Attachment-based Counselling in Southampton

Photo of Karen Anne Quatermass - Questa Psychological Services, Psychologist, PsychD, AFBPSsS
Questa Psychological Services
Psychologist, PsychD, AFBPSsS
Questa is a small, specialist practice; we provide a range of psychological services for children and adults, both clinical and educational. In addition to therapy, we are experts in Autism and ADHD assessment/diagnosis. We offer therapy and support for a range of emotional problems for children, teenagers and adults and are specialists in anxiety, depression and trauma, providing therapy to emergency services personnel. Do call or email us today to discuss how we may be able to support you. We can usually help, but if we can't, then we’ll do our very best to offer advice and signposting.
Questa is a small, specialist practice; we provide a range of psychological services for children and adults, both clinical and educational. In addition to therapy, we are experts in Autism and ADHD assessment/diagnosis. We offer therapy and support for a range of emotional problems for children, teenagers and adults and are specialists in anxiety, depression and trauma, providing therapy to emergency services personnel. Do call or email us today to discuss how we may be able to support you. We can usually help, but if we can't, then we’ll do our very best to offer advice and signposting.
023 8192 4877 View 023 8192 4877
Photo of Niki Reeves, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Niki Reeves
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
1 Endorsed
Our earliest relationships have an effect on the relationship we have with ourselves, with those who are important to us, with society, and the wider world in which we live. If carers are unable to give the care that met our changing needs in childhood, if our parents were unable to attune to us, our emotional resilience can be insufficient. Now grown we can feel we list from one crisis to another, have relationships that cause unhappiness and feel life is really difficult and everything goes wrong. Our defence mechanisms, once vital for survival, are now additional problems that can make life almost too difficult to bear.
Our earliest relationships have an effect on the relationship we have with ourselves, with those who are important to us, with society, and the wider world in which we live. If carers are unable to give the care that met our changing needs in childhood, if our parents were unable to attune to us, our emotional resilience can be insufficient. Now grown we can feel we list from one crisis to another, have relationships that cause unhappiness and feel life is really difficult and everything goes wrong. Our defence mechanisms, once vital for survival, are now additional problems that can make life almost too difficult to bear.
023 8214 8084 View 023 8214 8084
Photo of Vicky Bird, Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
Vicky Bird
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
Therapy is a collaborative process, I provide a confidential safe space so together we can make sense of your experience and develop an agreed plan of action and goals. I have extensive experience of working with anxiety disorders, emotion regulation and in particular OCD. With over 14 years experience i can help you explore whatever aspects of your life you may want to better understand or change. An opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings freely without judgement, and learn how to better manage on the not so good days….(and we all have them). Sessions and the length of time we work together will be suited to you.
Therapy is a collaborative process, I provide a confidential safe space so together we can make sense of your experience and develop an agreed plan of action and goals. I have extensive experience of working with anxiety disorders, emotion regulation and in particular OCD. With over 14 years experience i can help you explore whatever aspects of your life you may want to better understand or change. An opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings freely without judgement, and learn how to better manage on the not so good days….(and we all have them). Sessions and the length of time we work together will be suited to you.
01489 662956 View 01489 662956
Photo of Clare Lay, Counsellor, MBACP
Clare Lay
Counsellor, MBACP
I am a fully qualified Relationship Counsellor and Psychosexual Therapist in private practice, I trained with Relate and a member of the BACP and a Registered Member of COSRT (Regulatory body for sex therapists). At my Private Practice in Hampshire, LinkedUp Counselling (Please see website) www.linkedupcounselling.co,uk, I help individual and couple clients with relationship challenges, including communication, affairs and intimacy. I am particularly experienced in Desire and Desire Discrepancies and Erectile Dysfunction.
I am a fully qualified Relationship Counsellor and Psychosexual Therapist in private practice, I trained with Relate and a member of the BACP and a Registered Member of COSRT (Regulatory body for sex therapists). At my Private Practice in Hampshire, LinkedUp Counselling (Please see website) www.linkedupcounselling.co,uk, I help individual and couple clients with relationship challenges, including communication, affairs and intimacy. I am particularly experienced in Desire and Desire Discrepancies and Erectile Dysfunction.
01489 357130 View 01489 357130
Photo of Carmen Morales, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Carmen Morales
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Online Only
You may feel stuck in cycles of depression, worry, perfectionism, or self-criticism — always striving, yet never feeling “enough.” Relationships might feel strained, perhaps you may be searching for acceptance in a world that doesn’t always feel built for you. Deep down, you might want more than just relief: you long to feel accepted, build healthier patterns, and reconnect with yourself and others. My clients often seek both healing and growth — a safe space to let go of judgement and make room for confidence, connection, and joy.
