Mark Gardener Counselling
"Tomorrow doesn't have to be like yesterday."
Counselling for adult individuals
Welcome, and thank you for visiting.
People come to counselling for many reasons. Some have specific problems that they wish to solve. Others seek support during life changing events such as bereavement. Still others are looking for answers to life’s big questions or are actively seeking personal growth or a deepening spirituality. I believe I can provide a nurturing psychological environment for most individuals.
My name is Mark Gardener and I am a counsellor providing both short- and long-term therapy to adult individuals in the Newton Abbot, Torbay and surrounding areas. I work with people from all walks of life and backgrounds aged 18+, coming to me with a diverse range of problems.
I have a level 4 diploma in counselling and I am an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), whose ethics I abide by.
We all experience times of difficulty in our lives, when events or relationships feel overwhelming, or we can feel a loss of direction or purpose. Talking to a trained professional helps us make sense of those challenging times and offers a way through them, moving towards a better understanding of ourselves and our feelings.
Making the decision to see a counsellor is a big step to take - but it can be a positive one. Please read on to find out more about how I could help you.
How can counselling help?
Life brings many challenges, and it is understandable that at times we might look for support in facing them. As a counsellor my role is to provide space and guidance to help you on your journey of self-discovery; to enable you to examine your life and make new, meaningful choices within it.
I offer a chance to reflect on the difficulties or problems you are experiencing in a safe and confidential environment, with someone from outside your day-to-day life. Together we can explore your situation in a way that leads to fresh perspectives - and perhaps a new understanding of yourself. Counselling isn’t about giving you solutions or advice, but empowering you to make your own changes.
My approach to therapy is mainly a person-centred one. This is a non-judgmental way of working, where the counsellor creates the right conditions to help someone increase their self-awareness; to move towards - and reach - their fullest potential. I also use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and a variety of other therapeutic methods depending on your situation.
How I work
Most of my counselling work is from my office in my home but also offer “walking therapy, also known as “walk and talk” where we can combine counselling with outside activities such as walking or something more adventurous such as climbing or sailing. I am enthusiastic about outdoor activities; the healing benefits of nature are well established. I can provide support if spiritual matters concern you or if you are interested in the big philosophical questions. Perhaps you feel a yearning that is not fulfilled by conventional religion or maybe you hunger for deeper understanding.
Please visit this page for further detail.
Confidentiality means you can speak with confidence
Think of the counselling room as your haven or refuge; a welcome respite from your everyday world. When you know you will not be judged you can express yourself with complete freedom, knowing that I am listening with empathy and compassion.
Within such an environment you are free to be yourself - which is a prerequisite for your own creativity, self-awareness and healing.
The next step…
You may have relationship troubles; anxiety, stress or depression; have suffered a bereavement; job worries; or any number of other concerns that take the shine out of life.
Counselling can help you understand your situation and provide a deeper insight into yourself, and can furnish you with the tools to help you move towards a more meaningful way of living.
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 and post-traumatic stress
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?”. “”why am I here?”
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist for you.
You can also call me on 01803 873293 or 07792 933276 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
My location
I am based in Newton Abbot, within easy reach of the Torbay area.
Fees & availability
Counselling sessions for individuals last 60 minutes, usually taking place on a weekly basis, and cost £40 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 75 minutes.
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. I accept payment in cash, by cheque or by bank transfer.
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