Counselling in Ashbourne
My name is Linda Mafuta and I am an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist. I have experience of working in the mental health services for over 17 years and I have been working for the NHS over the last 10 years as a Counsellor. I work with Individual adults as well as Couples. Sometimes we may feel alone, overwhelmed or just struggle to discuss what is going in our lives with our family, friends or loved ones. Whether you come to therapy as an individual or a couple.
My name is Linda Mafuta and I am an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist. I have experience of working in the mental health services for over 17 years and I have been working for the NHS over the last 10 years as a Counsellor. I work with Individual adults as well as Couples. Sometimes we may feel alone, overwhelmed or just struggle to discuss what is going in our lives with our family, friends or loved ones. Whether you come to therapy as an individual or a couple.
Sometimes life is hard. Not because anything's gone "wrong," but because being human is complicated. Maybe you're dealing with anxiety, a difficult relationship, low mood, or just a sense that something isn't quite right. Whatever's brought you here, I'm glad you're exploring what support might look like.
The first step is often the hardest, so I offer a free 15-minute phone call where we can have an informal chat and see if we might work well together. No pressure, no expectations - just a conversation to see if therapy feels right for you.
Sometimes life is hard. Not because anything's gone "wrong," but because being human is complicated. Maybe you're dealing with anxiety, a difficult relationship, low mood, or just a sense that something isn't quite right. Whatever's brought you here, I'm glad you're exploring what support might look like.
The first step is often the hardest, so I offer a free 15-minute phone call where we can have an informal chat and see if we might work well together. No pressure, no expectations - just a conversation to see if therapy feels right for you.
If you are seeking brief evidenced based therapies to help with insomnia, trauma, anxiety or disturbing memories, I offer a limited number of structured targeted therapy sessions designed to help reduce symptoms.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) differs to other types of CBT, with a stronger focus on behaviour change. If you have struggled with CBT in the past, that does not mean CBT-i will be unsuccessful. It has a high success rate for chronic insomnia.
Similarly, I use EMDR derived Flash Technique, to process and help reduce disturbing memories, past traumatic incidents and current anxieties.
If you are seeking brief evidenced based therapies to help with insomnia, trauma, anxiety or disturbing memories, I offer a limited number of structured targeted therapy sessions designed to help reduce symptoms.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) differs to other types of CBT, with a stronger focus on behaviour change. If you have struggled with CBT in the past, that does not mean CBT-i will be unsuccessful. It has a high success rate for chronic insomnia.
Similarly, I use EMDR derived Flash Technique, to process and help reduce disturbing memories, past traumatic incidents and current anxieties.
You may feel stuck in patterns that keep repeating in your relationships, whether that’s people-pleasing, overthinking, or the same conflicts playing out again and again. Relationships can feel confusing, painful, or distant, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or not quite “enough.” I work with individuals and couples to understand and break free from these patterns, helping you feel more secure, respond differently, and build more connected, fulfilling relationships.
You may feel stuck in patterns that keep repeating in your relationships, whether that’s people-pleasing, overthinking, or the same conflicts playing out again and again. Relationships can feel confusing, painful, or distant, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or not quite “enough.” I work with individuals and couples to understand and break free from these patterns, helping you feel more secure, respond differently, and build more connected, fulfilling relationships.
When anxiety and neurodivergence meet adolescence, families can feel lost.
Perhaps your once-confident child is now overwhelmed by school, friendships or everyday expectations. Maybe anxiety has taken hold, routines have become rigid, or you feel like you are constantly walking on eggshells at home.
Many of the families I work with are supporting teenagers who are autistic, ADHD, or exploring whether neurodivergence may be part of the picture. Often anxiety sits alongside this, and what can look like avoidance, shutdown, or refusal is actually a young person whose nervous system has become overwhelmed.
When anxiety and neurodivergence meet adolescence, families can feel lost.
Perhaps your once-confident child is now overwhelmed by school, friendships or everyday expectations. Maybe anxiety has taken hold, routines have become rigid, or you feel like you are constantly walking on eggshells at home.
