Welcome to
Claire Basstian Counselling
"Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness, will we discover the infinite power of our light."
Brene Brown
My name is Claire and I am a relational integrative counsellor with humanistic and psychodynamic approaches.
We all experience times of difficulty in our lives when events or relationships feel overwhelming, or we can feel a loss of direction or purpose. Talking to a trained professional can help make sense of challenging times and offers a way through them, moving towards a better understanding of ourselves and our feelings.
The primary goal of relational therapy is to help better understand how we operate in relation to others and how our relating patterns can have an impact on mental and emotional well-being.
I work with adult individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds, bringing to me a diverse range of problems. As a fully qualified counsellor to Advanced Diploma level in Humanistic Integrative Counselling, I am a Registered Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and abide by their code of ethics. The BACP is on the register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) which is to uphold standards and safety for the public. I am also a member of The Relational School (TRS).
My approach
Are you feeling stuck, lost, hurt or confused and the same things happen over and over? Maybe you notice things from your past affecting how you are able to connect with people now? Do your close relationships leave you without a sense of depth or intimacy? Are you struggling with feelings of worthlessness or finding it difficult to assert yourself? Do you feel helpless and unable to cope in the face of a new and sudden crisis? Do you feel that life is empty and lacking in meaning? These are all issues that can be illuminated by the counselling process.
I cover most areas in counselling but feel most drawn to helping clients explore relationships. There is much benefit in working to understand communication challenges, conflicts, intimacy issues, parent to child, sibling or blended family dynamics, navigating family transitions, or seeking to improve your relationship with yourself and others. We all have ups and downs in life but maybe you feel you need some support in navigating the complexities of relationships, past and present. With a passion for exploring interpersonal connections, I bring a compassionate, non judgmental and client-centred approach to my practice, with a focus on creating a warm, inclusive, respectful and confidential space.
In our sessions, you can expect a collaborative approach. We will work together to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, identifying patterns that may be impacting your relationships, current issues, relational patterns and past experiences to develop new ways of relating to people. I believe counselling can help to understand patterns of relating to others, these insights help to develop a greater understanding of yourself.
I think we would all agree that as humans we are shaped by our social contexts and that our sense of who we are is intimately linked with our relationships. Research also demonstrates close relationships are what matters most to people. When those relationships break down or fail to give us what we need, we become distressed/disturbed and lose confidence. If relationships are the source of many psychological problems, they can also be harnessed towards growth and healing.
As an integrative counsellor I have different ways of working with different clients. That may be to assist clients, for instance, to heal past emotional deprivations, manage current problems, handle transitions, make decisions, manage crises, and develop specific lifeskills.
Therapy can explore how past experiences shape us and our patterns of relating to others. Become equipped with new and more helpful ways of interacting in the present. This, in turn, improves relationships and connections with others, and so improves emotional and psychological wellbeing.
As an integrative therapist I draw on a range of theories and modalities. As well as a general umbrella of humanistic and psychodynamic frameworks, I offer relational, trauma informed, client-led therapy with attachment theory, parts of self, and inner child work. I work with a GSRD (gender, sexual and relationship diverse) and systemic perspective.
I am currently working with individuals only.
What issues can counselling help with?
People come to me for help a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:
Feelings of stress or anxiety
Panic attacks
Relationship problems
Grief, loss or bereavement
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Abuse
Neurodivergence support
Depression
Problems with confidence or self-esteem
Anger management
Issues relating to sex, sexuality and identity
Difficulties at work or in retirement
Problems with family or school life
Addiction and addictive behaviours
Session Information
Sessions last 50 minutes, taking place on a weekly basis, and cost £60 per session. I currently have availability in person in Reading, a wait list in Iver and some availability online. We can discuss if online therapy is suitable for you. I offer a free 20 minute initial Zoom or phone appointment so please contact me to enquire. I am currently available for short and long term work in Reading, and a wait list in Iver.
If you want to cancel a session, I require 48 hours notice otherwise I will still need to be paid for any sessions missed. I accept payment by bank transfer.
Get in touch
Feel free to 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 07856 356611 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first.
My Privacy Policy can be viewed here.