You may feel stuck in cycles of depression, worry, perfectionism, or self-criticism — always striving, yet never feeling “enough.” Relationships might feel strained, perhaps you may be searching for acceptance in a world that doesn’t always feel built for you. Deep down, you might want more than just relief: you long to feel accepted, build healthier patterns, and reconnect with yourself and others. My clients often seek both healing and growth — a safe space to let go of judgement and make room for confidence, connection, and joy.
023 8001 2558 View 023 8001 2558
Photo of Ben Frayne, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Ben Frayne
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
www.Liberationpsychology.co.uk. A highly experienced Consultant Clinical Psychologist specialising in Adult Mental Health for over 20 years.
www.Liberationpsychology.co.uk. A highly experienced Consultant Clinical Psychologist specialising in Adult Mental Health for over 20 years.
01722 445775 View 01722 445775
Photo of Nathan Bryce, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Nathan Bryce
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
When we are experiencing difficulties and our usual means of coping aren’t enough, it can be difficult to know where or who to turn to. Therapy can provide a non-judgemental and expectation free space to reflect on what is going on for us, what changes we might want to make and how we might go about this.
When we are experiencing difficulties and our usual means of coping aren’t enough, it can be difficult to know where or who to turn to. Therapy can provide a non-judgemental and expectation free space to reflect on what is going on for us, what changes we might want to make and how we might go about this.
023 9431 1250 View 023 9431 1250
Photo of Clair O'Donovan - Clair O'Donovan (ReConnect Family Counselling), Counsellor, MBACP
I strive to offer a warm, empathic, and reassuring space where you can explore your challenges and find a path forward. I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and empowered to create positive change in their lives. I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for Counselling Professions, ensuring confidentiality and a strong therapeutic relationship. Whether you're seeking individual support, family therapy, or help for your child or adolescent, I am here to walk alongside you on your journey towards well-being.
I strive to offer a warm, empathic, and reassuring space where you can explore your challenges and find a path forward. I believe that everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and empowered to create positive change in their lives. I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for Counselling Professions, ensuring confidentiality and a strong therapeutic relationship. Whether you're seeking individual support, family therapy, or help for your child or adolescent, I am here to walk alongside you on your journey towards well-being.
023 9433 0337 View 023 9433 0337
Photo of Simon James Carpenter, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Simon James Carpenter
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
I am BACP, EMDR Europe accredited Consultant for adults and children and young people. I work within the professional standards required for these professional bodies. I have 19 years experience providing therapeutic intervention for adults, children and young people who have experienced trauma from a wide range of difficulties, such as bereavement, abuse, relationship issues, depression, anxiety . This enables me to be creative and flexible in relation to the way my clients wish to work. I recognise the importance of working within the BACP ethical framework, which informs me of best practice and professional integrity.
I am BACP, EMDR Europe accredited Consultant for adults and children and young people. I work within the professional standards required for these professional bodies. I have 19 years experience providing therapeutic intervention for adults, children and young people who have experienced trauma from a wide range of difficulties, such as bereavement, abuse, relationship issues, depression, anxiety . This enables me to be creative and flexible in relation to the way my clients wish to work. I recognise the importance of working within the BACP ethical framework, which informs me of best practice and professional integrity.
023 8214 8966 View 023 8214 8966
Photo of Gaynor Williams, Counsellor, MBACP
Gaynor Williams
Counsellor, MBACP
I am a highly experienced counsellor and my aim is to create a positive, trusting environment in which I help you to help yourself. I provide a safe and caring professional counselling and psychotherapy service. I am an empathic and approachable person working in a non-judgemental and confidential way. By exploring your past, the causes of present day problems are often revealed. We can't change the past, but we can gain understanding allowing you to relate differently to yourself, others and problems in order to choose to make changes or find acceptance.
I am a highly experienced counsellor and my aim is to create a positive, trusting environment in which I help you to help yourself. I provide a safe and caring professional counselling and psychotherapy service. I am an empathic and approachable person working in a non-judgemental and confidential way. By exploring your past, the causes of present day problems are often revealed. We can't change the past, but we can gain understanding allowing you to relate differently to yourself, others and problems in order to choose to make changes or find acceptance.
023 8235 6102 View 023 8235 6102
Photo of Dr Li-Faye Lim, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Li-Faye Lim
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Online Only
Do you keep coming back to the same problem, and struggle to get yourself out? Have you tried lots of different things and feel it’s time to reach out for professional help? Perhaps life has thrown challenge after challenge at you, and you are reaching your limit. Perhaps there has always been a problem you’ve suppressed, and you now feel it’s time to get help for it. Or you would like some time and space to explore your past. You could be seeking help for yourself, or it could be for a loved one or a child - they need help and you also want to know how to help them.
