ASETT Counselling
A Safe Environment To Talk
Amanda Moore-McCarthy
Integrative counsellor working both online and over the telephone in York, for North Yorkshire and across the UK.
Welcome to ASETT Counselling
At points in our lives we can feel out of our depth, worried, anxious, wondering about the future, stressed about work, managing relationships or dealing with the impact of trauma or abuse. Does this sound familiar? If so, I can offer a safe, non-judgemental environment to begin to untangle the knots, where you can begin to experience the positive changes, connect with who you truly are and begin to feel better.
Hello, I’m Amanda and welcome to my website. I offer talking therapy to individual adults on a short-term, time limited and open ended basis. This is both online and over the telephone. My approach to counselling is an integrative one. This involves using different therapeutic approaches rather than one approach fits all. Each client is individual and brings with them different issues which will require different approaches at different times throughout their therapy journey. My aim is that together, we can build a strong therapeutic relationship so we can take the first steps on your journey to healing. I work inclusively with sexual violence, childhood abuse, anxiety, depression, domestic abuse, interpersonal relationships and neurodivergence.
‘Every journey begins with a single step’
Sometimes, we face challenges in our lives that prevent us from living the life we want to live. We may feel overwhelmed by our emotions and that there is something that is holding us back. This could be a recent event, or something from our past that is preventing us from fulfilling our potential. Reaching out for professional support can be daunting, but it is a brave decision and the first positive step towards a brighter future.
How can Counselling help you?
Counselling provides you with a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space for us to explore the struggles you are facing together. It is a space in which you will be listened to, and heard, so that you may gain an understanding of your issues and become more self aware. As your counsellor, I am here to listen with warm empathy, with compassion and offer you a fresh perspective on your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I am not here to fix you. I firmly believe that you have all the answers within you, and it is my role to empower you to take control of your thoughts, get to the root cause of your feelings and develop ways to manage your emotions so you can make positive choices moving forward.
As an integrative counsellor, I draw upon a range of approaches to help you understand yourself and your emotions better. This means that when we work together, you lead our sessions. We will explore any issues that you want to explore and you will determine the pace we go at. Through our sessions, I will tailor any approaches I use to your unique circumstance and your specific needs. No two people are the same and no two issues are identical, so integrative counselling means that our counselling journey together is bespoke, helping you to work towards your goals so you can achieve your potential.
For more information about how ASETT online counselling can help you, please see my ‘About My Practice’ page.
Why ASETT?
My counselling private practice is called ASETT because for me, A Safe Environment To Talk is the foundation upon which a strong relationship is built. In this modern world, people often hear each other, but don’t actually listen to what is being said. When you work with me, I listen intently, ensuring that you feel understood and valued, that your emotions are validated and that your feelings are congruent with the problems you are dealing with. This is integral to helping you become more self aware and finding your own path towards managing and coping with your emotions. Our therapeutic space is our own little bubble, in which you can feel protected, valued and held.
Online counselling
Online counselling works for so many people because it offers more flexibility than face to face counselling. When we work together online, you don’t need to worry about travelling to a new place, or feel anxious about meeting new people. It puts you in control. It also means that you can engage with counselling in any space that you feel most comfortable in, which can only make our work together more effective. Furthermore, online counselling is less intense than face to face counselling, which means you may feel more comfortable sharing your experiences, especially if you feel anxious.
Telephone counselling
Telephone counselling offers the same flexibility as online counselling, but it can also help if you are anxious about working with a counsellor and the intensity of eye contact. On the telephone, there is no eye contact, which may help you if you feel anxious about issues or experiences you’d like to discuss, especially if they arouse feelings of guilt or shame. With less pressure and less intensity, you may feel less self-conscious which will help us make more progress than if we met face to face.
About Me
My journey into counselling has been just that, a journey not a destination. I have spent over 20 years working closely with families as a Social Worker, a fostering social worker and foster carer, I therefore bring with me a wide range of experience and skills, working with relationship and family issues including anxiety, low mood and depression, substance misuse, child abuse, domestic abuse and sexual violence. But, counselling has always been something I have been drawn to. Consequently, I took my first counselling qualification over 20 years ago where my journey first began.
After having a family and working as a fostering social worker for many years I decided to continue my studies, eventually taking my qualification in Counselling and Psychotherapy. I found the place where I feel I belong. Working with people and supporting them to work with themselves to build their confidence, resilience , self worth and esteem is the core of my practice.
Following the Pandemic and the impact and changes this has had on people and how we communicate I decided that my service could be more accessible if I worked on line or by telephone, UK wide. It allows me to work with people who might struggle otherwise due to work, family or travel commitments. I also recognise that it can be a challenge for some of us to leave our home and travel to a counselling meeting.
I am actively involved in charity work and provide counselling sessions one afternoon per week for a charitable organisation based in York.
I am committed to taking ongoing training so I can provide the best service possible for the clients that I work with.
Qualifications
- Degree in Health and Social Work
- Level 5 Diploma Professional Qualification in Psychotherapy and Counselling
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- BTec National Diploma in childhood studies.
