What if I need to cancel?

Life gets busy and things change. If you need to cancel or request to reschedule, please do so as soon as possible. Cancellations within 48 hours are charged.

How do you keep my information secure?

All information is held confidentially and in accordance with GDPR. Denise Atkinson is a member of the ICO. Further information is provided in the working agreement.

How do I make payment?

Payment is due 24 hours prior to each session via bank transfer. An invoice is sent each week.

Denise Atkinson is fully insured, holds an enhanced DBS, and is a member of a professional body.

How long do sessions last?

Counselling sessions last 50 minutes and are designed to meet your specific needs.

Each counselling session costs £70.

Where are you located?

Sessions are available in person in Canterbury, online via Google Meet, or a combination of both.

What do I do if I feel I need urgent help for my mental health?

Denise Atkinson does not offer crisis support. In an emergency, dial 999 or attend A&E. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123, contact your GP, or call 111. If you are under 19, you can contact Childline on 0800 1111.

My approach

I bring my human self to our work — you will not find a blank slate here with me. Together, we build something grounded in trust, safety, and respect.

I have a deep interest in attachment and childhood trauma. My lived experience, alongside professional training, allows me to help you navigate and process events that may have taken place in childhood.

With a background in fostering and adoption, I understand the lasting impact early experiences can have in adulthood. I have also worked within community mental health services and supported people through the heartfelt and painful experiences of bereavement within a hospice setting.

This, alongside my own lived experience of trauma and loss, places me in a position of real, honest, and genuine understanding of human suffering.

How I work

As an integrative counsellor, I work collaboratively with you to find the most appropriate therapeutic approach. My primary modality is relational and person-centred, I will also draw upon both psychodynamic and cognitive approaches.

I believe that the relationship we build is key to supporting you in feeling comfortable enough to begin exploring your inner world.

I have a particular interest in childhood trauma and dissociative disorders and have undertaken additional training in this area.

I also use imagery re scripting for trauma and PTSD which is a gentle approach that helps to change how you think and feel about traumatic events.