Counselling in Ashford, Kent | BACP Accredited Counsellor

If you're looking for counselling in Ashford, Kent, I offer confidential, professional counselling for adults from my private practice at Maple Wellness in Ashford.

I'm Paul Madden BA, MBACP (Accred), a BACP Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist with more than 20 years' experience supporting people through counselling, bereavement and hospice care, sexual health services, LGBT+ support and a wide range of emotional and life challenges.

You might be experiencing anxiety, overthinking, stress, grief, low mood, burnout or relationship difficulties. Perhaps you're navigating a change in your health, identity, work or personal life. Or you may simply know that something doesn't feel right but aren't sure where to begin.

You don't need to have everything worked out before coming to counselling.

Sometimes having a private, supportive space where you can talk openly and feel genuinely heard is the place to start.

I offer face-to-face counselling in Ashford, as well as online and telephone counselling for adults who prefer to meet remotely.

Where I Offer Counselling In Ashford

Appointments take place at:

Maple Wellness
Unit 1, Epps Building
Bridge Road
Ashford
TN23 1BB

what3words: ///settle.stole.noon

The practice is conveniently located just a few minutes from Ashford town centre and is easily accessible from the M20, A28 and surrounding areas including Hamstreet, Warehorne, Wittersham, Tenterden, Rye, Hythe, New Romney and Folkestone..

Private Counselling in Ashford, Kent

Counselling gives you time and space to focus on yourself away from the pressures, expectations and distractions of everyday life.

You don't need a mental health diagnosis to come to counselling, and you don't need to arrive knowing exactly what you want to talk about.

People seek counselling for many different reasons.

For some, there is a specific problem or event they want to explore. For others, difficulties have developed gradually and they have reached a point where coping alone feels increasingly difficult.

You may feel anxious without fully understanding why. You might be exhausted from constantly trying to keep everything going. A relationship may feel different. A bereavement may have changed the way you experience everyday life.

Sometimes the feeling is simply: "I don't feel like myself anymore."

Counselling can provide a confidential and non-judgemental space to explore what has been happening and understand what you may need moving forward.

Sessions are centred around you rather than following a one-size-fits-all formula.

What Can Counselling Help With?

People come to counselling with a wide range of experiences, concerns and questions.

I regularly support adults experiencing:

Anxiety, worry and overthinking
Stress and feeling overwhelmed
Workplace pressure and burnout
Depression and low mood
Grief, bereavement and loss
Relationship difficulties
Men's mental health concerns
LGBT+ issues
Sexuality and sexual identity
Identity and self-esteem
Sexual health concerns or diagnoses
HIV, herpes and the emotional impact of health diagnoses
Health-related changes
Trauma and difficult past experiences
Life transitions and uncertainty
Low confidence
Emotional exhaustion
Personal development
Feeling stuck or disconnected
Feeling unlike yourself

You may recognise yourself in one of these areas, several of them, or none of them. That's okay.

Counselling does not require you to fit neatly into a category. We can begin with whatever feels most important to you.

How Can Counselling Help Me?

Counselling can help by giving you a regular, confidential space to understand your thoughts, emotions, relationships and experiences more clearly.

Depending on what brings you to counselling, it may give you an opportunity to:

Explore difficult or confusing emotions
Understand patterns in your thoughts or relationships
Make sense of anxiety and persistent worry
Process grief, loss or significant change
Talk about experiences you find difficult to discuss elsewhere
Explore your identity or sexuality without judgement
Understand what may be contributing to stress or burnout
Develop greater self-awareness
Consider different ways of responding to challenges
Explore what you need from relationships
Make sense of difficult life experiences
Navigate periods of uncertainty
Find a way forward that feels right for you

Counselling isn't about me telling you what you should do. It is a collaborative process in which we can explore what is happening, what it means to you and what changes may be helpful.

There are no promises of instant solutions, and meaningful change can take time. What counselling can offer is somewhere to begin.

What Is Counselling With Me Like?

