Serenity Jane Counselling

Supporting children, young people and adults to be heard, understood and grow.

My Background & Experience

I come from a place of having faced my own challenges. Like all of us, I have my own story to tell and my personal experiences have shaped who I am and influenced the way I work as a counsellor. They have given me a deeper understanding of how difficult life can sometimes feel, and inspired me to support others as they find their own way forward.

I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor, working with adults, children and young people. Being Integrative means I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychodynamic and Humanistic approaches, tailoring my work to meet the individual needs of each person.

My approach is grounded in empathy, understanding and a genuine belief that positive change is possible. I aim to provide a safe, non-judgemental space where people feel heard, understood and able to explore what is happening for them.

I have experience supporting clients through a variety of issues, including trauma, bereavement, chronic illness, domestic abuse, anxiety and social anxiety, school-related stress, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and the challenges faced by young carers.

I am a qualified Counsellor and a registered member of the professional body, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) (M414922), and adhere to its Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.

The Counselling Work I Do

Life can feel overwhelming at times, and it isn’t always easy to talk about what’s going on, especially when we’re trying to hold everything together. Some people see a counsellor knowing exactly what they want to talk about, while others just have a sense that something isn’t quite right.

Wherever you are in your journey, counselling offers a safe and supportive space to pause, reflect, and make sense of what you’re feeling.

My work focuses on helping you explore your experiences, thoughts, and emotions in a way that feels manageable and meaningful. Together, we can look at what might be causing you distress, identify unhelpful patterns and work towards understanding yourself more deeply.

I draw from a range of approaches to best suit your individual needs. This flexibility allows us to work in a way that feels right for you, whether that’s exploring the past and how it shapes your present, learning practical strategies for managing anxiety or stress or finding new ways to build confidence and self-esteem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before Booking

How do I know if counselling is right for me?

If something in your life feels difficult, overwhelming, or stuck, counselling can help. You don’t need a specific reason or diagnosis.

Are you qualified and registered?

Yes. I am a qualified counsellor and work in line with professional and ethical standards of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

What issues do you help with?

I support people with anxiety, stress, low mood, relationship concerns, grief, trauma, life changes, developing greater self-awareness and emotional resilience, building confidence and feeling unsure or overwhelmed.

Do I need a diagnosis or referral?

No. You can self-refer, and you don’t need a diagnosis to begin counselling.

Is counselling confidential?

Yes. What you share with your counsellor is confidential, with clear and limited exceptions explained at the start of therapy.

About the Session

What actually happens in a counselling session?

Sessions are a safe, supportive space to talk at your own pace. We focus on what matters most to you.

Will you tell me what to do or give advice?

Counselling is collaborative. I won’t tell you what to do, but I will support you to explore choices and find what feels right for you.

How long is a session and how often do I attend?

Sessions with a counsellor are usually 50 minutes. Most people attend weekly, but this can be flexible.

Is it okay if I don’t know what to say?

Yes. Many people feel this way — we can take things slowly and work it out together.

Practicalities

Do you offer online or in-person sessions?

I offer both online and in-person. I also have private outdoor space if you would prefer to sit or wander outdoors.

What are your fees and payment options?

Fees are £65 per session payable 48 hours in advance.

What is your cancellation policy?

I ask for a minimum of 48 hour’s notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Full details are provided when you book.

How soon can I get an appointment with a counsellor?

Availability varies, but I aim to offer appointments as soon as possible.

Emotional Safety

What if I get upset or emotional during a session?

That’s completely okay. Counselling is a place where emotions are welcome and supported.

What if counselling brings things up and I feel worse at first?

This can happen. We’ll go at your pace and regularly check in to make sure you feel supported.

Can I stop counselling whenever I want?

Yes. You are always in control of when you start, pause, or finish counselling.

How do I know if you’re the right counsellor for me?

The relationship matters. If it doesn’t feel like the right fit, it’s okay to discuss this or explore other options.

Counselling for Children and Young People

Alongside my work with adults in private practice I offer counselling for children and young people. I have completed specialist training in this area and hold a Level 6 Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People awarded by the Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB).

I currently work within a primary school supporting children in a familiar and nurturing environment as well as seeing young people and teenagers at a therapy centre.

This combination of specialist training and practical experience enables me to work in an age-appropriate way, adapting my approach to each child or young person, their stage of development and individual needs.

How Counselling Can Help

Growing up brings its own set of challenges and it can sometimes be difficult for children and young people to make sense of their emotions or find the words to express how they feel.


Counselling provides a safe, supportive space where they can explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences, without pressure or judgement. Sometimes a young person will know exactly what is troubling them, other times they may simply feel unsettled, anxious or overwhelmed without being sure why things don't feel right.


My role as a counsellor is to offer a calm and understanding space where they can begin to make sense of what is happening for them and develop ways of managing their thoughts and feelings more effectively.