Many of the families I work with are supporting teenagers who are autistic, ADHD, or exploring whether neurodivergence may be part of the picture. Often anxiety sits alongside this, and what can look like avoidance, shutdown, or refusal is actually a young person whose nervous system has become overwhelmed.
Have you been thinking about change for a long time? Perhaps you feel stuck in worry, low mood, or repeating relationship patterns that impact daily life. I offer a calm, non-judgemental space to make sense of what’s happening and support meaningful change. As a Systemic Psychotherapist, I tailor therapy to you, working with individuals and couples. I offer EMDR therapy as an intensive intervention which can work well if you are ready for change as an individual or couples however weekly sessions is not achieveable. Whether short or longer term, we work at your pace to help you move forward with greater clarity and compassion.
Have you been thinking about change for a long time? Perhaps you feel stuck in worry, low mood, or repeating relationship patterns that impact daily life. I offer a calm, non-judgemental space to make sense of what’s happening and support meaningful change. As a Systemic Psychotherapist, I tailor therapy to you, working with individuals and couples. I offer EMDR therapy as an intensive intervention which can work well if you are ready for change as an individual or couples however weekly sessions is not achieveable. Whether short or longer term, we work at your pace to help you move forward with greater clarity and compassion.
My name is Caroline, I am a Person Centred Psychotherapist and founder of Heart Centred Therapy for Women. I guide women back into connection with the heart of who they are so that they can form compassionate relationships with themselves, overcome challenges, and create lives that light them up. With 10 years experience supporting clients, I specialise in holding space for women who are: navigating periods of change, struggling with self esteem & confidence, finding purpose, grief, loss & anxiety. I am a trained birth and abortion doula & am passionate about supporting women with issues relating to pregnancy & all its outcomes.
My name is Caroline, I am a Person Centred Psychotherapist and founder of Heart Centred Therapy for Women. I guide women back into connection with the heart of who they are so that they can form compassionate relationships with themselves, overcome challenges, and create lives that light them up. With 10 years experience supporting clients, I specialise in holding space for women who are: navigating periods of change, struggling with self esteem & confidence, finding purpose, grief, loss & anxiety. I am a trained birth and abortion doula & am passionate about supporting women with issues relating to pregnancy & all its outcomes.
Taking that first step to seek support from a therapist can be a daunting experience and many people can feel anxious discussing their struggles. Experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, sadness, anger and stress or suffering from a constant low mood, can often lead to feeling bewildered and alone. So my aim is to provide a safe, warm and caring space in which together we can explore your struggles and you can gain a better understanding of yourself and your feelings, Together we can discover a way forward to a happier, calmer place, enabling you to build new beginnings.
Taking that first step to seek support from a therapist can be a daunting experience and many people can feel anxious discussing their struggles. Experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, sadness, anger and stress or suffering from a constant low mood, can often lead to feeling bewildered and alone. So my aim is to provide a safe, warm and caring space in which together we can explore your struggles and you can gain a better understanding of yourself and your feelings, Together we can discover a way forward to a happier, calmer place, enabling you to build new beginnings.
I have over 15 years clinical experience, working with clients in England, Wales, Scotland and Canada! I work in both the NHS and in private practice, in a wide range of roles from Adult mental health to children and adolescent mental health. I have worked successfully with clients struggling with numerous mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma-related issues, grief and loss, eating disorders, addictions, OCD, perinatal challenges, and sleep disorders. With child and adolescent mental health, I offer therapy and can provide a comprehensive assessment for ASD, ADHD, and other neurodiverse issues.
I have over 15 years clinical experience, working with clients in England, Wales, Scotland and Canada! I work in both the NHS and in private practice, in a wide range of roles from Adult mental health to children and adolescent mental health. I have worked successfully with clients struggling with numerous mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma-related issues, grief and loss, eating disorders, addictions, OCD, perinatal challenges, and sleep disorders. With child and adolescent mental health, I offer therapy and can provide a comprehensive assessment for ASD, ADHD, and other neurodiverse issues.