Starting counselling can feel daunting, especially if you have never spoken with a counsellor before.

You may wonder what you're supposed to say, whether your problems are "serious enough" or whether you'll be judged for talking openly about how you feel.

My aim is to create a calm, compassionate and non-judgemental environment where you don't have to perform, pretend or have all the answers. We work at a pace that feels manageable for you.

There may be things you want to discuss straight away and other subjects that take longer to approach. Both are okay.

I won't tell you how you should live your life or make decisions for you.

Instead, we'll work collaboratively to better understand your experiences, emotions and circumstances and explore what might help you move forward.

Experienced BACP Accredited Counsellor in Ashford

I'm Paul Madden BA, MBACP (Accred), a BACP Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist.

I have more than 20 years' experience supporting adults across counselling and related health and support services.

My professional experience includes work within:

Counselling and psychotherapy
Bereavement support
Hospice care
Sexual health services
HIV support
LGBT+ services
Health and social care

This experience has involved supporting people through grief, anxiety, relationships, sexuality, identity, health diagnoses, emotional distress and significant changes in their lives.

My approach remains centred on the individual person sitting in front of me.

Your experiences are your own, and counselling should provide space for them to be understood in that context.

You can also learn more about me and my approach before deciding whether you would like to make an appointment.

Face-to-Face Counselling in Ashford

If you prefer to meet your counsellor in person, I provide face-to-face counselling in Ashford, Kent from a private therapy room at Maple Wellness.

Having a separate space for counselling can help you step away from work, home life and everyday demands for a while and focus entirely on yourself.

Appointments take place at:

Maple Wellness
Unit 1, Epps Building
Bridge Road
Ashford
TN23 1BB

what3words: ///settle.stole.noon

The practice is conveniently situated for Ashford and people travelling from surrounding parts of Kent.

All counselling appointments are pre-arranged and by appointment only.

Is There Parking at Maple Wellness?

Yes. Free on-site parking is available for counselling clients at Maple Wellness.

When you arrive at the Epps Building, walk or drive around the right-hand side of the building.

The Maple Wellness entrance is located at the side.

I recommend arriving around 5 to 10 minutes before your appointment.

This gives you time to park, find the entrance and settle before your session begins.

Counselling Near Ashford and Surrounding Areas

You do not need to live in Ashford itself to attend counselling at my practice.

I welcome adults from Ashford and surrounding areas of Kent, including:

Willesborough
Kennington
Kingsnorth
Singleton
Great Chart
Park Farm
Wye
Charing
Hamstreet
Warehorne
Wittersham
Tenterden
Hythe
New Romney
Folkestone
Canterbury
Maidstone
Rye

If travelling into Ashford works for you, you're welcome to enquire regardless of where in the surrounding area you live.

If travelling isn't practical, online counselling may provide a more convenient alternative.

Online and Telephone Counselling

Can I have counselling online instead of attending in Ashford? Yes.

Alongside face-to-face counselling, I provide online and telephone counselling for adults who prefer remote appointments.

Online counselling may be particularly useful if you:

Live outside Ashford
Have a busy work schedule
Travel regularly
Have family or caring responsibilities
Find travelling difficult
Prefer talking from your own home
Live elsewhere in the UK
Are an English-speaking client living abroad

Remote counselling allows you to access a regular therapeutic space without travelling to the Ashford practice.

For international clients, whether I can work with you will also depend on your individual circumstances and the professional or regulatory requirements relevant to where you are living.

How Much Does Counselling Cost in Ashford?

I believe fees should be clear before you decide whether you would like to proceed.

Free 15-Minute Introductory Call

15 minutes — Free

A short phone or video conversation where you can ask questions, briefly explain what has brought you to counselling and get a sense of whether working together may feel right.

There is no obligation to continue.

Initial Counselling Assessment

50 minutes — £60

Your initial assessment gives us more time to talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you would like support with and what you hope to get from the process.

