Clare Norton

Areas of Special Interest

• child & adolescent behaviour
• learning & development
• family systems
• personal development & challenges
• relational issues (familial, work, social, intimate/personal)
• life transitions (school, uni, career, parenting, Covid pandemic)
• workplace issues
• human loss & grief
• companion animal loss & grief

Counselling Services

I can offer short term and long term private counselling sessions for clients with issues that range from everyday life challenges to issues that are more complex. I have a warm, genuine and professional approach, providing clients a safe and supportive space in which to address their thoughts, feelings, patterns of behaviour and any personal experiences that may be contributing to how they are thinking, feeling and behaving. By walking alongside clients my goal is to support clients to develop strategies and skills to navigate and work through their personal challenges.

Counselling Approach

I am trained in ‘Person-Centred’ Therapy. Using a pluralistic-integrative approach, I tailor each counselling session to meet the needs of each individual. By inviting my clients to engage fully in the client-therapist relationship – a safe, comfortable and collaborative relationship, helps my clients to deepen a sense of mutual exploration of ‘self’ and deal with issues with increased autonomy.

My purpose is to help clients feel safe and understood. My approach is maximised by my ability to demonstrate unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and empathy. I am very accepting of my clients for who they are and, no matter what their narrative might be. I am warm, easy to talk to, have a good sense of humour and I am down to earth.

Background and Experience

I work as a school counsellor supporting students of all ages, their parents and school staff. My background is in education, having previously been a PE & Health teacher in the UK and NZ, at both Intermediate and college level for approximately 20yrs. I have held various positions throughout my teaching career including Team Leader, RTLB, Head of Faculty and Dean. I then transitioned into Counselling, having always had a passion for being involved in the pastoral support services provided in schools.

Now running a private counselling practice, I support children, adolescents and adults with a range of issues.