Deal & Walmer Counselling Service
Professional, inclusive mental health support for our community
Request a callback
If you’d like to speak with one of our counsellors, feel free to request a callback. Just leave your name, contact number, and a convenient time to reach you, and we’ll be in touch within 24 hours.
Welcome to Deal & Walmer Counselling Service
Professional, inclusive mental health support for our community
Welcome to Deal & Walmer Counselling Services
Thank you for visiting. We’re here to support you.
We offer professional, inclusive, and compassionate counselling for adults and young people in Walmer, Deal, and the surrounding areas. Our experienced team provides timely, confidential support tailored to your needs.
We understand that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming. That’s why we aim to make the process as straightforward and welcoming as possible, creating a space where you feel safe, heard, and understood. Our counsellors are trained to support a wide range of emotional and mental health challenges with care and expertise.
Whether you're seeking one-to-one therapy, therapeutic group sessions, or psychoeducational workshops, we’re here to help you take the next step towards improved wellbeing.
What We Offer
At Walmer and Deal Counselling Service, we provide a range of supportive, accessible options to meet your needs. Whether you're looking for individual support or connection through group work, we're here to help.
Our Services
Individual counselling
Therapeutic groups
Psychoeducational workshops
Clinical Supervision
Neurodiversity-affirming support
Counselling for young people (11+)
Enquire now to be matched with a counsellor
How It Works
Taking the first step towards counselling can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. We aim to make the process as simple, welcoming, and transparent as possible.
1. Get in touch
If you’d like to learn more about how we can support you, please complete our enquiry form and one of our counsellors will be in touch. You can also request a call back using the ‘Call Back’ button at the top of our website.
2. Introductions
We’ll arrange a free telephone call so you can ask questions, find out more about how we work, and feel confident about your next step. There’s no pressure to book a session during this call, or at any point after, if you don’t feel ready.
3. First session
If you decide to go ahead, you’ll arrange a first session at a time that works for you. This session often includes space to talk about what’s bringing you to counselling and what you’d like to get from it. You can go at your own pace.
4. Ongoing support
If you choose to continue, sessions are usually weekly or fortnightly. Your counsellor will work with you to explore your experiences, understand patterns, and support the changes you want to make.
Meet the Team
Francesca Robson BSc (Hons)
Francesca Robson
Counselling & Clinical Supervision
I’m a qualified person-centred counsellor with over 10 years’ experience supporting adults and young people through a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. My core training is rooted in the person-centred approach, which means I place great value on creating a warm, empathic, and non-judgemental space where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and understood.
While my foundation is person-centred, I also integrate elements from other therapeutic approaches when appropriate, offering practical tools or more structured support to suit your individual needs. This may include emotion regulation strategies, psychoeducation, or focused exploration of specific coping techniques, always tailored to you.
I’ve worked across a variety of settings, including the NHS, schools, addiction services, charities, and private practice. I’ve supported clients experiencing anxiety, trauma, addiction, disordered eating, self-harm, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.
In addition to one-to-one counselling, I run therapeutic groups and offer psychoeducational sessions that help clients build emotional awareness, self-understanding, and practical wellbeing skills.
Counselling can be beneficial at any point in life, not only during a crisis. You may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply wanting to explore your inner world more deeply.
Sessions are available in person, online, or by telephone, depending on your preference and what feels most accessible to you.
I work with a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges, including:
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression and low mood
- Stress and overwhelm
- Addiction and recovery
- Eating disorders and difficulties with food or body image
- Self-harm and suicidal thoughts
- Relationship issues (including family, romantic, and friendships)
- Low self-esteem and confidence
- Grief and loss
- Identity and self-exploration
- Life transitions (e.g., parenthood, retirement, career changes)
- Emotional regulation difficulties
- Boundaries and assertiveness
- Loneliness and isolation
This list isn’t exhaustive, and you don’t need a diagnosis or a clearly defined issue to begin counselling. Sometimes, clients simply want to explore their feelings, feel heard, or understand themselves more deeply, and that’s a valuable reason to reach out too.
CLINICAL SUPERVISION
I am also a qualified clinical supervisor, offering supervision to both trainee and qualified counsellors. My supervision approach is grounded in person-centred principles, and I am also trained in the Seven-Eyed Model of Supervision, which allows for a rich and reflective exploration of the therapeutic process, client dynamics, and the therapeutic relationship.
Whether you’re in training or in established practice, I aim to offer a collaborative and supportive space where you can reflect safely, deepen your professional insight, and grow with confidence.
Fees:
Individual Counselling
£60 per 50-minute session
Clinical supervision Fees:
Qualified Counsellors:
£60 for 60 minutes
£80 for 90 minutes
Trainee Counsellors:
£45 for 60 minutes
£60 for 90 minutes
Talia Handley MBACP
Talia Handley MBACP
Talia Handley MBACP
I offer one-to-one therapy for people who want to better understand themselves, make sense of emotional challenges, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
My work is rooted in person-centred values, while also drawing from a range of therapeutic approaches to suit each individual rather than a one-size-fits-all model.
I aim to offer a grounded, down-to-earth space where you can explore what’s going on for you without judgement. Alongside private practice, I also work with a service connected to the NHS, supporting clients with a wide range of emotional and psychological needs.