Ongoing Face-to-Face Counselling in Ashford

50 minutes — £75 per session

These sessions take place at Maple Wellness in Ashford.

Online or Telephone Counselling

50 minutes — £60 per session

Remote appointments are available by video or telephone.

Discounted block-booking options are also available for clients who wish to commit to a number of ongoing sessions.

You can view full and current pricing information on my counselling fees page.

Can I Switch Between In-Person and Online Counselling?

In many circumstances, yes.

If you normally attend counselling face-to-face but occasionally need an online or telephone appointment, we can discuss whether changing the format is appropriate.

This can be helpful during travel, illness or other situations where attending the Ashford practice isn't possible.

Do I Have to Book the Free 15-Minute Call First?

No. The free introductory call is completely optional.

Some people find it useful because they want to ask questions before arranging a full appointment. Others already feel ready to begin.

If you're ready to start counselling, you can book your initial assessment directly without having the introductory call first. The choice is yours.

What Happens at the First Counselling Session?

Your first counselling appointment is an opportunity for us to begin understanding what has brought you to therapy and what you may need from it.

There is no test and no expectation that you tell me your entire life story in one session.

We might discuss:

What has brought you to counselling now
How you have been feeling
What is currently happening in your life
Any difficulties that are particularly important to you
What you hope counselling may help you with
Your previous experience of counselling, if any
How frequently we might meet
Any questions or concerns you have about counselling

It is also an opportunity for you to experience what it feels like talking with me.

The relationship between counsellor and client matters, so the first appointment can help you decide whether you feel comfortable enough for us to continue working together.

Do I Need to Know What to Talk About in Counselling?

No.

You do not need to arrive with a list of problems or a perfectly clear explanation of what is wrong.

Some people know exactly why they are seeking counselling.

Others say things such as:

"I'm overwhelmed."

"I can't switch my mind off."

"Something doesn't feel right."

"I've been coping for years, but I can't keep doing it."

"I don't really know why I'm here. I just know I need to talk to someone."

Those are all valid places to begin. We can explore what is happening together.

How Often Should I Attend Counselling?

Many clients begin with weekly counselling sessions because regular appointments can provide consistency and continuity.

However, there is no single frequency that suits everybody.

Your circumstances, availability and reasons for seeking counselling will all be considered.

In some situations, fortnightly appointments or another arrangement may be appropriate.

We can discuss this during your initial assessment and review it as the work progresses.

How Many Counselling Sessions Will I Need?

There isn't a fixed number of counselling sessions that everyone needs.

Some people come to counselling with a specific issue and find shorter-term work helpful.

Others want more time to explore long-standing patterns, relationships, identity, loss or experiences from different periods in their lives.

You are not required to decide at the beginning exactly how long you will continue.

We can regularly review how counselling is going and whether it continues to be helpful.

Is Counselling Confidential?

Yes. Counselling is confidential, subject to certain legal, ethical and safeguarding limits.

Confidentiality is an important part of creating a space where you can talk openly.

There are, however, circumstances in which confidentiality may need to be considered differently—for example, where there are serious safeguarding or legal concerns.

I will explain the limits of confidentiality clearly when we begin working together so that you understand how your information is handled.

If you have questions about confidentiality before booking, you're welcome to ask.

Do I Need a GP Referral for Private Counselling?

No. You don't need a referral from your GP or another healthcare professional to arrange private counselling with me.

You can contact me yourself or use the online booking system to make an appointment.

You also don't need to have received a formal diagnosis before seeking counselling.

How Do I Book Counselling in Ashford?

If you feel ready to begin, there are several ways to take the next step.

Book an Appointment Online

You can use my secure online booking system to view available appointments and arrange a session.

Book a Free 15-Minute Introductory Call

If you have questions or would prefer a brief conversation before arranging a counselling assessment, you can book the free introductory call.

It is optional and there is no obligation to continue.

Can't Find a Suitable Appointment?

If the booking system does not show a suitable face-to-face appointment, please don't assume that I have no availability.

