OTS-Oxford Therapy Centre
In this section you will find full members of the OTS organisation who we regularly refer to, as we know their work well. Please be aware that there are many other members who are not on our website.
Louise Lyle
Psychotherapeutic counsellor
Offering: Individual adult therapy (18+)
Availability: Monday to Saturday
Fees: £45
Frequency: Weekly or Fortnightly
Location: OTS-Oxford Therapy Centre
Also at: OTS-Witney Therapy Centre / Online
Click Here To contact me
Approach & Specialist Areas:
We are all born with a need to be seen, heard, loved and accepted.
When these basic needs are not met, we find ourselves, often unknowingly, either adapting our behaviours to fill this void to feel some version of love and acceptance or are left feeling empty, alone or confused. The pressures of life, its demands, and relationships can suddenly become something we don’t feel in control of, and its knock-on effect can include isolation, depression, addictions, loss of confidence, shame or loss of identity.
I work with clients who have decided that these issues, short or long-standing, can’t be reached by a comfortable resolution of their own. I offer a working and supported partnership that gives my clients the time that they need to explore and address their emotions, fears, and concerns.
As a qualified therapist, I use an integrative approach that combines elements from different psychological theories and practices to tailor treatment to the individual needs of clients - based on the specific challenges and goals of each client.
I have worked supporting clients who have experienced amongst others, abuse, trauma, addiction, self-harm, anxiety, low self-esteem, bereavement, work and relationship difficulties.
Background:
Having worked within Human Resources for many years, I have always been interested in people, and in understanding how we live, work, adapt and respond to life’s trials. I volunteered for a mental health charity for over 5 years.
Training & Qualifications:
Level 5 Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
BA(hons) Business Studies
Registered bodies:
Accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
Member of BACP
Member of OTS
Lucy Thomson
Trainee Humanistic Psychotherapist (final year)
Offering: Individual adult therapy (18+)
Availability: Tuesday - Friday till 8pm
Fees: £45 (50-min sessions)
Frequency: Weekly
Location: OTS-Oxford Therapy Centre
Also at: OTS-Witney Therapy Centre
Click Here To contact me
Approach & Specialist Areas:
I offer a flexible approach according to your needs and integrate different methods to understand your issue and help you to become more aware of unhelpful patterns which are causing you distress. Our work together will involve exploring the nature of your issues in creative ways, and how you can make sense and meaning of where you find yourself today and in the wider context of your life.
The humanistic framework I work within is based on the belief that most people have the capacity to grow and achieve well-being and that you have the answers you seek within yourself, no matter how stuck or helpless you may be feeling.
As we build a deeply empathic and trusting relationship, I invite you gently and with compassion to be open to exploring the disturbance within you. This includes understanding your fears and anxieties that are blocking you, and supporting you to discover new and more creative ways of resolving the problem or crisis you are experiencing. This may feel challenging at times and I will be mindful and respectful of your needs on our journey together. I will also pay attention to how the relationship we build together is going, and what seems to be working for you, or not, with regular reviews and check-ins.
I have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures and embrace the richness of each individual’s uniqueness and life story and their potential to grow and experience satisfaction and fulfilment in their lives.
Background:
I became interested in becoming a psychotherapist after working for several years teaching and supporting adults and adolescents who had struggled in mainstream education. I don’t believe that one size fits all and am interested in understanding and challenging what is considered ‘normal’ or ‘successful' in our western culture and how we relate to and communicate with each other in an increasingly complex and changing world. I have a special interest in mid-life challenges and the menopause.
Prior to this I worked for many years in advertising and marketing and have a degree in Modern Languages which sparked my love of different languages and cultures.
Training & Qualifications:
Post Graduate Certificate of Higher Education in Counselling (2 yrs) - Birkbeck University, London
MSc Humanistic Psychotherapy (4 years) - Metanoia Institute, London
Registered Bodies & Organisational Positions:
Trainee member, registered with UK Council for Psychotherapists (UKCP)
OTS Member
Alice Emmott
Psychotherapeutic counsellor
Offering: Individual adult therapy (18+)
Availability: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
Fees: £40-£50 (50-min sessions)
Frequency: Weekly
Location: OTS-Oxford Therapy Centre
Also at: OTS-Witney Therapy Centre & Online
Click Here To contact me
Approach & Specialist Areas:
I believe that a therapeutic relationship built over time is key to the success of any therapy. My job is in part to listen intently to you and I might offer my reflections or an alternative perspective. You can tell me if my reflections sound right or not, and together we will work towards increasing your understanding of yourself and your way forward.