I support patients who are experiencing significant life transitions, such as cancer, the death of a loved one, and/or divorce. I am a clinical psychologist and Buddhist chaplain. Many patients describe feeling alone despite having the support of friends and family members. This is not uncommon. Therapy and support groups provide the opportunity to speak with others who are undergoing similiar experiences. I work with individuals of all ethnicities and faith traditions, including those who do not identify as spiritual or religious.
I support patients who are experiencing significant life transitions, such as cancer, the death of a loved one, and/or divorce. I am a clinical psychologist and Buddhist chaplain. Many patients describe feeling alone despite having the support of friends and family members. This is not uncommon. Therapy and support groups provide the opportunity to speak with others who are undergoing similiar experiences. I work with individuals of all ethnicities and faith traditions, including those who do not identify as spiritual or religious.
Hello and welcome, We all deserve a helping hand. Someone to lead us through the dark times. I believe I can offer this, by sharing my 16 years of practice. This has provided me with a vast experience/knowledge of working with adults, couples and young people. My passion is in the belief that we have the ability to grow and reach our potential. I work with compassion, genuineness and have a real passion for the effectiveness of the counselling process. I am a highly a sensitive person which helps me to empathise with others deeply. I value indifference and work in a non judgemental way.
Hello and welcome, We all deserve a helping hand. Someone to lead us through the dark times. I believe I can offer this, by sharing my 16 years of practice. This has provided me with a vast experience/knowledge of working with adults, couples and young people. My passion is in the belief that we have the ability to grow and reach our potential. I work with compassion, genuineness and have a real passion for the effectiveness of the counselling process. I am a highly a sensitive person which helps me to empathise with others deeply. I value indifference and work in a non judgemental way.
Hi, my name is Jeanette. Life can be challenging, difficult & stressful at times, affecting how we feel emotionally. We can become anxious, worried, stressed, depressed or just generally feel overwhelmed. In order to manage how we are feeling, we can develop unhelpful thinking & behaviours which can hinder our growth, leading to us becoming stuck in vicious cycles.
By understanding & recognising our unhelpful thinking & behaviours we can start to look at ways to modify these to improve how we feel. Therapy can help you gain control over thoughts & behaviours; develop healthier coping strategies; build self-confidence & resilience.
Hi, my name is Jeanette. Life can be challenging, difficult & stressful at times, affecting how we feel emotionally. We can become anxious, worried, stressed, depressed or just generally feel overwhelmed. In order to manage how we are feeling, we can develop unhelpful thinking & behaviours which can hinder our growth, leading to us becoming stuck in vicious cycles.
By understanding & recognising our unhelpful thinking & behaviours we can start to look at ways to modify these to improve how we feel. Therapy can help you gain control over thoughts & behaviours; develop healthier coping strategies; build self-confidence & resilience.
At times, we can feel overwhelmed by the events and demands facing us. Life can feel daunting, and we can lose trust in ourselves to find a way forward. We can neglect ourselves and ignore areas of our lives that are painful. We may notice beliefs and habits we are stuck with that are holding us back from living life fully. Psychotherapy can help unravel the patterns we are caught in. Learning to pay attention to ourselves in a supportive space can help us to shift our perspective and find new directions. We can develop a compassionate relationship with ourselves that will help generate new energy to overcome our obstacles.
At times, we can feel overwhelmed by the events and demands facing us. Life can feel daunting, and we can lose trust in ourselves to find a way forward. We can neglect ourselves and ignore areas of our lives that are painful. We may notice beliefs and habits we are stuck with that are holding us back from living life fully. Psychotherapy can help unravel the patterns we are caught in. Learning to pay attention to ourselves in a supportive space can help us to shift our perspective and find new directions. We can develop a compassionate relationship with ourselves that will help generate new energy to overcome our obstacles.
At Dandelions we know what it is like when your whole world is turned upside down by the loss of a loved one. Grief taints every aspect of your life, even parts of it that didn't involve the person that has died, and the intense variety of emotions can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself wondering where to begin in putting your life back together, perhaps you're not sure you want to. At Dandelions we are here to care, listen and be with you through your grief process; to help you work out who you now are in light of the loss and to gain the confidence to deal with life as it now is.
