Counselling & Psychotherapy Service
At Kent Family Medical, we are passionate about providing a holistic approach that supports individuals in all areas of health and well-being — including mental health.
Whether you have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder or recognise your own symptoms of depression, anxiety, or burnout, counselling can help. Perhaps you are experiencing challenges that impact your wellbeing — such as loss, relationship issues, ill health, or caring responsibilities. Maybe you’re struggling to cope with everyday stressors or questioning your identity or purpose.
All these things can be difficult to navigate alone. At Kent Family Medical, we offer both short- and long-term counselling contracts that can support you for as long as you need, with an approach tailored to you.
Why Choose Kent Family Medical Counselling & Psychotherapy:
What Therapy Can Help With:
There are many reasons clients seek counselling. Some of the areas we cover include:
Abortion, Abuse, Addiction, ADHD, Affairs and Betrayals, Alcohol Misuse, Anger, Anxiety, Autism, Behaviour Problems, Bereavement and Loss, Bullying, Burnout, Carer Support, Depression, Disability and Ill Health, Discrimination, Dissociation, Drug Misuse, Emotional Abuse, Family Issues, Feeling Sad, Gender Dysphoria, Health Anxiety, Hearing Voices, Hoarding, Insomnia, LGBTQ+ Support, Low Self-Esteem, Mental Health, Neurodiversity, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Attacks, Paranoia, Personality Disorders, Physical Abuse, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) including Complex PTSD, Relationship Problems, Self-Harm, Separation and Divorce, Sexual Problems, Sexual Abuse, Social Anxiety, Spirituality, Stress, Suicidal Thoughts, Trauma, Work-Related Stress.
Which Therapeutic Approaches Do We Offer?
Our counselling approach is, first and foremost, relational. Research shows that the relationship between therapist and client remains the most important factor in achieving successful therapy outcomes.
Each therapeutic relationship is unique, and your preferences are important. Our practitioner is trained integratively, meaning they can draw on a variety of models and methods — often combining approaches to meet your needs as therapy progresses.
Our main approaches include:
- Person-Centred: Recognises that clients have within themselves the resources to heal and grow. The focus is on creating the right conditions for this natural process in a space that is authentic and non-judgemental.
- Psychodynamic: Explores the influence of past experiences and unconscious processes on present-day struggles. This approach values insight, attachment awareness, and the therapeutic relationship.
- Cognitive: Examines the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. While often associated with CBT, this approach can also include compassion-focused and mindfulness-based methods, offering practical tools for change and recovery.
- Existential: Explores the deeper challenges of being human, such as identity, purpose, freedom, and mortality. It focuses on your present experience and ways of relating, helping reshape your future.
- Trauma-Informed: While not a therapy modality itself, this approach integrates an understanding of trauma and neuroscience to ensure a safe, supportive environment. It recognises the connection between physical and mental health and may include somatic (body-based) techniques to support healing.
About Our Counsellor – Ash Dunkley
Ash is a qualified Counsellor registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy with a background of working in front line crisis roles, and open-ended community counselling.
Ash understands how therapy can change and support people from all backgrounds, with a wide range of issues, recognising the need to create a safe and contained space free from judgement.
Counselling can help with both mental health and life challenges. These may be related to diagnosed disorders, including anxiety, depression and neurodivergence or challenges with ill health, loss or identity.
Ash trained to work relationally with clients, drawing of a variety of theoretical approaches, tailoring the therapeutic approach to each individual. Approaches include person-centred, psychodynamic and cognitive. Their philosophy aligns with the trauma informed models, believing that what happened to you matters.
Session Times and Fees
Sessions are typically offered weekly at the same time each week. Each session lasts 50 minutes and is charged at £80.
Regular attendance is key to successful therapy, though breaks for holidays or illness are expected.
Short-term contracts are generally set at 12 weeks, providing an optimal opportunity to achieve meaningful progress toward your goals.
Long-term contracts are open-ended, allowing sessions to continue as needed. Goals and progress are reviewed regularly, and endings or breaks can be agreed upon together.
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Initial Sessions
The first session is slightly different from ongoing sessions. There will be some paperwork, questions, and note-taking. You don’t need a clear plan or to share everything straight away — this session is also an opportunity for you to see if you feel comfortable with the therapist and the process.
If you’re unsure or feel the space isn’t right for you, there’s no obligation to continue.
If you’d like to know more before booking, we offer a free 20-minute online or phone consultation, giving you the chance to ask questions and get a sense of what therapy might be like.
Book Today
Contact us for more information, or to discuss booking a course of counselling appointments.
