Ashley Horsley
Existential Psychotherapy | Counselling | Analysis
We cannot choose what life may throw at us; we can, however, choose how we respond to it.
Existentialism examines what it is to be human: in other words how we need to finding meaning in life; how we are alone yet built to find connection with others; how we grapple with our notion of freedom; how, as Shakespeare said, we shall one day have to shuffle off this mortal coil.
About Me
I have worked in the field of mental health for nearly twenty-five years.
My work is primarily about forming a collaborative way of exploring together what you need. I work with your patterns of thinking, of behaviour, of physical responses and the embedded feelings both emotional and somatic. The work is also about helping you to edit your narrative, rewrite your own story by helping you to see things in a more helpful perspective: moving away from self-blame or self-pity and into a balanced, forgiving, autonomous clarity. Life is hard sometimes, of course it is, and I will the first to support you when it is. But there is also always light: I will guide you towards the light whenever it feels the darkness overwhelms you.
Whatever it is that has brought you here, be it an agonising moment of shame or rage; guilt or regret; fear or confusion or bewilderment or helplessness; whatever it is that propels you to seek out therapy is a powerfully important catalyst towards change through learned awareness and courage. So well done for taking this first step: the timing of your arrival in therapy is always the right timing: when your need wells right up to the surface and sends you to me then I am here.
I will give you an idea of how I work and what I feel you need and we will take it from there. The work is all about communication, expression and connection; through listening to your story; through shining a torch into as yet unexplored spaces; through reflecting and naming buried or locked-away feelings; and too through working with your body where so often tension is trapped and tormenting. I create a safe space in which you can feel ready to unburden yourself from the weight of whatever you are carrying alone; and whatever it is I am there to accompany you on the journey: to the bottom of it and out the other side with the right tools and the needed navigational map.
I also where needed bring in your personal relationship with the collective/archetypal stories/realities which are part of being a human being.
I work with imagery and imagination where needed to bring forth helpful ways of creatively describing and expressing your inner world.
Training, Qualifications and Experience:
Training and Qualifications
BA Psychology
MA Counselling Psychology
Post MA Dip Existential Counselling Psychology
Guild of Analytical Psychology and Spirituality Foundation Training
Complex Trauma Therapists Network UK Working with Complex Trauma
Advanced Trauma Treatment for Children and Adolescents: A Certified
Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional Training Course
Family Constellations Training
DBT for Adolescents [DBT-A] APT Accredited
Professional Organisation
I am a registered member of BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and abide by their code of ethics
Work Experience:
Place2Be (www.theplace2be.org.uk)
London Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (LACAP) (www.london-counselling-psychotherapy.co.uk)
Woman's Trust (www.womanstrust.org.uk)
Highgate Counselling Centre (highgatecounselling.org.uk)
Westminster Association of Mental Health (westminstermind.org)
Victim Support (www.victimsupport.org.uk)
Cost
Session fees £65.00 Individuals
£90.00 Couples
Some concessions available.
Contact information:
Email: ASHpsychology@protonmail.com
Mobile: 07380 172811
Areas I work with:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Loss
• Existential crises
• Anger
• Shame
• Ancestral Trauma
• Parenting
• Identity Issues
• Relationship Issues
• Trauma
• Couples’ Therapy
• PTSD
• Life Coaching
• Stress
• Addiction