I can walk alongside you as you seek to reshape your experience of life and build resilience and lasting positive change.

I see psychotherapy as the process of uncovering and examining our deeper narratives, then soothing, healing, and reframing our experiences so that we can develop a new story – one that supports a healthier and more secure sense of self. As an integrative counsellor, I draw on different models of therapy to help each client navigate this process successfully, whether or not you can put a name to your struggles. The idea is to build a healthier, more balanced way of relating to yourself and others, so that you can handle tough times, find moments to laugh, and feel more able to thrive.

I am passionate about helping people recover from eating disorders and body image struggles. Realising that you may have an eating disorder can feel frightening. However, while eating disorders are serious, they are also treatable, and lasting recovery is possible. Evidence shows that the sooner someone is able to access treatment, the greater their chance of complete recovery. Whether you’re just beginning to develop symptoms, have been living with an eating disorder or body image difficulties for some time, or are experiencing a relapse, I can offer a warm and compassionate space to explore your experience and to help you recover.

I work sensitively and respectfully with neurodivergent individuals, recognising that everyone’s experience is unique. As both the partner and parent of someone with ADHD, I bring personal insight as well as professional experience to support those navigating similar dynamics.

I believe that finding the right therapist for you is fundamental to your wellbeing. Whatever your area of concern might be, let’s have a conversation. I offer a free initial phone call or online meeting to discuss what you are looking for from therapy, and whether I might be the right person to help. If your issue is outside my area of expertise, I will happily refer you to another, perhaps more appropriate, practitioner.

Experience

Alongside my private practice, I work in an eating disorders service in the south west, and a low-cost counselling charity in Hampshire. I see a broad range of clients experiencing a broad range of issues with each individual, I aim to co-create a path towards lasting, positive growth.

Qualifications

  • Registered member (MBACP) of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
  • FdA Humanistic Counselling based on Transactional Analysis: Distinction
  • Level 4 Humanistic Counselling
  • Level 2 & 3 Certificate Counselling
  • Certificate Online and Phone Therapy
  • SRA Regulated Solicitor
  • Legal Practice Course
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Law
  • MA (Oxon) Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Additional Training and CPD

  • Working therapeutically with autistic clients
  • Development of the adult: life stages and existential psychotherapy
  • Medical monitoring in eating disorders and restrictive intake self-harm (RISH)
  • Anorexia nervosa and restrictive eating disorders
  • Bulimia nervosa
  • Binge eating disorder and compulsive overeating

Memberships & Accreditations

Fees

  • £75 per 50 minute session
  • Private Healthcare Insurance

    • None