At Dandelions we know what it is like when your whole world is turned upside down by the loss of a loved one. Grief taints every aspect of your life, even parts of it that didn't involve the person that has died, and the intense variety of emotions can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself wondering where to begin in putting your life back together, perhaps you're not sure you want to. At Dandelions we are here to care, listen and be with you through your grief process; to help you work out who you now are in light of the loss and to gain the confidence to deal with life as it now is.
I am an experienced psychotherapeutic counsellor working with children and teenagers, from differing ages and levels of understanding, using creative interventions like art and play. Topics and concerns that have been explored include self esteem, worries, anxiety, low mood, self harm, and identity, amongst others.
I am an experienced psychotherapeutic counsellor working with children and teenagers, from differing ages and levels of understanding, using creative interventions like art and play. Topics and concerns that have been explored include self esteem, worries, anxiety, low mood, self harm, and identity, amongst others.
How do you prioritise self care when it doesn’t even make it onto the list most days? How do you retain your relationships and emotional connections with the people you love, when you can’t bring yourself to answer the phone for millionth time that day? I’m not a business coach. I’m a Psychotherapist in business, who has done the 4 years of weekly therapy, returns to therapy when I need to screw my head back on, in a world that continues to be organised chaos. People like us don’t go to therapy because we just don’t have the time. So flexibility, patience and straight talking therapists, like me, are necessary, for people like us.
How do you prioritise self care when it doesn’t even make it onto the list most days? How do you retain your relationships and emotional connections with the people you love, when you can’t bring yourself to answer the phone for millionth time that day? I’m not a business coach. I’m a Psychotherapist in business, who has done the 4 years of weekly therapy, returns to therapy when I need to screw my head back on, in a world that continues to be organised chaos. People like us don’t go to therapy because we just don’t have the time. So flexibility, patience and straight talking therapists, like me, are necessary, for people like us.
Hi, I'm Louise, I offer Therapy and Coaching to adults on a short or long-term basis. I can work with you either in-person from my home in Allestree (Derby), online, or outdoors in a 'Walk and Talk' format. I'm experienced in working with clients facing a wide range of problems, and particularly with those suffering from eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, and difficulties in relating to other people. In addition to working privately, I have 10 years' experience of working with First Steps Derbyshire, providing counselling to clients with eating disorders.
Hi, I'm Louise, I offer Therapy and Coaching to adults on a short or long-term basis. I can work with you either in-person from my home in Allestree (Derby), online, or outdoors in a 'Walk and Talk' format. I'm experienced in working with clients facing a wide range of problems, and particularly with those suffering from eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, and difficulties in relating to other people. In addition to working privately, I have 10 years' experience of working with First Steps Derbyshire, providing counselling to clients with eating disorders.
Do you find it hard to understand your emotions and thoughts? We all deserve help to deal with struggles. its never too late to ask for support. I can help you by working with you to try untangle the problems you are facing. I offer a safe place for you to explore your issues and find ways to deal with them and move forward. I work with compassion, genuineness and have a real passion for the effectiveness of the counselling process. I work in a non judgmental way and I value indifference.
Do you find it hard to understand your emotions and thoughts? We all deserve help to deal with struggles. its never too late to ask for support. I can help you by working with you to try untangle the problems you are facing. I offer a safe place for you to explore your issues and find ways to deal with them and move forward. I work with compassion, genuineness and have a real passion for the effectiveness of the counselling process. I work in a non judgmental way and I value indifference.
Do you struggle to talk about what you’re going through, or feel like you’ve had to cope on your own for too long?
I’m Lucia, a specialist BABCP accredited CBT and EMDR therapist offering online therapy across the UK. I help people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by anxiety, low mood, trauma, or difficult life experiences.
I have over 15 years’ experience in secondary mental health services and within highly specialist CBT teams, focussed on delivering therapy for mood disorders, trauma, and complex difficulties.
Do you struggle to talk about what you’re going through, or feel like you’ve had to cope on your own for too long?
