Meet Amy

Hi, I’m Amy and I grew up as a self-professed ‘fixer’.

I became an expert in keeping things running smoothly and highly practiced at putting myself last. The irony was not lost on me that I found myself in project and managerial roles for years – holding things together for others – before I became a counsellor. So I absolutely understand the challenges of balancing a busy life and your own emotional wellbeing- I’ve felt the pain of chronic anxiety and emotional exhaustion.

Like many people, I’ve had times in my life when I needed extra support. Turning to a counsellor during those moments made a real difference and ultimately inspired me to become one myself. It showed me how transformative it can be to have someone truly listen—without judgement—and help you navigate life’s challenges.

Working with me

Counselling with me is down-to-earth, warm, and conversational. I believe in being real—no clinical coldness or sitting in awkward silence. We might laugh, we might swear, and we’ll definitely get honest about what’s going on. I know therapy can feel daunting, but you don’t have to have all the answers before you start.

How I can help you

Why the relationship matters

It might be that when you think about therapy, you think about learning coping skills, completing worksheets and homework, practicing breathing exercises,... the list goes on. And sure, these things can be helpful but they’re not the heart of therapy. I believe – as I’d imagine many other therapists out there would agree – that what truly heals is something much more human. It’s the relationship.

Read my article for Counselling Directory on why the relationship with your therapist matters more than any tool or technique.

Training and Experience

My core training includes:

Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling

Further theory based training in:

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – Association of Psychological Therapies
Trauma Focussed CBT (TfCBT) – Association of Psychological Therapies
Transactional Analysis (TA101) – The Berne Institute

Over the years I have deepened my skills through extra training in areas that are often important for my clients, some examples includes:

Working Therapeutically with ADHD
Dealing with Distress: working with suicide and self-harm
Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Building self-confidence and self-esteem
Coping with overwhelm, burnout and imposter syndrome
Working with People-pleasing
Working with Transgender individuals

In addition to my private practice, I’ve worked in a variety of settings. I’ve provided support for a charity that helps individuals feeling like they have no way forward, worked in a senior school offering counselling to students, staff, and parents (often with a focus on building self-esteem and worth), and served at a low-cost agency to support the wider community.

I’m a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP), which means I adhere to a strict ethical framework that guides my practice. I am also an accredited registrant of NCPS. I also hold an Enhanced DBS.

You can find me on the BACP register here: https://www.bacp.co.uk/therapists/409676/amy-griffin/rayleigh-ss6

You can find me on Counselling Directory here: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/amy-griffin