I use an integrative approach and draw upon a number of modalities. This includes a strong focus on Psychodynamic principles which involve noticing present patterns of behaviour and ways of relating to others and connecting these with past experiences and early attachments which give valuable insight on unconscious influences and beliefs we may not have been aware of and can keep us stuck. I also use elements of Cognitive Behavioual Therapy as I recognise that, alongside the deeper work, clients often want some ‘here and now’ help; techniques and practical ideas that you can try.
I have a particular interest in trauma and the various ways it can manifest in the mind and body. The distress of traumatic events can embed in our nervous systems, often resulting in overwhelming feelings of panic, anxiety, dissociation and depression. As a first step I can help you to find ways to self-regulate, such as mindfulness techniques and breathing exercises, to use both within the sessions and in everyday life.
Many people feel an initial reluctance to ‘open the can of worms’ but done in a supported and paced way, this work can be a powerful and enlightening thing to do, leading to real and lasting change.
Background:
I have always had an interest in psychology and, as a lover of books, I have always valued people’s stories and noticed the power of relating our narrative to another person. So, after a 20-year career as an editor in academic publishing, I decided to pursue my long-held ambition to become a psychotherapist. I began my training in 2011 and have never looked back.
Training and qualifications:
Level 5 Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice (psychodynamic, humanistic and CBT) (Prof. Dip. Psy. C.)
Postgraduate Certificate in Psychodynamic Counselling (1 yr), Oxford University, Department of Continuing Education
I have also worked as a responder for the national crisis service Shout 85258
Registered Bodies & Organisational Positions:
Accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
Individual member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
Member of OTS
Kate Montagu
Gestalt Psychotherapist
Offering: Individual, Couple and Group Therapy - short/long term
Availability: Mon&Wed (other days on line or Banbury)
Fees: £45-£65 for 1-1
Frequency: Weekly
Location: OTS-Oxford Therapy Centre
Also at: Banbury & Online
Click Here To contact me
Approach & Specialist Areas:
As a Gestalt psychotherapist my therapeutic approach focuses on how you experience your present moment, your environment and the relationships around you. My role as your therapist is to support you on your journey of personal growth, self-discovery and healing.
I believe in the profound impact of embracing the present moment and delving into the interconnectedness of mind, body, and environment. Through a compassionate and client-centered approach, I accompany individuals and groups on a path of self-development, nurturing awareness, acceptance, and authenticity.
We will engage together on exploring your emotions, habitual patterns, your relationships, resolving conflicts, and unlocking your innate potential. We will do this through dialogue and experimenting with different ways of being.
Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+ relationship issues or simply desire a more fulfilling life, I'm here to support you along your unique journey of growth and healing.
Background:
My care for others and facilitating personal growth began long before my venture into the field of psychotherapy. For over a decade, I worked as a massage therapist, providing care and support to my clients. During those years, I developed a deep understanding of the mind-body connection and witnessed firsthand the power of touch and empathy in fostering healing and well-being.
While my work as a massage therapist was rewarding, I felt a desire to expand my skills and knowledge to offer a more holistic approach to support my clients. This led me to pursue a Masters in Gestalt Therapy, which has become the foundation of my practice today.
Training & Qualifications:
Post Graduate Certificate in Gestalt Therapy
Post Graduate Diploma in Gestalt Therapy
Masters in Gestalt Therapy Theory Studies
Registered Bodies & Organisational Positions:
Member of UKCP
OTS member
Alan Jiang
Integrative Counsellor
Offering: Individual therapy (16+)
Availability: Monday morning
Fees: £40, £30 students, £20 Universal Credit/equivalent
Frequency: Weekly
Location: OTS-Oxford
Also at: Online
Click Here To contact me
Approach & Specialist Areas:
I work with a flexible and integrative approach that is tailored to your individual needs, but always with the development of the therapeutic relationship front and centre. Counselling can be helpful if you feel stuck, whether that's in the distant past, with recent events, or with where to go in the future.
