Mark Gardener Counselling
A Safe, Supportive Space to Explore What Matters to You
Professional Counselling in Newton Abbot, Torquay and South Devon
Welcome. I’m Mark Gardener, a qualified, insured counsellor (Level 4 Diploma, NCPS registered) offering one-to-one counselling for individual adults. Whether you're facing anxiety, trauma/PTSD, grief, or simply feeling stuck, you're not alone, and help is available.
Based between Newton Abbot and Torquay, I work with clients from across South Devon, including Teignmouth, Bovey Tracey, Dawlish, Totnes, Paignton and surrounding villages. Sessions take place in a calm, comfortable setting, either indoors, outdoors in nature, or in some cases, in your own home if needed.
How Counselling Can Help You
Counselling offers a space to talk freely, without fear of judgement. It’s a place to pause, reflect, and gently untangle what’s going on in your life. Many people find that just being truly heard, perhaps for the first time, can begin a process of real change.
You might be feeling anxious, low or overwhelmed. You may be struggling with grief, the effects of trauma/PTSD, or finding it hard to move on from a difficult relationship. Perhaps you’re battling addiction, trying to make positive changes in your life, or just feeling stuck in a pattern you don’t understand.
Sometimes the reasons are clear. Other times, it’s simply a sense that something isn’t quite right. Whatever brings you here, counselling can help you feel more connected, more confident, and better able to cope.
My Approach
I believe that healing happens in safe, respectful spaces. My counselling style is calm, grounded and free of jargon. I listen without judgement, giving you time to speak and reflect.
I use what's known as an integrative approach, which simply means I draw on a mix of counselling methods depending on what works best for you. These may include Person-Centred Therapy, CBT and Gestalt, along with trauma-informed techniques and mindfulness. It’s flexible, personalised, and always led by your needs and pace.
Whether you’re dealing with a specific issue or just a general sense that things aren’t right, we’ll work together to find your way forward.
Walk and Talk Therapy
If you prefer to be outdoors, I offer walk and talk sessions in peaceful local places such as Bradley Park, the River Teign Walk at Teigngrace, the Templer Way and parts of South Dartmoor.
These sessions are gentle and accessible, and walking side by side can sometimes make it easier to talk. Time in nature has been shown to support mental clarity, reduce stress and improve mood, and it can make the counselling process feel less intense.
Your First Step
Taking the first step can feel difficult, especially if you’ve never had counselling before. That’s why I offer a free initial phone conversation, just a friendly, no-pressure chat where you can ask questions, tell me a little about what’s going on, and decide whether you’d like to book a first session.
If it feels right to continue, we’ll arrange a free introductory session, either in person or online. This first session is a full session and gives us space to talk things through and see if working together feels like a good fit.
Appointments are available in Newton Abbot and nearby areas, with flexible times including evenings and Saturdays. Home visits may also be possible within 10 miles if needed.
Contact me to find out more.
What issues can counselling help with?
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:
Feelings of stress or anxiety
Panic attacks
Phobias
Relationship problems: friends, family, spouse, partner
Grief, loss or bereavement
Problems with addiction
Trauma/Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Abuse
Depression
Problems with confidence or self-esteem
Anger management
Difficulties at work or in retirement
Human existence: “How can I give my life more meaning or purpose?” or “Why am I here?”
Get in touch
If you have any questions about how counselling works or want to explore whether it’s right for you, please feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to have an informal chat to help you decide your next step.
You can contact me by phone on 01803 873293 or 07792 933276. If I’m unable to answer straight away, you’re welcome to leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. You can also send a message via the contact form on this site.
Many people start with a short, friendly phone conversation. It gives us a chance to talk through what’s been going on, ask any questions you may have, and decide whether you’d like to book a free initial session.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
My location
I’m based in Kingskerswell, a quiet village between Newton Abbot and Torquay, with easy access from many parts of South Devon. Clients often come to see me from nearby towns including Paignton, Teignmouth, Totnes, Brixham, Bovey Tracey, Dawlish, Ashburton, and Chudleigh.
Sessions take place in a calm and private setting, with convenient parking nearby. I’m also located on the main bus route between Newton Abbot and Torquay, making it easy to reach by public transport.
Fees & availability
Counselling sessions for individuals last 60 minutes, usually taking place on a weekly basis, and cost £45 per session. I also provide a limited number of spaces for those on low-income or for students; contact me to enquire about availability. Initial assessment appointments last around 60 minutes. I accept payment in cash, by cheque or by bank transfer.
Note that if you need to cancel an appointment I require 48 hours’ notice; otherwise you will still need to pay for any sessions missed.
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