As a young person I was always interested in human development and the process of understanding myself and the human psyche. I travelled widely, discovering different cultures and further developing an interest in human beings, recognising our emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects. As a young adult I trained and worked as an actress, which also has an element of looking at character's motivations and why they are motivated to behave in the way that they do.
Having benefitted from therapy myself and often having had the experience of people coming to me for advice and support, in 2000 I began my training to become an Integrative Psychotherapist and Counsellor. I graduated from the Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Education in 2005 with a post graduate diploma and have worked in a successful private practice ever since. Since then I have undergone many additional therapy trainings, including ones in cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness training, as well as becoming a clinical hypnotherapist and RTT therapist. The integrative approach in counselling means that I draw on a wide range of strategies, skills , techniques and approaches with which to help and support my clients.
For my availability please email me at : amanda@amandabaker.co.uk or call me on +447960014959
My approach is collaborative, practical and solution-focused. I have been referred to as a dynamic therapist as I do offer strategies, techniques and skills that I believe may be helpful for a client. I try to offer a ‘natural’ and human approach as I’m aware that entering into therapy can be daunting for many people. I offer my clients empathy and respect, valuing their uniqueness as an individual, without judgement. I adhere to very strict codes of conduct and guarantee all my clients the utmost respect and privacy, including those with a high public profile.
My aim as a therapist is to help you gain insight into your life and patterns and to support you in finding creative resourceful solutions and new ways of being and thinking. The process of psychotherapy enables you to understand your personal history and how negative patterns lead to emotional stress and to transform the parts that are holding you back and to live a life that’s more aligned to your authentic self. As your therapist I will always respect your autonomy and unique way of being in the world.I see the therapeutic relationship as being of utmost importance. Its basic values are integrity, impartiality and respect. Confidentiality and trust are considered to be of utmost importance in therapy.
Clients may share difficult feelings and thoughts with me and in doing so, can expect that any personal details may remain confidential. I work to the code of ethics as set out by the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. As an overview to my approach I also recognise the interconnected nature of mind, body, heart and spirit.I consider it an enormous privilege to be part of my client’s process and to witness the extraordinary positive transformations, growth and change that I see in them.
I am often told by clients that I have a very gentle and reassuring voice and approach and, as a result, they find it easy to feel safe and comfortable with me.