Philippa Westmacott Counselling & Wellbeing (MBACP)
Appointments available in Wetherby & online
Welcome
Life can sometimes throw challenges at us, as children, teenagers and adults. At times these challenges are expected and at other times they come as a complete surprise. Often, we are able to manage them and sometimes we may feel less able to cope and could benefit from some therapeutic support.
My name is Philippa and I offer psychotherapeutic counselling support in the lovely surroundings of The Counselling & Wellbeing Space in the centre of Wetherby. I trained at The Northern Guild, qualifying to work with children, adolescents and adults and am a registered member of BACP. I have experience of working with children and teenagers from 4-17 years and with adults 18-85 years in charities, GP surgeries and schools.
My counselling approach is integrative, meaning my work is informed by a range of theories and models, ensuring individual needs are met.
Sessions with children and young people often include creative activities to support the therapeutic process, such as art, clay, sand tray, other clients prefer a confidential space to just talk and be heard.
By providing a person-centred service, unconditional support, confidentiality and a safe space, I provide an environment where I can work together with clients towards agreed goals.
I offer a free 15-minute introductory call without obligation and then we can go from there.
Please call me on 07798 775062 or complete the form at the bottom of the website
Supporting you
Adults
As adults, we can sometimes feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges. These may relate to relationships, bereavement and loss, past experiences, or feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward. Feelings such as anxiety, depression, stress, low confidence, anger, or shame can be part of this experience. I believe that through a supportive, safe, and confidential therapeutic relationship, I can help you explore these challenges, develop greater self-awareness, and strengthen your sense of self. "I wasn't sure what counselling would be like, but Philippa made me feel at ease and really helped me to understand the reasons for my feelings and helped me work through them" Adult client.
Children & Teens
Childhood and teenage years can be fun and enjoyable, however sometimes we face challenges along the way. This may result in low mood, withdrawal, anger, anxiety, sadness, or maybe a sense of feeling lost. Providing a safe, confidential space for children & young people to explore their feelings and issues troubling them, can help to make sense of emotions and their place in the world. Some young people benefit from a confidential space to talk, for others I offer a range of creative tools including, sand tray, clay, art activities and imagery to support the process. "Having a chance to talk through my concerns and worries with Philippa each week really helped me start to discover the real me" Client aged 17
Couples
Couples may come to counselling for many reasons. These may relate to communication breaking down, a loss of connection or intimacy, trust and betrayal, life transitions, parenting pressures, differing needs, or feeling stuck in patterns that are hard to change. I work with couples in same-sex and heterosexual relationships, whatever stage you are at. I can help you both feel heard, seen and support you to explore what is happening between you, develop greater understanding of yourselves and each other, and strengthen your relationship.
Relationships (Siblings, parent-child, in-law relationships)
Family relationships can be some of the most important in our lives, and some of the most complicated. I work with adult siblings, parents and children of any age, and in-law relationships, offering a space to explore feeling stuck, resolve misunderstandings, or adjust to changes in circumstances or behaviours that are hard to live with. Feelings such as frustration, hurt, guilt, or distance are often part of this experience. I believe that through a supportive, safe, and confidential therapeutic space, I can help you both feel heard, understand each other more fully, and find a way forward
School Services
Children and young people don't always have the words for what they are feeling, I offer counselling in primary and secondary schools, helping pupils to understand and manage their emotions, thoughts, & feelings in a way that feels safe and natural to them. I use creative interventions to support the therapeutic process, such as drawing, play, puppets & sand tray, as creativity can give a voice to feelings that are hard to say out loud. At the heart of this work is a trusting, attuned relationship, where each child or young person feels heard, valued, and understood. I am qualified to work with children and teens and highly experienced in supporting them with a range of challenges.
- Anxiety
- Stress & overwhelm (at home, in work or socially)
- Low mood & depression
- Difficult life transitions (divorce, separation, work, bereavement)
- Grief and loss
- Low self-esteem and confidence
For children and young people I can support the challenges shared above with them and also:
- School related anxiety
- Bullying
- Challenging behaviours
- Friendships
- Exams stress
- Family dynamics
F.A.Qs
Are you qualified as a counsellor ?
I am qualified to work with adults and also qualified separately to work with children and adolescents.
Both courses were BACP & UKCP accredited courses.
I am a registered member of The British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). The BACP is a membership organisation and a registered charity. It sets standards for therapeutic practice for counsellors.
To become a registered member you must graduate from a BACP accredited course and agree to their register of terms and conditions & demonstrate my continued commitment to working professionally and ethically.
For further information or to check my membership with BACP please go to:
https://www.bacp.co.uk and search Philippa Westmacott
What happens at a first appointment for adults?
What happens at a first appointment for children & young people?
The Parent Intake Meeting helps me to gather background information to support the therapy planning & provides parent carers to share concerns or worries and ask any questions about the process.
At the first appointment with your child, I invite the parent to join for the first 10 minutes or so, to support with introductions and then the remaining 40 minutes is the young person and me without the parent present.
Subsequent appointments are undertaken with the young person alone.
How is counselling for adults different from working with children & young people?
For some adults & children, using more visual tools can be very helpful. This is always your choice. An example is when you may be invited to draw a time line to help you unjumble your world, see it on paper and help to provide a clearer start point. A younger child may be invited to draw the people in their world or their home/school.
For children processing whats happening for them is often supported through play, art, crafting & games. They often don't have the words and creativity can help.
I offer sand tray therapy to both children and adults.
What does the process differ when working with couples or with other relationships?
How many sessions will I need?
How do I book an appointment?
I offer a free no obligation introductory phone call for those who would like one.
This provides a chance for you to share a little about the support you are seeking and ask any questions to help decide if we'd be a good fit for each other.
So you can either have a call and then decide, or you can book an appointment without one.
I will offer the appointments I have available, for you to choose from.
How long do appointments last & what is the fee?
- Appointments for individual adults, children & teens & parent intake meetings are £70 each.
- Appointments last 50 minutes. There are occasions where double sessions are available.
- Couples and relationship counselling have a first appointment of 1 hour 15 minutes and subsequent appointments are 1 hour in length.
- The first appointment is £120 and subsequent appointments are £100.
Contact
- The Counselling & Wellbeing Space, 2 Victoria Street, Wetherby, LS22 6RE
- +44-07798775062
- pw@philippa-counselling.co.uk
- Daytime and evening appointments are available in Wetherby and Online
Appointments are 50 minutes in length. Each appointment is £70.00.
