KnowYou Counselling
Your direction in life can feel a lot clearer once you understand yourself
Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom
Aristotle
About Me
Experienced Therapeutic Humanistic Counsellor
Hello, I am Abi Leigh-Watts, a qualified Integrative Humanistic, ACT and Polyvagal informed Counsellor. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) which means my work is guided by their safe ethics and principles. I support clients of all ages from 11 to 80+ from my Private Practice in Bournemouth. I am a secondary School Counsellor and I also work with two local charities providing counselling support for carers and the families of children who have life-limiting conditions.
My approach is Person Centred integrating TA, Gestalt and ACT modalities to suit individual client needs.
Qualifications and Training
CPCAB Level 5 Certificate in Counselling Children and Young People
BACP Certificate of Proficiency
CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Theory
CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Outdoor Therapy Workshop - Sarah Devine
Best Practice when supporting Autistic Clients - Aspire Autism
ADHD in the Therapy Room - Aspire Autism
ACT for Beginners - Russ Harris
Trauma-Focused ACT Certificate - Russ Harris
ACT for self-harming and suicidality - Russ Harris
ACT for Perfectionism and People Pleasing - Russ Harris
Attachment Theory In Clinical Practice - Linda Cundy
3-Day DBT Certificated Course
Using Creative Arts with Adults, Children and Young People online - Ani De la Prida
Neuroscience and Polyvagal Theory - Maggi McAllisterMacGregor
Polyvagal Informed Master Class - Deb Dana
Understanding Autism, Asperger's & ADHD - University of Derby
Breaking the Cycle of Self-Harm - Pooky Knightsmith
Relational Depth in Counselling - Mick Cooper
Goals in Therapy - Mick Cooper
A Pluralistic Approach to Therapy - Mick Cooper
Cool Tools in Therapy - Step4ward
Self-Compassion - Russ Harris
Level 2 Safeguarding Children - Local Safeguarding Children Boards
The Missing Link - STARS Trauma Training
Self Harm and Suicide Risk (Adolescents) - The British Psychological Society Approved
Managing Pain - with Vidyamala Burch
Trauma and the Body: Dissociation and Somatisation - Carolyn Spring
Dealing with Distress: Working with Suicide and Self-Harm - Carolyn Spring
Working with Trauma that has become stuck - Carolyn Spring
What is counselling?
A unique process to help you to understand the longest relationship you will ever have, the one with yourself.
I offer face to face Individual Counselling for Adults and Young People in my private garden cabin
or if you prefer online or telephone.
I can also offer Walk and Talk Therapy at the beach, park or other agreed setting.
What will counselling be like?
The counselling experience is unique for everyone. We can explore what has brought you to counselling and led you to take that first step to begin to make sense of your life.
I will give you time to get to KnowYou, explore and understand yourself better which can help to raise your self-esteem and self-worth.
We can together identify your needs, priorities and values which may help bring clarity to your life and its direction.
How can counselling help me?
At times life can be challenging and our thoughts and actions can be dominated by anxiety, worries and other external influences. This can take us away from our ability to live our life being able to prioritise what is important to us. My belief is that you are the expert of you and your needs I will be alongside you to help you reconnect with your values
My role will be to offer you time, a secure space where you will not be judged or criticised but accepted for being you and given time to KnowYou.
We can work together to explore life's difficulties, learn about and establish personal boundaries to help you to live a satisfying and content life.
My person-centred approach will help you to become your inner expert
and to be able to identify your needs for yourself
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
Carl Rogers
Sessions and Prices
Initial first assessment session fee £40
No obligation chance to see if we can work together
Reduced rate of £275 for 6 sessions payable in advance available
Book a Session
Please contact me to arrange an initial session.
07773 417750
