Annie Hinchliff

Introducing Myself

My name is Annie Hinchliff and I am a qualified Chartered Counselling Psychologist accredited by The British Psychological Society. I provide psychological counselling and psychotherapy in a General Practice Surgery for the National Health Service (NHS) and I have an independent private practice in Hertfordshire. I offer clinical supervision to qualified, and trainee psychologists and counsellors.

People usually come to me when their problems are taking over their life. They find it difficult to cope, and talking to friends and family is not enough. Having someone non-judgemental they can trust and talk to in a safe and confidential environment gives them confidence to manage their difficulties.

I am experienced in working with a wide range of problems, difficulties and life issues such as relationship concerns or breakdown, the effects of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, major trauma, retirement, bereavement, chronic illness, and loss. I equally specialise in helping and supporting clients with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, stress, eating disorders, addictions, phobias, anger/aggression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress (PTSD), gender and sexuality concerns, self-harm, psychosis, learning difficulties and other emotional and behavioural problems.

My approach to counselling and psychotherapy is founded on effective evidence-based practice. Essentially, I work from a Cognitive-Behavioural (CBT), a systemic, or an Existential-Phenomenological perspective. However, my first priority is to listen to clients and, with them, develop a strategy to cope with their particular circumstances. During the course of therapy I help clients to explore and make sense of their problems, thereby finding a way forward for them.

As an accredited member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) www.bps.org.uk I abide by their code of conduct and professional practice. I am also a member of the Society for Existential Analysis www.existentialanalysis.co.uk.

I aim to provide a highly professional, effective, confidential and quality service that focuses on the individual needs of the client.

About Counselling Psychology

Counselling Psychology is concerned with the application of psychological theories and techniques to help people cope with their difficulties, life issues and psychological disorders. Chartered Counselling Psychologists are highly trained, and their in-depth training contributes a research-based perspective to the talking therapies. Counselling Psychologists combine the art and skills of counselling and psychotherapy with an approach grounded in psychological science, theory and research.

Chartered Counselling Psychologists offer a non-judgemental relationship in a safe and confidential environment where issues and concerns can be openly discussed. Psychological therapy typically involves an assessment where the psychologist seeks to understand problems from the client’s perspective and how and why the particular difficulties have evolved. During the course of counselling a wide range of psychotherapeutic approaches can be used including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Counselling Psychologists usually specialise in two or three approaches, and are trained to choose the most effective approach to fit the needs of the client.

The British Psychological Society believes that clinical supervision is deemed essential for all counselling psychologists. This ensures that good therapeutic practice standards are maintained. All information is treated as confidential, and client details are not disclosed without the client’s permission.

Counselling Psychology is suitable for young people, adults, families, couples, groups and organisations seeking to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. Sessions vary in number and frequency according to the needs of the individual client.

Chartered Counselling Psychologists work to a strict code of Ethics and Practice. the British Psychological Society (www.bps.org.uk) regulates Chartered Psychologists (C. Psychol).