About me
I'm Astrid Coxon (PhD, MBPsS, MBACP) and I'm a person-centred counsellor and psychologist. I offer both short and long-term therapy for adults, through one-to-one sessions, either face-to-face at my private practice or online via Zoom. Although many of the people I work with choose to have regular weekly sessions, I offer flexibility in session delivery - I appreciate that a regular weekly timeslot is not possible or preferable for everyone.
I have worked with clients from a broad range of backgrounds, exploring issues related to low mood, stress, sexuality, gender identity, neurodiversity, self-harm, perfectionism, relationships, chronic illness, and work conflict. I offer reduced fees for students or low-income.
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I specialise in life transitions - perhaps you've had a life-changing diagnosis, relationship difficulties, or are considering making a significant career change. I'm interested in how we negotiate these transitions, exploring the decision-making process, and supporting clients at "forks in the road".
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If this sounds like something I could help you with, you can book a free 15-minute consultation today.
Before completing my person-centred counselling training, I worked in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and a Community Cancer Support Team in Suffolk.
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In 2018, I completed my PhD at the University of East Anglia. I conducted in-depth interviews with nurses coordinating a new hospital care pathway. This work helped me to appreciate the complexity of interpersonal relationships, and I realised how much I valued the process of supporting people to explore their challenges in a non-judgemental and confidential space.
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I'm also a writer, proof-reader, and teacher. I teach psychology and research skills at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. I specialise in qualitative research methods, which aims to provide rich insights into people's lived experiences, rather than exploring statistics. I've supervised several Masters-level dissertations on the stress experienced by healthcare professionals.
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Outside of work, I enjoy everything the Suffolk countryside has to offer - walking with my dogs, beekeeping, and (when I'm feeling brave) taking a dip in the North Sea.
Accessing my office
There is ample off-road parking at my private practice in Suffolk, and whilst the driveway is gravel, you can park right up close to the stone paved paths.
There are two main paths from the driveway to the office - one is 2m+ wide, and the second is just under 1m wide. All paths are step-free, and there is a slight, gradual slope.
The office itself has double doors which open to a maximum width of 1.5m.
There is a threshold to access - on the outside, there is a 16cm lift from ground to threshold, and then a 6cm drop from threshold to floor of the office. I do not currently own a threshold ramp.
The floor of the office is laminate and I don't have any rugs. I am happy to rearrange the seating or space if needed.
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Please note that unfortunately I don't have an accessible toilet - the main property is quite old and I haven't been in a position to upgrade access yet, although this is something I hope to do in the future.
What is person-centred therapy?
You are the expert of your life. No one knows what it's like to be you more than you do. The person-centred approach is non-directive - you decide what you want to explore, and how.
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As a person-centred counsellor, I work collaboratively with my clients, to understand their experiences, from their perspective - and in the process, support them to better understand themselves.
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My core purpose is to help clients to "self-actualise" - to flourish and realise their full potential. This will be different for everyone, but with every client I provide a confidential and non-judgemental space in which to explore thoughts and challenging feelings.
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This approach is not based around standardised interventions, structured questionnaires, or "homework". It is a therapeutic partnership, in which we explore together what is most meaningful for you, and support you to lead a more fulfilling life.
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