Whatever you're going through, I can offer you affordable, one-to-one therapy - a safe space where you can explore your inner thoughts and feelings, develop an understanding of your patterns, and move towards a better life on your own terms.
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma and bereavement among other issues, and with a diverse set of clients across age, ethnicity, gender and neurodiversity. My primary training is in person-centred counselling, but I have also further training and experience in CBT, Gestalt, transactional analysis and coaching approaches.
Background:
I have experience working as an employment coach for people with mental health difficulties, and have also volunteered with Cruse (bereavement counselling) and the Samaritans (suicide crisis).
Training & Qualifications:
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
ASIST Suicide Prevention Certificate
Level 2 APT Certificate in CBT Essentials
Registered Bodies:
BACP Registered Member
OTS Member
Emily Hall
Integrative Counsellor
Offering: Individual counselling (18+) long/short term
Availability: Tues, Weds, Thurs
Fees: £60
Frequency: Weekly
Location: OTS-Oxford Therapy Centre
Also at: Online
Click Here To contact me
Approach & Specialist Areas:
As an integrative trauma-informed counsellor I combine different techniques to create an approach that is bespoke to your individual needs. I work with adults and support clients with various issues including; anxiety, bereavement, depression, ill health, low moods, relationship difficulties, stress, OCD, perfectionism, isolation, loneliness, overwhelming emotions, trauma, trust and control issues.
Building a strong relationship is the foundation of therapy so we’ll work together to create an environment where you can be truly heard - free from judgement. Within the safety of the therapeutic relationship you can then explore whatever has brought you to therapy, be that negative thoughts, feelings, behaviours or experiences. Increased self awareness, combined with being heard, understood and accepted, can be profoundly enlightening and liberating. It can empower us to make different choices.
Understanding the link between the body and mind, especially the nervous system and how you respond when this is triggered, can often be an important part of the work. This can include using tools to help with self regulation, such as mindfulness and breathing exercises, which can be an important part of the healing process.
Background:
While working in marketing and communications I volunteered at the Samaritans. I’d always regretted not training in a helping profession and my experience at the Samaritans inspired me to retrain as a counsellor.
Training & Qualifications:
CPCAB Level 6 Diploma in Trauma Counselling
CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Therapeutic Counselling
NCFE Level 3 Award in Counselling Skills and Theory
CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Registered Bodies & Organisational Positions:
BACP
OTS
Julia Joyce
Integrative Transpersonal Counsellor
Offering: Individual adult (18+) therapy
Availability: Monday - Friday, daytime and evenings
Fees: £60 (60 minute sessions), limited number of concessionary slots for students / lower income
Frequency: Weekly
Location: OTS-Oxford Therapy Centre
Also at: OTS-Witney Therapy Centre, Faringdon & Online
Click Here To contact me
Approach & Specialist Areas:
As a transpersonal therapist my focus is to help you to understand yourself better and to explore your growth as as individual. Life can be challenging and complicated, resulting in perhaps depression, anxiety, low self-worth, addictions, eating disorders or a sense of feeling empty or stuck. In therapy we would think together about how your life is now, in the present, then work backwards to explore how people and and situations might have contributed to forming beliefs and responses that are no longer helping you. With growing awareness it is then possible to look forwards into the future, perhaps looking at ways to do things a little differently as you continue your life journey.
We will have an initial session; following this, if you decide to continue with weekly therapy, I will provide a safe and confidential room or Zoom setting for you to bring whatever issues you would like to explore. We might do this just through talking, or we can use visualisations / art / myth and stories / dreamwork - how we work is your choice. I will actively engage with the issues you bring, by listening, supporting and challenging you to find out more about the unique human being that you are. As Oscar Wilde said, “The final mystery is oneself”.
Background:
In 2010, following a personal crisis, I went into therapy with a Jungian practitioner which over time, transformed the way in which I understood myself, my life and the world. Excited by this, I then took the decision to retrain as a therapist, so that I could help others as I had been helped.
Prior to this, I worked as a garden designer / gardener. I have always had strong ties to the natural world, which has taught me so much.
Training & Qualifications:
Diploma in Integrative Transpersonal Counselling (ReVision, London).
