Abi Spence 

Integrative Psychotherapy

About Therapy 

Are you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that are hard to understand or change?

Therapy offers a space to slow things down, gain clarity, and begin to relate to yourself and others differently.

Alongside concerns such as anxiety, depression, burnout and relationship difficulties, I work with adults who are:

  • struggling in close relationships, despite wanting connection
  • wrestling with disquieting emotions around your boarding school experiences
  • caught in painful or complicated sibling dynamics
  • navigating the emotional strain of fertility challenges, motherhood or IVF
These experiences can be difficult to talk about, especially when others don’t fully understand, or when you feel you “should” be coping.

About Me

I am an integrative psychotherapist working with adults (21+) on a one-to-one basis. I specialise in working with adults affected by early relational experiences, including boarding school, family dynamics, and fertility challenges.

My approach draws on person-centred, relational and psychodynamic thinking. This means we pay attention not only to your past experiences, but also to what’s happening in the present moment—between us and in your wider life. However, You are the expert on your own experience. 

My role is to work alongside you in understanding patterns, processing difficult emotions, and finding a way forward that feels more manageable and authentic.

Before training as a psychotherapist, I worked in marketing and PR. I understand the pressures of high-performing environments—the expectation to hold things together, to excel, and to make it all look effortless.

I offer a free 25-minute introductory session so you can get a sense of whether working together feels right.

I am here to assist you with whatever you feel able to bring. I also work with 

Fertility and reproductive experiences

  • Fertility treatment (including IVF)
  • Miscarriage and pregnancy loss
  • Involuntary childlessness
  • The emotional impact of the fourth trimester, postnatal depression (PPD) and matrescence

Early environments and family dynamics

  • Boarding school childhoods and their long-term impact
  • Sibling relationships and complex family dynamics
  • Childhood trauma, including neglect, sexual and physical abuse

Identity and relationships

  • GSRD (Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity)
  • LGBTQIA+ experiences

Training & Professional Memberships

  • I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and an accredited clinical psychotherapist with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), and adhere to their ethical frameworks.

  • I trained at The Minster Centre, one of Europe’s leading integrative psychotherapy training institutions, and hold an MA, Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy (with Middlesex University).

  • I am a member of British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA), The Relational School and I am also a media volunteer for Fertility Network UK.

Practice Information

  • In private practice since 2018
  • Offering sessions online and in person, including outdoor therapy
  • Registered with AXA Health, Vitality and Aviva
  • DBS cleared
  • In regular clinical supervision and ongoing CPD

Outdoor Therapy 

Spending time in nature can have a noticeable impact on how we feel, physically and emotionally. For some people, being outside makes it easier to think, talk, and process difficult experiences.

Outdoor therapy offers a different kind of space. Walking side by side, rather than sitting face to face, can feel less intense and confronting. The changing environment and physical movement helps to gently shift stuck thoughts and feelings.

Sessions take place in parkland, city green spaces or trail environments. We will agree a location in advance and think carefully about privacy, pace, and what feels manageable for you. 

Safety and your individual needs are always the priority.

If you’re curious about whether this might suit you, feel free to get in touch to discuss it further.


Practicalities

Getting Started 

I offer a free 25-minute introductory session (online, by phone, or in person). This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and get a sense of whether working together feels right. There is no obligation to continue. If you decide to go ahead, we will agree a regular time. Before starting, I will send you further information and a client agreement. Our first session will focus on understanding your background and what has brought you to seek therapy.

 Sessions 

  • Format: Online, in person, or outdoor. Some people choose online work for convenience; others are looking for support with specific issues in which I specialise. 
  • Location (in person): Miller’s Yard, Gillygate, York (10-minute walk from York station, with nearby parking)
  • Availability: Monday–Thursday

Fees (online, in person, and outdoor): £65 to £75 

I offer: 

  • short-term work (6–12 sessions)
  • longer-term therapy
  • one-off sessions
  • hybrid (online and in-person)

I aim to respond to enquiries within 24 hours (excluding weekends). If you are in immediate distress, you can contact NHS mental health support via 111, or The Samaritans on 116 123.



Contact

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