I’m Lucia, a specialist BABCP accredited CBT and EMDR therapist offering online therapy across the UK. I help people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by anxiety, low mood, trauma, or difficult life experiences.
I have over 15 years’ experience in secondary mental health services and within highly specialist CBT teams, focussed on delivering therapy for mood disorders, trauma, and complex difficulties.
Hi I’m Paula I qualified with a Masters in Counselling Psychotherapy in 2017. Since then, I’ve also trained in Couples Counselling. My basis of therapy is Person Centred, which means that I take cues from you to guide the process, so that there is no hurry to talk about things until you feel ready. My all-round approach is integrative as I incorporate connection with your mind, body and spirit into our Talking Therapy sessions. Perhaps your first query is; “Do I need Counselling?”. It’s a very common thought. Whether you are feeling confused, unsure, stuck, overflowing with emotions or numb, you are now in the right place.
Hi I’m Paula I qualified with a Masters in Counselling Psychotherapy in 2017. Since then, I’ve also trained in Couples Counselling. My basis of therapy is Person Centred, which means that I take cues from you to guide the process, so that there is no hurry to talk about things until you feel ready. My all-round approach is integrative as I incorporate connection with your mind, body and spirit into our Talking Therapy sessions. Perhaps your first query is; “Do I need Counselling?”. It’s a very common thought. Whether you are feeling confused, unsure, stuck, overflowing with emotions or numb, you are now in the right place.
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Ashbourne
20+
Average cost per session
£65
Counsellors in Ashbourne who prioritize treating:
| 95% | Anxiety |
| 91% | Depression |
| 91% | Stress |
| 86% | Self Esteem |
| 82% | Relationship Issues |
| 77% | Bereavement |
| 64% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 100% | Bupa |
| 100% | Aviva |
| 100% | WPA |
How Counsellors in Ashbourne see their clients
| 68% | In Person and Online | |
| 32% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 95% | Female | |
| 5% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Ashbourne?
Search for nearby therapists or counsellors by inputting your city, postcode, or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postcode into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
Counsellors and Psychotherapists listed in the directory are members of the main professional associations, mainly the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Most Psychologists in the directory are accredited members of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and/or are registered in the Health and Care Professions Council (HPCP).
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for psychotherapists and counsellors in the UK, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for psychotherapists and counsellors in the UK, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counsellor?
Counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists can all provide counselling or talking therapy and have credentials and experience that enable them to do so in the UK. Psychologists have earned a degree in psychology and many are members of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and have completed a postgraduate qualification in a specialism. Counsellors and Psychotherapists are not required to have a psychology degree, but to belong to a professional organisation such as the BACP or UKCP, they are required to have completed a training course as well as clinical and supervision hours.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the UK could be between £30 - £60 when seeing a counsellor and £60 - £150 and up when seeing a clinical psychologist. If you have private insurance, your plan may cover some if not all of your sessions. You should contact your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for therapy sessions and to determine what, if any, requirements they might have in order for your sessions to be covered, such as a referral from your GP or medical specialist.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. The NHS Talking therapies programme offers free of charge counselling for common mental health problems like anxiety and depression. The service is available to anyone registered with a GP, though you do not necessarily need to be referred by your GP and can refer yourself directly to a Talking therapies service. The service will provide different solutions, including group and individual therapy, for a limited number of sessions which are generally up to six.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. The NHS Talking therapies programme offers free of charge counselling for common mental health problems like anxiety and depression. The service is available to anyone registered with a GP, though you do not necessarily need to be referred by your GP and can refer yourself directly to a Talking therapies service. The service will provide different solutions, including group and individual therapy, for a limited number of sessions which are generally up to six.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your postcode.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Therapists who are part of a professional organisation such as the BACP, the UKCP, or BPS are bound by an ethical framework that requires them to uphold a confidentiality agreement. Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship and only under specific circumstances, such as when there has been participation in a criminal act or act of terror, or if there is potential or known harm to the client or others, will a therapist be obligated to break the agreement. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed during the initial consultation.