Do you keep coming back to the same problem, and struggle to get yourself out? Have you tried lots of different things and feel it’s time to reach out for professional help? Perhaps life has thrown challenge after challenge at you, and you are reaching your limit. Perhaps there has always been a problem you’ve suppressed, and you now feel it’s time to get help for it. Or you would like some time and space to explore your past. You could be seeking help for yourself, or it could be for a loved one or a child - they need help and you also want to know how to help them.
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Photo of Joanna Bevis, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Joanna Bevis
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by unresolved conflicts, or stuck in repetitive patterns in relationships? Perhaps you struggle with communication, or anger issues? Life can feel overwhelming and isolating when you never feel good enough, and you don't know how to change. Therapy can help you to resolve emotional issues, and overcome difficulties enabling you to build a healthy relationship with yourself and others. My approach is collaborative, empathetic, and tailored to your unique needs. Together, we’ll focus on what truly matters to you, helping you improve communication, regain confidence and find clarity and growth in your life.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by unresolved conflicts, or stuck in repetitive patterns in relationships? Perhaps you struggle with communication, or anger issues? Life can feel overwhelming and isolating when you never feel good enough, and you don't know how to change. Therapy can help you to resolve emotional issues, and overcome difficulties enabling you to build a healthy relationship with yourself and others. My approach is collaborative, empathetic, and tailored to your unique needs. Together, we’ll focus on what truly matters to you, helping you improve communication, regain confidence and find clarity and growth in your life.
023 8214 9889 View 023 8214 9889
Photo of Dr Molly Brimson, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Molly Brimson
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Perhaps you're feeling low or anxious - maybe you're struggling with decisions about the future of a relationship or feel stuck and unhappy with the life you are leading. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support. I work with adults and young people from all works of life. My specialisms include anxiety and low self-esteem, trauma-related difficulties, depression and low mood, bereavement and loss, and relationship and attachment difficulties.
Perhaps you're feeling low or anxious - maybe you're struggling with decisions about the future of a relationship or feel stuck and unhappy with the life you are leading. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support. I work with adults and young people from all works of life. My specialisms include anxiety and low self-esteem, trauma-related difficulties, depression and low mood, bereavement and loss, and relationship and attachment difficulties.
023 8144 0112 View 023 8144 0112
Photo of Snezana Nikolin Caisley - VLAD Outreach CIC, Counsellor, MSc, BACP
VLAD Outreach CIC
Counsellor, MSc, BACP
V.L.A.D. Outreach CIC is a community-driven initiative focused on supporting some of society's most marginalised and vulnerable groups. Please reach out if you feel overlooked or underserved, are you gamer, individuals with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), older and bedbound person, affected by addiction, refugees? While our primary focus is on hard-to-reach communities, our services is open to everyone in need of support. ​ At V.L.A.D. Outreach, we believe that mental health care should be accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstances.
V.L.A.D. Outreach CIC is a community-driven initiative focused on supporting some of society's most marginalised and vulnerable groups. Please reach out if you feel overlooked or underserved, are you gamer, individuals with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), older and bedbound person, affected by addiction, refugees? While our primary focus is on hard-to-reach communities, our services is open to everyone in need of support. ​ At V.L.A.D. Outreach, we believe that mental health care should be accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstances.
023 9433 1204 View 023 9433 1204
Photo of Sam Brayshaw, Counsellor, MUKCP
Sam Brayshaw
Counsellor, MUKCP
1 Endorsed
We can all experience periods of anxiety or depression or just want to make changes in our lives in order to feel better. I offer a safe, confidential and compassionate space helping to explore change, emotional wellbeing, relationships and personal development in life.  I am a highly qualified and professionally trained psychotherapeutic counsellor. As a member of the BACP, UKCP and NCPS my education and practice meet the highest ethical standards that a client should expect from a practitioner. I have a particular interest in ADHD and recently completed training specifically to work with clients in this area.
We can all experience periods of anxiety or depression or just want to make changes in our lives in order to feel better. I offer a safe, confidential and compassionate space helping to explore change, emotional wellbeing, relationships and personal development in life.  I am a highly qualified and professionally trained psychotherapeutic counsellor. As a member of the BACP, UKCP and NCPS my education and practice meet the highest ethical standards that a client should expect from a practitioner. I have a particular interest in ADHD and recently completed training specifically to work with clients in this area.
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Photo of Doris Prugel-Bennett, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Doris Prugel-Bennett
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
