About
'For me, therapy should feel safe, warm, containing...and fun!'
Rhys Hawkins BA MSc
Who I am
I am a final year Trainee Integrative Psychotherapist.
Also a qualified Social Worker, I have extensive experience working as a counsellor for the NSPCC - a national leader in child protection and mental health.
Accreditations
Trainee Member UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy)
Graduate Member BPS (British Psychological Society)
Specialisms
Anxiety
Autism
Loss and Bereavement
My Approach
Research suggests that the most powerful component in therapy is the strength of the client-therapist relationship. I am a strong believer that your therapy should suit you.
I like to meet you where you are at, in the context of your life and feelings. In early sessions and assessment - I mould and adapt our therapy space to suit you.
We might use open discussion, mindfulness and techniques like drawing, guided meditation, and ways to check in with your body - all to help you understand and be more compassionate to the different parts of you.
I believe you have the inherent ability and desire to heal and/or learn about yourself.
For me, therapy should feel safe, warm, containing...and fun!
'I like to meet you where you are at, in the context of your life and feelings.'
If you are feeling curious about yourself and why you are the way you are...we can help you find those answers.
If you are feeling depressed or anxious...we can bring you to a sense of equilibrium and calm.
If you are healing from trauma...we can help you continue to grow and heal on your terms.
Perhaps you or someone you love has just received an autism diagnosis. We can work on making sense of this together.
Have you lost someone close to you? Ended a long term relationship? Let's move towards understanding and healing together.
Let's enhance your self compassion, self understanding and happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find the answers to some frequently asked questions. If you still haven't found your answer, feel free to use the contact form on the 'Contact' page or email directly.
How much does it cost?
Assessment sessions cost £40.00.
Therapy sessions are costed on a sliding scale depending on your circumstances. Your invoice depends on being able to evidence being in receipt of benefits and ranges from £45.00 to £60.00 per 50 minute online session.
Fees reflect the stage of training and are competitive to the local area.
Invoices are sent either weekly or monthly.
What can I expect?
Therapy in its most obvious form is a safe, containing and exploratory conversation.
As this type of therapy is integrative - it uses lots of different elements to help you make sense of your mind, and enact change.
Your assessment is intended for you and Rhys to make sense of you and your world. It is like an informal interview focused on you and your world.
As things progress, you can expect to use mindfulness techniques, imagery and metaphor, open, non judgemental conversation, diagrams, various activities and exercises.
What exact form the therapy takes depends on you, your needs and your wants and wishes.
Why would I work with a trainee?
Many services offer free or reduced rates therapy and counselling delivered by trainees at all stages in their development.
However, with Rhys, you are getting an experienced professional, who has 2 degrees and extensive experience (including 150 + hours of delivering therapy).
He is also working under close supervision of a qualified and registered psychotherapist.
For a competitive price, you get the experience and skills of a trainee therapist who also has experience as a qualified Social Worker and is trained to postgraduate level in psychology.
What will happen if I am not offered therapy with Rhys?
Sometimes, Rhys' caseload will be full. Or, after your assessment you or he or both of you may decide that therapy delivered by him is not right for you at this time.
You will not be left to fend for yourself.
If it is decided that you are not the right fit for Integrative Therapy or Rhys' individual level of competency or skills, you will have a conversation about a possible referral.
With your permission, Rhys is able to recommend some positive next steps and will share any assessment material as necessary.
How do I book an assessment?
You may request an assessment via the contact form on the contact page.
Alternatively, email: rhys@verdantpsychotherapy.co.uk
Rhys reserves the right to refer you to a different professional should you not be suitable for his style of therapy / your needs are assessed to be outside his expertise and level of competency.
Assessments are collaborative affairs, and you will receive your own copy for your own self knowledge and records.
All offers of an assessment session are subject to current availability.
How long will the therapy last?
Good psychotherapy lasts as long as it needs to.
It is usually divided into short term work (usually lasting 6-20 sessions) medium term work (6 months +) or open ended (sometimes over years).
You will have the opportunity to discuss what length may work for you at assessment.
However, most clients find that the length of the therapy changes as their needs, wants and wishes change.
You will evaluate and have regular conversations and how you feel things are going throughout the process.
Do I need therapy?
Therapy is more of an art form than a science. It is an elusive process that can be as confusing as it is deceptively simple.
Psychotherapy can be seen as a 'talking cure' aimed at helping you heal and grow beyond and around a variety of mental health issues or difficult experiences.
However, it can also be an interesting, enriching and healing experience for anyone who wants to examine their life and feelings in more detail.
If you feel able to dedicate some of your time, energy and money to therapy, it can transform your life - no matter what you bring to it.
How will I know I am in safe hands?
As a trainee on a accredited UKCP training programme, Rhys works to various ethical frameworks. His proficiency and skills are regularly monitored and he has been given approval by registered and chartered psychologists to practice privately.
He is also fully DBS checked, and has professional indemnity insurance cover.
Further, all therapy is supervised by a registered psychotherapist who has undergone further training in clinical supervision.
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