- Level 2 Certificate in Self Harm and Suicide Prevention
- Trained in Therapeutic crisis intervention
- Full enhanced DBS
- Insured to offer counselling across the whole of the UK
Memberships
- Registered member of Social Work England
- Accredited member of The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society
- Member of National Association of Therapeutic Parents
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Level 2 Certificate in understanding Autism
- Working with shame
- The meaning of shame in the treatment of trauma
- Trauma and the role of shame
- An Introduction to Trauma Informed Practice
- Trauma and the body - working with dissociation and somatisation.
- Attachment and intimacy
- Working with emotional abuse
- Caring for sexually abused children - Advance level
- Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
- Neurodiversity in the workplace
About My Practice
What happens in a counselling session?
Counselling sessions last 50 minutes and take place online or on the telephone. In our first few sessions of working together, we will explore the problem that you are struggling with in detail. We will talk about you, your emotions and experiences so I can fully understand your perspective and the feelings or behaviours that you want to work on.
Counselling is a process, so don’t expect instant results. It takes time. I will listen intently and try to see your world as you see it, so you can gain a fresh perspective of your problems.
Over time, we will work on ways to help you challenge your thoughts and feelings, so you can make better choices and cope with your emotions better moving forward.
Initial consultation
Before we work together, I offer a free 20 minute initial consultation on the telephone (non therapeutic) so I can find out more about you and the issues you are struggling with and you can ask questions, and find out if I am the right counsellor for you.
My Approaches
My approach is Humanistic, which means that I take the time to build a strong therapeutic relationship with each client that I work with. It is a client focused approach which means that you take the lead in each session – we talk about the issues you want to explore and we go at a pace that is right for you. I will take the time to listen intently, validating your feelings and valuing your perspective. This approach will help you reconnect with your inner values and self-worth so you can find your own way to move forward and achieve your potential. It focuses on self development, recognising your inner strengths, creativity and choice. It enables personal growth - mentality, emotionally and spiritually.
As an integrative counsellor, I draw upon a variety of approaches to help you achieve your goals, such as:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Person Centred
- Psychodynamics
- Transactional Analysis
- Solution Focused Brief Therapy
For more information about how ASETT can help you, don’t hesitate to get in touch by giving me a call or sending me an email or text message.
Issues I can help with
Trauma
Trauma can be something that has happened in your past, or it could be a more recent event, which has left you feeling helpless and vulnerable. It can affect your sleep, your ability to focus, form healthy relationships, and you can suffer from nightmares, flashbacks and anxiety. Together, we can explore the root cause of your feelings, helping you to find ways to manage your emotions and cope with the trauma you have experienced, so you live your life on your terms.
Abuse
Abuse can happen at any time in your life, it could be something that happened in your childhood or something more recent. It can also come in many different forms, from different people. But whatever form it takes, abuse can have a huge impact on your life, your sense of self and your ability to cope day to day. Through counselling, we can explore your experiences together, helping you make sense of your feelings and come to terms with them. Together, we can help you find ways to escape the feelings of powerlessness and to establish healthy ways to relate, moving forward.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a part of our daily lives, and a small amount of anxiety is something we all have to cope with from time to time. However, long term anxiety can affect your sleep, your diet, your relationships, your ability to focus and your relationships. When we work together, we can help you find ways to manage your emotions and take back control of your life.
Depression
Depression can be caused by a number of different factors – the death of a loved one, major life changes and transitions, the break up of a relationship to name a few. It can leave you feeling constantly exhausted and that you have no control over your mood or your emotions. This can impact all areas of your life, including your work, your family life and your relationships. Through counselling, we will work together so you can better understand yourself and your emotions, taking back control of your life with practical techniques to help you cope with your feelings on a day to day basis.
I can help with other issues you may be struggling with, such as:
- Anxiety
- Abuse
- Autistic Spectrum Condition
- Bereavement/loss/grief
- Depression/low mood
- Domestic abuse
- Menopause
- Neurodiversity
- Relationship issues (Individual)
- sexual abuse and violence
- Self esteem and confidence
- Stress
- Trauma
If you are struggling with an issue that you don’t see listed above, please get in contact to see how ASETT can help.
Fees and Availability
Fees
Initial consultation – 20 minutes telephone conversation - free
£50 for a 50 minute therapy session.
Evenings after 6pm and weekends, £60 per 50 min session.
Sessions are paid for in advance so we can fully focus on our work together when we meet.
Availability
Tuesday - 10am to 8pm
Friday - 10am to 8pm
Saturday - 9am to 11 am
Evenings and weekends are available on request.
Please do contact me for more information.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel a session for any reason, please give 48 hours’ notice to avoid being charged in full for the session.
Frequently Asked Questions
This will depend on what you wish to focus on during counselling. We would start with six sessions, reviewing midway to determine how things are moving for you. Remember, these are your sessions. You will know when things begin to feel better.
We can re-schedule the session to a date and time which suits us both. If a session is cancelled with less than 48 hours notice, the full fee will apply.
I offer both short and long term counselling.
I offer counselling around relationships with others and ourselves. These are individual sessions but can help people who are experiencing issues with their partner, family, friendships or work colleagues for example.
Get in Touch
Please contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on, 07481 481252 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. Your phone call is important. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
You can book an appointment directly by clicking here.