“The graceful willow tree is known for its elegant composition and ability to grow & prosper, symbolising flexibility & adaptability.”
Are you looking for a safe space to explore your feelings, heal wounds and build your resilience to whatever life may present?
Hello, I’m Shani (pronounced Shaynee). I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and follow the Person-Centred model of counselling, meaning I believe that everyone has the ability to rebuild themselves and flourish.
My career in HR Management first led me to person-centred support, as a key part of my role was to understand individuals facing personal and work-related challenges. I went on to undertake my first counselling course with the aim of wanting to help those in need of support.
As soon as I started my Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling, I knew I had found my purpose in life: helping people reach their full potential. I have worked with very diverse and complex issues and yet had the pleasure of seeing my clients thrive in extremely challenging circumstances.
I am also a qualified British School of Meditation Teacher meaning I can offer alternative ways to manage stress, tune into your inner calm and ultimately, find peace in your life.
Shani-Marie Chew MSc (MBACP)
My approach
I offer a warm, non-judgemental counselling service, and a helping hand to guide you on your journey towards self-awareness and positive change. I believe you are the master of your own life, and my role is to walk alongside you, offering perspective, reflection and emotional support when needed. Authenticity from both counsellor and client will be vital as we explore your feelings, current & past experiences, and challenges so that you may gain a fresh outlook and understanding of yourself.
Comfortable space
Feelings of apprehension about entering the counselling room, especially for the first time, are completely normal. An important part of my role will be to build rapport so that you can feel safe and relaxed, therefore ensuring you get everything you can from the counselling experience. My purpose-built, confidential counselling space is designed to promote feelings of comfort, wellbeing, and tranquility.
Complimentary call
I offer a complimentary 30 minute telephone conversation or face-to- face meeting at my therapy room in Prestbury, Cheshire - this is a chance for you to ask me any questions, and will also help us determine how we might work together. Please email me to arrange a mutually convenient date and time.
What issues can I help with?
I work with my clients on a wide range of issues. Here is a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:
- Anxiety & depression/low mood
- Low confidence or self-esteem
- Stress, burnout & work issues
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress
- Family or relationship difficulties
- Emotional Distress & panic attacks
- Grief, loss or bereavement
- Sexual & gender issues
- Self harm & suicidality
- Abuse
- Addictions
- Life transitions
“I came to you as someone with very little self-worth but I never felt like that in our sessions. You always helped me feel valued and you saw 'me' underneath all my fears and anxieties. Everything you said to me made sense and gave me new thought patterns that have helped me so much. Thank you!”
Client A
“Counselling with you has given me the confidence to trust myself, my decisions, and other people. I feel more relaxed and prepared for what might happen in the future, whereas before I was filled with anxiety.”
Client B
Location & availability
All sessions are face-to-face at my therapy room in Prestbury Village, Cheshire. The quiet, confidential location of this will be provided once we have spoken on the phone and arranged our first appointment.
Online sessions (via Zoom) can be offered if needed in special circumstances.
Current appointment availability:
- Tuesday and Thursday Evenings: 7-10pm
- Wednesday afternoons: 1.30-4.30pm.
Sessions & fees
- Individual Sessions last 50 minutes and cost £75
- Couples Sessions last 75 minutes and cost £120 (coming soon)
I also offer discount for block bookings paid upfront - please get in touch if you are interested. Sessions are usually weekly and ideally at the same time and day every week for consistency. I work on a short-term and long-term basis so your space will be available for you as long as you need it. Regular reviews will be conducted to monitor the effectiveness of our work together.
Get in touch
Feel free to call, email or whatsapp me
Please note, all contact is confidential, unless I have concerns for your safety. Any limits to this confidentiality will be discussed before therapy commences (see also FAQs section).
Frequently asked questions
Person-Centered Counselling "was founded in the 1940s by the American psychologist Carl Rogers who believed that, given the right conditions, a person can reach their full potential and become their true self." (BACP Website).
As a Person-Centred Therapist, it is my passion to provide these necessary conditions in my safe counselling room during our sessions together. We will work as a team to uncover self-awareness, heal trauma and make positive future change in your life.
Picking a therapist or counsellor is tough as the necessary conditions needed for change need to be created in the therapeutic relationship with your counsellor, therefore, you need to trust and gel with them.
This is why I offer a free 30 minute session so you can get a feeling of who I am, how I work and ask any relevant questions. It will then be up to you to determine whether you can imagine us working well together. We will also regularly review our work together to monitor the effectiveness.
In the first session we will fill out the necessary paperwork and go through the counselling contract to ensure we mutually agree on how we will work together. You will then be free to talk to me about your reasons for coming to therapy. If you feel anxious about this at all, I can open things up with some gentle questions about your concerns and current situation.
Sessions cost £75 per 50 minute session for individuals and £120 for a 75 minute couple's session. The minimum number of sessions offered would be six (same as the NHS) but I would say 10 sessions is ideal (perhaps more depending on the individual and the depth of work required). Once we have a regular slot arranged though, this is yours for as long as you need it. I offer discount for block bookings paid upfront so please ask if you would like to discuss this.
The limits to confidentiality will be discussed in detail in your first session but in a nutshell, I would only need to break your confidentiality if I was concerned for your safety or that of a child around you. When taking your details, I will ask for your Next of Kin and GP information in case of emergencies. I would also be bound legally to report certain crimes to the police.
Fees are payable on confirmation of booking. A payment link will be sent to you via email. I require 72 hours’ notice of cancellations. Sessions cancelled with less than 72 hours’ notice or non-attendance will be charged in full/no refunds will be given.
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