I am an Integrative Counsellor and Gestalt Therapist and an Accredited Registrant of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). I currently work with adult individuals one-to-one, both privately and for charities. I am based in Tooting, London SW17, but also work online, as I find this to be as effective as in-person, and more accessible.
My style is down to earth and approachable; I offer a warm, positive and active working relationship within which to explore whatever has brought you here. The ultimate aim of counselling - as I see it - is to support you in becoming self-aware and robust enough to make changes to help you towards personal growth. I often witness clients exploring and coming to terms with their past and present - and sometimes their future - in a way that helps them to live more honestly with themselves and others.
How we could work together
We can look at discrete issues, such as grief at a recent bereavement, long-term problems with relationships, or coming to terms with family history. However, at this point it may be that you’re not exactly sure what needs to be addressed, rather that you are experiencing a more general sense of things not being right. This is something that we can explore together.
I have specialist areas of interest, including bereavement, grief and loss, and issues specific to people who are LGBTQ+ ( I am affirmative). However, I work with clients on a wider variety of issues, such as relationships, sexuality and gender, anxiety, depression, understanding major life events, childhood abuse, intergenerational trauma, and self-esteem issues. I am though open to working with whatever you are experiencing - we can discuss this during our initial assessment, which is free of charge.
I work both short (minimum six sessions) and longer term. I primarily work online, however I can do home visits in Southwest London, so long as you have a confidential space that we can work in. I also offer walk and talk therapy, around Tooting, Streatham and Clapham Commons (all weathers).
After our initial assessment, I charge £60 per session. I offer a reduced rate for counselling/therapy students of £50 (online only). Unfortunately I currently do not have any low-cost places available.
Experience and training
My experience
As well as my private practice, I have worked in community counselling since 2018, much of which has specialised in working with older adults. My main specialised areas of interest presented themselves to me early on; working with older clients has meant that I often come across grief, although of course bereavement can affect all age groups. Grieving is a necessary - although often extremely painful - process that for many of us is not sufficiently supported by the societies that we live in. I find meeting that lack through my work to be highly rewarding personally. I have also worked with many clients who identify as LGBTQ+, often facing the unique challenge of feelings of difference within their own families and close communities. My work in these areas has taught me that presenting issues, such as grief and sexuality/identity, are often not the issue that needs resolving, instead they can highlight the weaknesses in significant relationships. For this reason, I am always curious about the context of a client’s issues, as the presenting issue and the root of distress are often different.
My training
My training is in Gestalt Therapy and Person-Centred Counselling, both of which emphasise personal autonomy; I will never lead you somewhere that you don’t want to go. Safety and personal investment are crucial for effective therapy, so we will always work at your pace, although at times I will gently challenge you.
As an accredited registrant of the NCPS, I am in continued professional development, and often attend trainings. Recent examples include: supporting clients with complicated grief, carer burnout, and understanding sexuality and gender.
My qualifications:
Postgraduate Diploma Gestalt Therapy Theory (Gestalt Centre/LMU)
ADPD Gestalt Therapy Theory (Gestalt Centre/LMU)
Diploma in Integrative Counselling (Heartwood)
Certificate in Humanistic Counselling (Gestalt Centre/LMU)
I am an Accredited Registrant of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and work within their ethical guidelines.
Next steps
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with me either by calling 07349 949923, and leaving a message, texting me on that number, or emailing me at liamwatsoncounselling@gmail.com.
However you contact me, I will respond by the end of the next business day.
You can also book an initial assessment, free of charge, through my Counselling Directory page.