My approach

I work in a gentle, age-appropriate way, following each child or young person's pace and needs. For younger children, counselling can often be play-based, using creative activities, drawing, games and other forms of expression to help them communicate and explore their feelings in ways that feel natural to them. With older children and teenagers I adapt my approach to suit their age, personality, stage of development and individual needs.


Building trust and helping each child or young person feel comfortable and understood is always a priority. Every child is different and there is no single approach that works for everyone. My aim is to create a space where they feel safe enough to explore what is happening for them, without pressure to talk about anything they are not ready to discuss.


Confidentiality is an important part of counselling and helps young people feel that they have a space that is genuinely their own. I respect their privacy while keeping parents or carers appropriately informed about the counselling process. Clear safeguarding boundaries are in place to support their wellbeing and any concerns about a young person's safety will be dealt with in accordance with appropriate safeguarding procedures.

What might bring a child or young person to counselling?

Children and young people can come to counselling for many different reasons and sometimes there isn't one clear explanation for why they are struggling.


I have experience of supporting children and young people with difficulties including: anxiety, emotional regulation, low self esteem, school aoidance, bereavement and loss, neurodiversity and associated challenges.


Some children and young people may be finding friendships or relationships difficult, struggling to manage strong emotions or feeling overwhelmed by the expectations and demands around them. Others may just feel that something isn't quite right but find it difficult to put their experience into words.


Counselling offers an opportunity to explore these experiences in a safe and supportive environment, helping each child or young person develop a greater understanding of themselves and find ways of managing what they are experiencing.

What parents and carers can expect

It is completely understandable to have questions about counselling for your child or young person, particularly if this is their first experience of therapy. I offer an initial conversation with parents or carers to understand what has been happening and to discuss whether counselling may be appropriate and helpful.


If counselling is agreed, I will take time to build a trusting relationship with your child or young person before expecting them to talk about anything they are not ready to discuss. Sessions provide them with a supportive space where they can explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences at their own pace.


Confidentiality is an important part of counselling and helps young people feel that they have a space that is genuinely their own. I will respect their privacy while keeping parents or carers appropriately informed about the counselling process. If I have a concern about a young person's safety or wellbeing, I will follow appropriate safeguarding procedures and discuss this with parents or carers where it is safe and appropriate to do so.


I recognise that parents and carers can need support and reassurance too. Where appropriate, I can talk with you about ways you can support your child outside of sessions, while keeping the focus on the young person's therapeutic needs.

Counselling for Children and Young People in Kent and Surrey

I work from a private therapy room in Edenbridge, close to the Kent and Surrey border, and welcome enquiries from families across the surrounding areas. I work with people from Edenbridge, Oxted and the surrounding Kent and Surrey areas, as well as nearby towns including East Grinstead and Tunbridge Wells.


If you are considering counselling for your child or young person, please get in touch to ask questions about how I work, what counselling involves or whether counselling may be suitable for your circumstances.

About My Practice

Session Length

50 minutes

Fee

£65 per session

Payable by bank transfer, 48 hours in advance

Location Options

In-person Edenbridge, Kent (TN8 6QJ), close to Oxted, East Grinstead & Tunbridge Wells

Online via Zoom

Outdoor private space available

Parking

Private on-site parking

Session Frequency

Usually weekly (flexible by agreement)

Short-term or long-term therapy available

Initial Consultation

Free

Up to 15 minutes

By phone or Zoom

Low-Cost Spaces

Limited number available

Currently full

Sessions last for 50 minutes and take place in person in my comfortable therapy room or outdoor space based in the outskirts of Edenbridge. The setting offers a calm and confidential environment where you can feel at ease to talk and reflect. For those who prefer to have counselling outdoors, there is also a private outdoor space available for sessions, allowing for a more natural and relaxed environment.

If we agree to work together, each 50-minute session is £65, payable by bank transfer 48 hours in advance of the appointment. I also have a limited number of low-cost spaces available to support accessibility; however, these spaces are currently full.

Sessions are usually held weekly, although this can be discussed and tailored to suit your individual needs. I offer both short-term and longer-term therapy, depending on what feels most helpful for you and the goals you wish to work towards.

I also offer online counselling sessions via Zoom, which can be a flexible option if you prefer to meet from the comfort of your own home or find it difficult to attend in person.

There is private parking on site, making it easy and convenient to attend sessions.

Before beginning therapy, I provide a free initial consultation lasting up to 15 minutes by telephone or Zoom. This gives us a chance to discuss what brings you to counselling, answer any questions you may have and decide together whether we feel it’s the right fit.

My aim is to provide a welcoming, professional space, whether in person or online, where you can feel supported, listened to and ready to begin your therapeutic journey.

Get in Touch

I am based in Edenbridge, Kent which is easily accessible from Dormansland, Hurst Green, Oxted, Westerham, East Grinstead, Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas. I also see clients from the wider Kent and Surrey area.

You can get in touch with me directly by phone at 07887607078, or using my secure and confidential online contact form. I am happy to answer any questions, discuss availability, or arrange an initial consultation.


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