Get in touch and let me know:

Your preferred day or days
Your preferred times
Whether you're looking for a one-off appointment or ongoing counselling
Whether you prefer face-to-face, online or telephone counselling

I'll do my best to identify suitable alternative availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is counselling in Ashford?

An initial 50-minute counselling assessment costs £60.

Ongoing face-to-face counselling in Ashford costs £75 for 50 minutes, while online and telephone counselling costs £60 for 50 minutes.

Where do counselling sessions take place in Ashford?

Face-to-face counselling takes place at Maple Wellness, Unit 1, Epps Building, Bridge Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1BB.

Is there free parking?

Yes. Free on-site parking is available for counselling clients at Maple Wellness.

How long does a counselling session last?

Initial assessments and ongoing counselling appointments normally last 50 minutes.

Do I need a referral for counselling?

No.

You can arrange private counselling yourself without being referred by your GP.

Do I need a mental health diagnosis to have counselling?

No.

You don't need a diagnosis. You can seek counselling whenever you feel that having a confidential space to explore what is happening could be helpful.

Do I need to book the free consultation first?

No.

The free 15-minute introductory call is optional. You can book an initial assessment directly if you're ready to start.

Is counselling confidential?

Yes.

Counselling is confidential within clearly explained professional, ethical, safeguarding and legal limits.

What can I talk about in counselling?

You can talk about whatever is important to you. This could include anxiety, grief, relationships, stress, burnout, low mood, identity, sexuality, men's mental health, health concerns, difficult experiences, life changes or simply feeling that something isn't right.

Can I have counselling if I'm not sure what's wrong?

Yes.

You don't need to fully understand what is happening before contacting a counsellor. Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected or unlike yourself can be enough of a reason to begin exploring how you're feeling.

How often will I need counselling?

Many people begin with weekly appointments, although frequency can be adapted depending on your individual circumstances and needs.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no standard number. Some people prefer short-term counselling focused on a particular concern, while others benefit from longer-term work.

Can I have online counselling instead?

Yes.

Online and telephone counselling are available if you cannot attend the Ashford practice or prefer remote support.

Can I change between online and face-to-face counselling?

In many circumstances, yes.

If you need to change the format of an appointment, we can discuss what is appropriate.

Do you only see clients who live in Ashford?

No.

Adults from Ashford and surrounding areas are welcome to attend the practice. I also provide online counselling across the UK and, where appropriate, for English-speaking clients internationally.

What if I've never had counselling before?

That's completely fine. Many people contacting me are having counselling for the first time. Your initial appointment gives you an opportunity to ask questions, understand how counselling works and decide whether you feel comfortable continuing.

Looking for a Counsellor in Ashford, Kent?

Deciding to speak with a counsellor is a personal decision, and you don't have to wait until things reach a crisis point before seeking support.

You may know exactly what you want help with. You may simply know that you are tired of feeling the way you do. Either is enough to start a conversation.

If you're looking for private counselling in Ashford, Kent, I offer a calm, confidential and non-judgemental space where we can explore what is happening at a pace that feels right for you.

You can attend face-to-face counselling at Maple Wellness in Ashford or choose online or telephone counselling if that works better for your circumstances.

If you're ready to begin, you can book an initial assessment directly.

If you have questions first, the free 15-minute introductory call is available with no obligation to continue.

Book Counselling in Ashford

Book online: Arrange your counselling appointment

Phone: +44 7343 065 531

Email: Paul@PrivateCounsellingOnline.com

You don't have to know exactly where the conversation will lead.

You only need somewhere to begin.

Booking an Appointment

In-person appointments can be booked online using my booking system.

If you cannot find a suitable appointment, or if no in-person appointments are currently available, please don't assume I have no availability.

Get in touch and let me know:

Your preferred day(s)
Your preferred time(s)
Whether you're looking for a one-off appointment or ongoing counselling

(use the form on the right)

I will always do my best to accommodate your preferences and will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible with alternative availability.