Registered Bodies & Organisational Positions:
British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
OTS-Oxfordshire Therapy and Self-Development
Ben Barwick
Integrative Counsellor
Offering: Individual therapy
Availability: Monday to Friday (Days & Evenings)
Fees: £50 - sliding scale
Frequency: Weekly
Location: OTS-Oxford Therapy Centre
Also at: OTS-Witney Therapy Centre & Online
Click Here To contact me
Approach & Specialist Areas:
As an integrative counsellor, I draw on a few theories (Person-Centred, Psychodynamic and Gestalt) and tailor my approach to the client. I have a keen interest in Psychodynamic Counselling, which impacts my practice. I am focused on working in the present, making the unconscious conscious. We’ll explore patterns that have been established in early life and allow you to do something differently.
I offer both long-term open-ended and short term counselling. Your needs are something we would discuss in our initial sessions.
Background:
I spent over ten years as a Running Coach at Full Potential, designing training plans and supporting runners of all abilities. I felt there was more out there, so in 2018 I took a Level 2 Course in Counselling Skills. Within weeks I knew this was a career path I wanted to go down.
I’ve always been inquisitive about understanding myself, and counselling allowed me to explore my past, present, and future in a way I have never done before. It helps me make sense of my world, which I want to offer to others.
I am currently studying for a postgraduate Certificate in Psychodynamic Counselling at Oxford University. I hope to turn this into a Masters over the next few years.
Training & Qualifications:
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Currently Studying PG Cert in Psychodynamic Counselling
Registered Bodies & Organisational Positions:
BACP Registered Member
OTS Member
Melanie Bain
Humanistic Counsellor
Offering: Individual therapy
Availability: Monday - Saturday
Fees: £60 - £65 (50 min sessions)
Frequency: weekly
Location: OTS-Oxford & Witney Therapy Centres
Also at: Bicester, Botley and online
Click Here To contact me
Approach & Specialist Areas:
The aim of my work is to enable you to increase self-awareness and notice hidden attitudes, feelings or behaviours that you may have in relation to your current situation or problem. My belief is that when we become more aware of ourselves this increases our own ability to see, challenge and change old unhelpful patterns and belief systems. Because we have unique personalities and backgrounds I find that one approach does not work for everyone, therefore, how I work with you may vary depending on your own needs and personality and how we relate to one another during our time together.
Background:
Within my counselling profession, I have worked with adults and young people who have faced difficulties from substance abuse, mental/physical/sexual abuse, self-esteem, depression and relationship issues. However, my work is not specific to these issues alone.
Prior to, during and after my training, I worked within the health, social and criminal justice sector. For nearly five years I have worked with organisations specialising in the rehabilitation of drug and alcohol users and prolific offenders. I currently support children, young people and their families who are facing domestic and social difficulties.
I am a registered member of the National Counselling Society and I work alongside their ethical standards. I undertake regular supervision and ongoing professional development to ensure a high standard of working. I am DBS checked in order to work with children.
Training & Qualifications:
I have a post-graduate diploma in Humanistic counselling and supervision from the Kinharvie Institute, Caledonian University of Glasgow, where I attended from 2001 and 2004.
Registered Bodies:
OTS Member
National Counselling Society accredited registrant
Ahmed Kandeel
Psychodynamic Counsellor
Offering: Individual therapy for Adults
Availability: Monday 8-12 Witney, Monday 2-6 Oxford
Fees: £65
Frequency: Once weekly
Location: OTS-Oxford & On-line
Click Here To contact me
Approach & Specialist Areas:
My training is in Psychodynamic Counselling, my approach is to create a safe and non-judgmental space for the person to talk and explore difficult feelings and emotions, sometimes we can think of the present in the light of the past and sometimes it's just this supportive and safe space to think together. I worked with clients who had low self-esteem issues, depression, relationship issues, childhood trauma, abuse, loss and grief. I believe each individual is unique and cannot be defined by what they suffer from
Background:
I worked for some years in different charitable organisations in the Oxfordshire area that offered general counselling or bereavement and loss-specific counselling
Training and qualifications: Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling from Wessex Counselling Services
Training and Qualifications:
Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling from Wessex Counselling Services
EMDR therapist in training Part 1,2,3
Registered Bodies;
MBACP Accredited Membership,
BPC Accredited member