I have experience working with anxiety, low mood, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and the impact of trauma. I am particularly passionate about working in a neuroaffirming way with neurodivergent clients, creating a space that recognises and values different ways of experiencing the world. I also have experience supporting LGBTQ+ clients with identity, relationships, and life experiences, and I aim to offer an inclusive and affirming environment for all.
Therapy with me is collaborative and flexible, guided by your pace and priorities. If you’re considering counselling, I’d be happy to have a conversation to see whether it feels like the right fit.
Fees: £50 per 50 minute session.
Clara Dawson MSc
Clara Dawson MSc
As a qualified and experienced therapist, I'm registered with NCPS, working with young people and adults. I work in a way that is warm, human and gently challenging, always at your pace.
I work from a trauma- informed, neurodivergent-affirming, and LGBTQ+ inclusive perspective, adapting my methods to suit your unique needs and personal experiences.
I support individuals going through a life challenge, carrying the weight of past experiences or trying to keep it all together daily. I offer therapy for adults and young people dealing with:
- Anxious, depressed, low moods, feeling emotionally overwhelmed or numb
- Identity challenges and low self-esteem
- Difficult childhood experiences, complex PTSD and inner child work
- Neurodivergence (including ADHD, autism, dyslexia and sensory processing differences)
- Life transitions such as menopause, parenting, and career changes
- Bereavement and loss
- Relationship and family issues, including estrangement
- Concerns regarding substance use such as alcohol
- Stuck in cycles of low self-worth, shame, guilt or over-responsibility
Experience: For over 10 years I’ve led on wellbeing and mental health in workplaces; worked with adults, teenagers and children experiencing bereavement; supported individuals in recovery from addiction, and provided counselling in schools, workplaces, and charities, including unpaid carers and those living with the impact of abuse and neglect. I also bring both personal and professional understanding of neurodivergence, offering a space where clients can feel accepted, understood, and be themselves.
Fee: I charge £50 per hour.
Please enquire about concession rates.
Low Cost Therapy Programme
We are launching a Low Cost Therapy Programme to help make counselling more accessible for people on a low income.
Sessions are offered at £20 per session and are provided by student counsellors in their final year of training. All student counsellors working within our service are:
- Registered with a recognised professional body
- Fully DBS checked
- Working to the same ethical and confidentiality standards as all of our therapists
- Supported through regular supervision
This programme offers 8–12 sessions, providing short-term, focused support in a safe and professional setting.
How It Works
- Get in touch via our enquiry form
- Initial assessment with one of our qualified therapists to ensure the service is suitable for your needs
- Placement on the waiting list for the next available low-cost slot
- Sessions begin once a space becomes available
If you feel this programme may be right for you, please contact us using the enquiry form to begin the process.
Frequently asked questions
This is a private service, and each counsellor sets their own fee. Sessions are arranged and paid for directly with your chosen therapist.
We offer a range of support, including:
- One to one counselling
- Therapeutic groups
- Workshops
- Support for neurodivergent clients and young people
Yes. All of our counsellors are fully trained, insured, DBS checked, and registered with a professional body such as the BACP or NCPS.
You can start by filling in our enquiry form or requesting a call back through the button at the top of the website. We’ll be in touch within 24 hours (Monday–Friday) to answer any questions and offer a free introductory call. If you decide to go ahead, your first session will be arranged at a time that suits you, and payment will be made directly with your counsellor.
Each counsellor manages their own availability, but we have a range of available appointment times including early mornings and evenings. Once you get in touch, they will offer you available days and times and arrange a session directly with you.
Fees are set individually and listed within each counsellor’s bio on the website.
We work with a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety and low mood
- Trauma
- Disordered eating
- Self esteem
- Identity
- Addiction and recovery
- Self harm
- Grief and loss
- Relationship difficulties
- Neurodivergent experiences
- LGBTQ+ identities and experiences
Not at all. Counselling isn’t only for times of crisis. Many people come to explore their thoughts and feelings, manage everyday stress, or navigate changes in their lives. It can be a space for growth, reflection, and support at any stage.
We are not an emergency service. If you need urgent support, please contact:
- Samaritans – 116 123
- SHOUT – Text “SHOUT” to 85258
- NHS – Call 111 or visit your nearest A&E
Contact us
Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about how counselling works or if you’d like to arrange an initial assessment appointment using the booking form below.
An initial conversation gives us the opportunity to talk through what has brought you here, explore whether counselling may be helpful for you, and consider together whether we are the right fit to support your needs. There is no pressure to make any commitments at this stage, it is simply a chance to see what feels right for you.
You can also request a call if you'd prefer to speak directly. We’re happy to talk through any queries you may have before arranging an appointment. We are always happy to answer questions and guide you through the next steps.
All enquiries are usually answered within 24 hours (Monday to Friday).
Our Story and Purpose
Walmer & Deal Counselling Service was founded by a team of counsellors with a shared vision: to offer ethical, high-quality, and emotionally attuned support within a professional yet welcoming setting.
We are guided by values of inclusivity, respect, collaboration, and transparency. Together, we are committed to providing support to our local community.
We created this service to:
- Offer a reliable alternative to overstretched or time-limited services
- Provide clear and transparent access to fee-based support
- Deliver a variety of therapeutic options: one-to-one counselling, group work, and workshops
- Promote emotional wellbeing in the community