You may experience problems in daily functioning, be it difficulties in private, intimate and/or work relationships, engaging in self-harming, symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, or have experienced physical or emotional trauma which continuously and seriously affect your life. Experiences from the past and lack of tools can cause emotional turmoil and stress. Purely being human and experiencing fears of the future can push people to their limits. You might have been given a mental health diagnosis and wish to actively be part of your recovery.
You may experience problems in daily functioning, be it difficulties in private, intimate and/or work relationships, engaging in self-harming, symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, or have experienced physical or emotional trauma which continuously and seriously affect your life. Experiences from the past and lack of tools can cause emotional turmoil and stress. Purely being human and experiencing fears of the future can push people to their limits. You might have been given a mental health diagnosis and wish to actively be part of your recovery.
023 8235 3274 View 023 8235 3274
Photo of Kim Speake, Counsellor, BACP
Kim Speake
Counsellor, BACP
As the saying goes, 'Its' good to talk', and I'm hear to listen. Whether life has just got a bit too much at the moment, or whether there are longer term factors and influences you'd like to explore and process, together, we can find a way. I could go into more detail, but for me, reading a blurb doesn't help establish whether I'm the right counsellor for you. If you've reached the point where you are actively looking I'd suggest sending me an email or giving me a bell, lets have a chat and see if I'm able to provide what you need.
As the saying goes, 'Its' good to talk', and I'm hear to listen. Whether life has just got a bit too much at the moment, or whether there are longer term factors and influences you'd like to explore and process, together, we can find a way. I could go into more detail, but for me, reading a blurb doesn't help establish whether I'm the right counsellor for you. If you've reached the point where you are actively looking I'd suggest sending me an email or giving me a bell, lets have a chat and see if I'm able to provide what you need.
023 8254 4480 View 023 8254 4480
Photo of Anthea Hollingworth, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Anthea Hollingworth
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Online Only
Counselling and psychotherapy aim to significantly help our ability to manage our lives more effectively. If you are seeking help to find a better understanding of yourself, others and life events, this is the time to talk to a professionally trained counsellor and psychotherapist who can support you during your time of need to work through your difficulties. I offer psychodynamic counselling, CBT, TF-CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness and I am continuing training in transference focused psychotherapy. As an Accredited Member of the BACP I adhere to their clinical ethical guidelines and am ICO and enhanced DBS registered.
Counselling and psychotherapy aim to significantly help our ability to manage our lives more effectively. If you are seeking help to find a better understanding of yourself, others and life events, this is the time to talk to a professionally trained counsellor and psychotherapist who can support you during your time of need to work through your difficulties. I offer psychodynamic counselling, CBT, TF-CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness and I am continuing training in transference focused psychotherapy. As an Accredited Member of the BACP I adhere to their clinical ethical guidelines and am ICO and enhanced DBS registered.
01489 358528 View 01489 358528
Photo of Melanie Cross, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Melanie Cross
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Waitlist for new clients
Life can be really tough, and sometimes we need a bit of support and guidance to help us navigate our way through. I take a warm, empathic and collaborative approach to therapy, offering a non judgmental space to explore whatever is troubling you. As an integrative counsellor, I am trained in the person-centred approach, psychodynamic therapy and CBT and also draw on attachment theory and traumatology. This means we can tailor therapy to your particular needs and preferred way of working.
Life can be really tough, and sometimes we need a bit of support and guidance to help us navigate our way through. I take a warm, empathic and collaborative approach to therapy, offering a non judgmental space to explore whatever is troubling you. As an integrative counsellor, I am trained in the person-centred approach, psychodynamic therapy and CBT and also draw on attachment theory and traumatology. This means we can tailor therapy to your particular needs and preferred way of working.
023 9431 1906 View 023 9431 1906
Photo of Julie Blandford, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Julie Blandford
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
I will support you with whatever situation is causing you distress by encouraging you to express your thoughts, feelings and emotions about the situation, the possible cause and the impact it is having on you. I will provide you with a safe, empathic and non-judgemental space to share your worries and fears in confidence. You will gain the opportunity to discover a better insight into yourself, your situation and the way you relate to others, helping you to identify your own solutions to the situation. This may range from acceptance of yourself or your situation to achieving an outcome which provides a new found inner happiness.
I will support you with whatever situation is causing you distress by encouraging you to express your thoughts, feelings and emotions about the situation, the possible cause and the impact it is having on you. I will provide you with a safe, empathic and non-judgemental space to share your worries and fears in confidence. You will gain the opportunity to discover a better insight into yourself, your situation and the way you relate to others, helping you to identify your own solutions to the situation. This may range from acceptance of yourself or your situation to achieving an outcome which provides a new found inner happiness.
023 9200 3623 View 023 9200 3623

