Abi Spence 

Integrative Psychotherapy

About Therapy

There are many reasons why you might be thinking about trying therapy. This might be what you are experiencing in the here and now; we are living in a time of great uncertainty, change and responsibility, with more access to information and more choice than ever before. Sometimes this can feel overwhelming.

However, it could also be experiences from your childhood or more recent history which have been left unresolved, leading to anxiety, depression or toxic cycles of behaviour.

Whatever might have brought you to this point, I provide a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space separate from your family and social group, in which to explore whatever you want to bring.
About Me

I work with adults (18+) on a one-to-one basis to assist you to process, respond to or engage with whatever might be preventing you from living your life to its fullest and happiest.

My way of working is based on an integrative training, which means I call on various modalities, for example attachment theory (how we are in relationship)  phenomenology (what’s happening between us here and now) and person-centred (you are the expert on your experience). 

Nevertheless, I am led by you; your unique experiences of the world and your sense of place within it. For 50 minutes, one day a week, you can be present and alive to your thoughts, feelings and sensations in a way that life may prevent you from being. 
Training and qualifications

  • MA in Integrative Psychotherapy (Middlesex University and The Minster Centre), with siblings as my area of specialist research.
  • Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling (Level 7) from the Minster Centre, a UKCP registered training centre for integrative psychotherapy 
  • BACP registered psychotherapist. This means I work in accordance with professionally recognised standards. 
  • Member of BICA, (the British Infertility Counselling Association), The Relational School, and I am a media volunteer for Fertility Network UK. 
  • I hold DBS clearance to work with adults.
  • I am in clinical supervision and undertake regular CPD (Continued Professional Development). 
  • Since 2018 I have worked in private practice in Queens Park and Tooting in London, Pickering and York. I now work at Miller's Yard in York and in Harome, North Yorkshire.
As  well as anxiety, depression, burn-out and relationship issues I also work with:
  • Sibling and family issues 
  • Childhood trauma (including neglect, sexual and physical abuse) 
  • Fertility issues, from undergoing IVF and miscarriage to involuntary childlessness. 
  • Post-partum depression and hypervigilance  
  • GSRD issues (Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity) 
  • Minority stress (experienced by those who do not identify as white, cis, heterosexual, or neuro-typical) 
  • Boarding school experiences: those who attended themselves, or might be managing the effects caused by others in their lives who are ex boarders. Find out more in this short introduction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG3rY9TohTk 
  • For a more information and further details about what I can assist you in working through, visit https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/abi-spence and https://www.bacp.co.uk/therapists/384177/abi-spence/

Practicalities

First steps:

We have a brief phone chat or email exchange to discuss the details of the initial session, which can be in-person, by phone or online. There is no fee for this first 25 minute meeting. During it, we will discuss what has brought you to this point and I answer any questions you may have, and I explain the practicalities of how we work together. 

There is no obligation to make any commitment beyond this session. If you would like to continue, we will pick a day and time to begin our meetings. Once we have agreed a start date, I will send you some information, and a client/therapist agreement form for you to read through and sign. 

Sessions:

I work in central York and Harome, North Yorkshire. In York, my consultation room is in Miller's Yard, Gillygate. Union Terrace, Monk Bar and Bootham Row car parks are nearby, and further parking is available in nearby streets. It is a 10 minute walk from York station. 

In Harome, my consultation room is in an outbuilding which has been converted to be a home office and therapy room. It is situated on Main Street, which runs through the centre of the village. The room we meet in has its own entrance and toilet facilities. Free parking is possible along the length of Main Street.

I meet clients in person at either location. I also work online, and offer walk and talk sessions in nature. 

I work Monday - Thursday. Contact me for my current availability.

Contact

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