Claude Distefano - Profile

Hi, I’m Claude, a Counsellor and CBT Psychotherapist accredited with both BACP and BABCP. I have 15 years’ experience working in the NHS and private practice. I help people explore and work through a broad range of difficulties and problems that adversely affect their mental and emotional wellbeing.

I have substantial experience working with Low mood and Depression, various types of Anxiety such as Agoraphobia, Generalised Anxiety, excessive Worry and its effect on sleep, Panic, Social Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Phobias, Health Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and others. I also work with other presenting issues such as Irritability & Anger, Shame and Guilt, Procrastination, Stress, Perfectionism, Low Self-Esteem and/or Loss of Self-confidence, Bereavement and Loss, Loneliness, and the impact of Long-term Health conditions. This is not an exhaustive list.

If you would like to discuss whether my skills and expertise may be of benefit to you, I offer an initial 20-minute telephone consultation free of charge and without obligation. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.

I work with adults (18 years and over) and offer either in-person sessions in Farnham, Surrey or remote sessions by videocall.

I have extensive experience in Counselling and CBT and I also have a special interest in Low Self-Esteem and lead a small team of therapists who run group courses on Improving Self-Esteem. Through no fault of our own, we often find ourselves caught up in patterns of thought and behaviour which create vicious circles that exacerbate the problem. This makes it difficult to consider alternative perspectives or solutions and we often end up feeling stuck.

For example, if you suffer from low self-esteem you are likely to hold negative views about yourself, often feel bad about yourself and probably feel quite anxious about the way others might perceive you. A vicious circle may develop involving worry, loss of confidence, avoidance of social situations, damaging self-criticism and low mood. These factors worsen the problem and your confidence is eroded even further.

I regularly attend training workshops and seminars as part of continuing professional development. Whereas most of these involve further advanced training in CBT, I also take an interest in other modalities such as Compassion Focused Therapy.

My manner is characterised by fundamental person-centred attitudes of warmth, non-judgemental listening, and empathy. I work mainly from a CBT perspective which is a type of goal-directed talking therapy with a practical flavour to help you practice key aspects of what we would have discussed together and bring about positive shifts. I also draw upon other modalities if appropriate for an individual’s needs.

Should you decide to work with me, I will work collaboratively with you throughout our therapy to develop a shared understanding of your difficulties and struggles. We will consider what factors may be playing a part in keeping the problem/s going and together, we will explore and discuss ways to bring about positive change and/or a healthy adaptation to challenging circumstances or life events.
Sessions are typically 50 minutes long and held once a week but other arrangements may be possible depending on your personal circumstances.

Availability

In-person sessions are held on Tuesdays, 5-8pm.

Remote video sessions are typically on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, early afternoon until 8pm. Other possibilities may be considered.