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Psychodynamic Counselling in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Welcome - my name is Fleur Atkinson and I am an experienced and accredited psychodynamic counsellor based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. I offer a safe and confidential space where together we can think about and explore challenges and difficulties you may be facing.
What is Psychodynamic Counselling?
I view counselling as a maturational process that unfolds within the unique, confidential relationship between therapist and client. This relationship provides the space for emotional growth by exploring current challenges in the context of past, often familial, experiences. Reflection is central to this work, helping us gain clarity, think more constructively, and approach life’s challenges with greater creativity.
The way you see your life, your relationships, and your struggles—these are shaped by your own experiences, and they matter deeply. Whether you already have words for your suffering, a diagnosis, or feel unsure about what you're going through, this understanding is a meaningful place to begin. If you choose to begin counselling, we will start wherever you are. You are invited to speak freely, following your thoughts wherever they lead, in a space that is held with care, free of judgment or expectation.
Working Together
As a psychodynamically informed counsellor, I offer a quiet, reflective environment where we can listen together to what lies beneath the surface. Through the therapeutic process questions about identity and relationships are uncovered—how you see yourself in relation to others, both now and in the past, and perhaps, how you would like things to shift in the future.
The process can be deeply transformative. Over time, what once felt fixed or immovable may begin to shift. In understanding more about what is causing you to suffer, you may start to feel a greater sense of choice, freedom, and space. Many people discover new interests, reconnect with forgotten aspects of themselves, and begin to feel that life is more meaningful—and more their own.
At the heart of this process lies the exploration of the unconscious, which shapes our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in ways we may not fully recognize. Bringing unconscious patterns into awareness makes it possible to open up more internal space for meaningful change and personal growth.
About Me
I am an accredited psychodynamic counsellor, registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), with core training accredited by the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC).
Before establishing my private practice, I worked at Gloucestershire Counselling Service (GCS), supporting adults with a range of emotional challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, anger, loneliness, and relational difficulties. I remain actively involved with GCS’s training and assessment teams, ensuring my practice stays informed by the latest theoretical developments.
I am currently pursuing further psychoanalytic psychotherapy training, which includes observing a growing infant over two years. The purpose of which is to deepen my understanding of how early, often preverbal experiences with primary carers shape our sense of self and relationships. I incorporate this knowledge into my work where appropriate.
What issues can counselling help with?
People come to counselling for many different reasons — often to explore thoughts, feelings, or life experiences that may feel confusing, overwhelming, or difficult to face alone. Here are some of the areas people often bring to explore in counselling:
Feelings of stress and anxiety
Relationship and family issues
Depression and loneliness
Low confidence and self-esteem
Questions around faith and belief
Exploring identity or navigating change
Sexuality and related questions
Experiences of trauma or abuse
Divorce, separation, or relationship breakdown
Grief, loss, and bereavement
Difficulties at work or in retirement
Experiences of bullying
Infidelity or betrayal
Anger, frustration, and resentment
Life transitions and significant milestones
Each person’s experience is unique, and there is no "right" reason to seek support. Whatever you are facing, it can be helpful to have a safe, confidential space where you can be heard and gently supported in making sense of things.
Location and Fees
I offer counselling and psychotherapy sessions from my practice based at The Regency Practice, 22A Rodney Road, Cheltenham, GL50 1JJ. Online therapy sessions are also available.
Session Information
My fee is £65 per 50-minute session, including the initial consultation. It is recommended to have sessions at the same time each week as therapy requires continuous commitment.
Contact me by telephone or email to enquire about availability and arrange a time to meet.
Get in touch
© Fleur Atkinson Counselling
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