About

'You don’t need to fit neatly into a category to come to therapy.
Often, people arrive with a sense that something just isn’t quite right and that’s more than enough. '

Rhys Hawkins MBACP

Who I am

I am a BACP registered Integrative Psychotherapist.

Also a qualified Social Worker, I have extensive experience working for various world -leading online mental health platforms supporting young people and young adults.

Accreditations

BACP Registered (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)

Growing Specialisms

Trauma

Gender

Loss and Bereavement

My Approach

Rather than asking: 'What do you think about that?'

..I prefer to explore with you: 'How does it feel when we experience things in that way together?'

My style is relational (based in our growing relationship), experiential (based in our shared experiences), and grounded in curiosity about who you are in session when we're exploring together.

I’m not interested in offering quick fixes. Instead - we can go at your pace to be with your feelings, play and explore together, and listen to what your body has to say.

Together, through listening to your body, talking things through, and using creative techniques, I hope we can understand what’s really going on beneath the surface in your mind, and help you grow for the better.

'We can go at your pace to be with your feelings, play and explore together'

Alongside a safe, light-hearted and warm conversation, I often draw on:

Metaphor and imagery to make sense of complex inner experiences
Body awareness to help you tune into what’s being held physically, not just with your thinking mind
Creativity and doing things together to explore things that can’t always be put into words

I like to see our therapeutic relationship as a safe, non judgemental and intensive 'template' - which we can branch out to how you relate to yourself and others.

Equality and Diversity

I approach difference and intersectionality with honour and respect. As a white, cis-gendered, heteronormative presenting man, and as a member of the neurodiverse community myself, I welcome you into the therapy as a person of colour, a member of the trans community, someone who is also neurodiverse, older, disabled, LGBTQIA+ and/or other.

Book your assessment here

Free 15 Minute Phone Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find the answers to some frequently asked questions. If you still haven't found your answer, feel free to use the contact form on the 'Contact' page or email directly.

How much does it cost?

Assessment sessions cost £40.00.

Therapy sessions are costed at £60.00 per online 50 minute session on a sliding scale depending on your circumstances. Your invoice depends on being able to evidence being in receipt of benefits.

Fees reflect the type of therapy offered and are competitive to the local area.

Invoices are sent either weekly or monthly.

What can I expect?

Therapy in its most obvious form is a safe, containing and exploratory conversation.

As this type of therapy is integrative - it uses lots of different elements to help you make sense of your mind, and enact change.

Your assessment is intended for you and Rhys to make sense of you and your world. It is like an informal interview focused on you and your world.

As things progress, you can expect to use mindfulness techniques, imagery and metaphor, open, non judgemental conversation, diagrams, various activities and exercises.

What exact form the therapy takes depends on you, your needs and your wants and wishes.

Is Rhys Qualified?

Rhys has completed a Clinical Diploma, and is fully registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

This means he has a qualification recognised by them to practice psychotherapy in the U.K with adults, adheres to the BACP code of conduct, receives regular clinical supervision, is fully insured, and engages with at least 30 hours of professional development per year.

He can be found on their official register here.

What will happen if I am not offered therapy with Rhys?

Sometimes, Rhys' caseload will be full. Or, after your assessment you or he or both of you may decide that therapy delivered by him is not right for you at this time.

You will not be left to fend for yourself.

If it is decided that you are not the right fit for Integrative Therapy or Rhys' individual level of competency or skills, you will have a conversation about a possible referral.

With your permission, Rhys is able to recommend some positive next steps and will share any assessment material as necessary.

How do I book an assessment?

You may request an assessment via the contact form on the contact page.

You can also ring 07514653754 for a free 15 minute consultation and to book an assessment.

Alternatively, email: rhys@verdantpsychotherapy.co.uk

Rhys reserves the right to refer you to a different professional should you not be suitable for his style of therapy / your needs are assessed to be outside his expertise and level of competency.

Assessments are collaborative affairs, and you will receive your own copy for your own self knowledge and records.

All offers of an assessment session are subject to current availability.

How long will the therapy last?

Good psychotherapy lasts as long as it needs to.

It is usually divided into short term work (usually lasting 6-20 sessions) medium term work (6 months +) or open ended (sometimes over years).

You will have the opportunity to discuss what length may work for you at assessment.

However, most clients find that the length of the therapy changes as their needs, wants and wishes change.

You will evaluate and have regular conversations and how you feel things are going throughout the process.

Do I need therapy?

Therapy is more of an art form than a science. It is an elusive process that can be as confusing as it is deceptively simple.

Psychotherapy can be seen as a 'talking cure' aimed at helping you heal and grow beyond and around a variety of mental health issues or difficult experiences.

However, it can also be an interesting, enriching and healing experience for anyone who wants to examine their life and feelings in more detail.

If you feel able to dedicate some of your time, energy and money to therapy, it can transform your life - no matter what you bring to it.

How will I know I am in safe hands?

As a regsitered BACP therapist Rhys works to a widely endorsed ethical framework. His proficiency and skills are regularly honed, monitored and improved each year.

He is also fully DBS checked, and has professional indemnity insurance cover.

Further, all therapy is supervised by a registered psychotherapist who has undergone further training in clinical supervision.