See more therapy options for Southampton

Attachment-based Counsellors

Is attachment-based therapy the same as attachment therapy?

Attachment-based therapy may be confused with what is called “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy”), a discredited and dangerous approach to treating children with attachment disorders, autism, or other mental health concerns. Attachment therapy—not attachment-based therapy—may involve restraining a child, forcing eye contact, and other coercive or abusive techniques. None of these practices are used in attachment-based therapy and the two modalities are in no way related.

What should I expect from attachment-based therapy?

Attachment-based therapy is based on attachment theory, which posits that children’s early relationships with their caregivers strongly influence their ability to navigate the world later in life. Thus, adults who seek attachment-based therapy should expect to deeply explore their childhood, identifying the dynamics or experiences that disrupted their attachment and the steps necessary to overcome challenges that arose as a result. Parents and children should expect to explore the possible factors that disrupted the parent-child relationship and work toward restoring trust and connection.

How long does attachment-based therapy last?

Certain forms of attachment-based therapy, especially those designed for parents and children, last for a set number of sessions; for example, Attachment and Biobehavioural Catch-Up, a specific attachment-based approach for young children who have undergone early adversity, unfolds over 10 one-hour sessions. When attachment-based therapy is practiced on adults or combined with other modalities, it may not last a specific length of time; clients may wish to ask prospective therapists how long they expect treatment to take.

Does attachment-based therapy work?

Most of the research on attachment-based therapy focuses on children and adolescents. Some of this research shows a positive effect, especially for attachment-based family therapy (ABFT). Other studies, however, have found that attachment-based therapy is no more effective than other approaches to childhood depression, anxiety, or suicidality. Less is known about the therapy’s efficacy on adult populations.