ABOUT
CLAIRE WALKER COUNSELLING

I am a fully qualified Counsellor working with both adults and children. Having completed 4 years study in Therapeutic Counselling, I have reached a professionally recognised standard of qualification and competence. This enables me to be a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapists (BACP) where I work within an ethical framework, abiding by their code of ethics and professional conduct.

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My approach is based on the well regarded theoretical model of Person-Centred Counselling, working within the needs of the client in a non-directional and non-advisory way. I work to a coherent and humanistic model, believing in the actualising tendency of all humans core desire to become all that we are capable of becoming. 

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I use animal assisted therapy where appropriate with my 9 year old therapy dog Elsie, who is a non-shedding cockapoo. She is a highly trained and intelligent dog that has been temperament tested to work with vulnerable people. Due to her calm and gentle nature, she is able to provide an extremely beneficial and therapeutic addition in the therapy room, especially in the comfort of bereavement counselling, and every day mental health problems, such as stress, anxiety and depression.

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Pet therapy builds on the pre-existing human – animal bond. Interacting with a friendly dog has shown to help many physical and mental issues which can reduce blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and increase endorphins that produce a calming effect. This can help alleviate pain, reduce stress and improve the overall psychological state.

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Elsie has visited a number of schools and businesses within Oxfordshire, including local fundraising events and during the Grenfell Tower disaster. She was also able to assist me in offering free Walk and Talk sessions to key workers during the Covid 19 pandemic. 

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