In-person therapy in Banstead, Surrey, & online
Welcome to Ashton Therapy
Hello I'm Grainne (‘Gronya’) Ashton, welcome.
We all struggle at times and trying to cope with challenging emotions and circumstances can feel overwhelming and isolating. Making the decision to see a therapist is a big step forward in getting support and dealing with the issues troubling you. Whether you’re considering counselling for the first time or looking to build on your previous experience of therapy, finding a counsellor who is a ‘good fit’ for you will be important. I hope the information here will provide you with a picture of how working with me might be and help with your choice.
My aim is to work with you to make sense of your experiences and feelings. I will focus on building an environment of emotional safety, where you feel supported and free to express yourself in a way you may not feel able to elsewhere. I will listen, I won’t judge you, and we'll work at your pace to help you find clarity and feel able to make desired changes.
As a qualified integrative therapist, I draw on training in more than one therapeutic approach to help you feel empowered and experience improved wellbeing. I offer counselling and psychotherapy in person in Banstead, Surrey, and UK wide online, and am experienced in working with a range of issues, including anxiety and depression. My area of special interest is in supporting women, often with relational trauma, low self-esteem, professional stress and navigating change.
More information on my qualifications, experience and approach can be found here.
Please don't hesitate to get in contact if you'd like to arrange a free 15 minute telephone conversation, book a first assessment session, or just ask a question.
Grainne
Counselling & Psychotherapy
How can counselling and psychotherapy help?
Counselling and psychotherapy provide a confidential, safe and supportive environment where you can talk through issues causing you difficulties or concern.
Counselling usually refers to shorter term more focused work, where you may address and gain insights into a particular issue and develop appropriate coping strategies. Psychotherapy is a more in-depth, longer–term process that explores deep-rooted feelings and the impact of past experiences and associated trauma. It can be effective in facilitating long lasting change and personal development.
Both can help to make sense of your feelings, make changes in your life or come to terms with things that can’t be changed, enabling you to move forwards and feel better.
Why do people come for therapy?
People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons, including:
anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, self-harm, family and relationship problems, divorce, grief, loss and bereavement, childhood abuse, issues relating to sexuality, addiction, difficulties at work or in retirement, needing support through life stages and times of change…
You might be unsure why you feel the way you do; sometimes things just don’t feel right. Therapy can help you to clarify what is going on, process the impact of your experiences and help you feel more settled.
Our Rooms
Therapy takes place in a warm, comfortable and confidential space.
I meet with clients at Surrey Therapy Practice, Banstead, which is easy to access by car or public transport from surrounding areas such as Epsom, Sutton, Reigate and Tadworth, with free parking on nearby roads. We may work from one of 3 rooms depending on availability.
I also offer secure online therapy via Zoom, ideal for clients who are not local to the practice or prefer this for flexibility.
Key Information
I have a Master's degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy and am a registered member of the BACP.
I work with adult individuals.
Sessions cost £70 for 50 minutes.
Contact Me
If you’d like to find out more about how we may work together, do get in touch.
Please provide your details and an idea of your availability (days and times) and I’ll aim to respond to your enquiry within 2 working days to schedule an optional free introductory chat or book an initial assessment.
Many thanks, Grainne
Tel or Text: 07759 615873
FAQs
Therapy sessions usually take place weekly and last for 50 minutes.
The cost per session is £70.
As it is important to find a therapist you feel comfortable with and who is the right fit for you, I offer a free 15 minute phone call where I can answer initial questions you may have – please feel free to email me these if you prefer.
If you decide you would like to book a first session, this will take the form of an assessment, allowing us to consider your issues and requirements, how we might work on these together, and for how long. There is no obligation to book further sessions at any point.
This depends entirely on you and the issues you bring to counselling. Some people come for a short course of sessions, others may come for a year or more. This is something we can discuss, agree, and review together and will become clearer as your counselling progresses.
Yes, everything that is said within the counselling room is confidential (with rare exceptions, see below). This is one of the ways therapy differs from talking to a friend or relative, being able to speak freely and in confidence can be of great value.
In a situation where you may be a risk to yourself or others, I am required to notify an authority and may not be able to keep total confidentiality. However, breaking confidentiality is very rare and only happens after the person concerned has been informed.
We can meet in person or online.
In person sessions take place in private rooms at Surrey Therapy Practice, Banstead, easily reached by public transport, with free on road parking nearby. You can view a map and find directions here.
Online sessions are available UK-wide.
Please note I am unable to offer a crisis service. If you need help urgently, please contact your GP or any of the following:
Immediate risk – 999
Shout Text Service – text 85258
Samaritans 24/7 – 116123
Surrey 24 hour Mental Health Crisis line for children or adults - 0800 915 4644.