Two recent graduates from Aberdeen University and have set up our own counselling practice with an aim to deliver accessible and affordable counselling to individuals in the Aberdeen area.
Phoenix Therapy work with individuals from all areas of life for a multitude of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, bereavement, life adjustments, ADHD, ASD, and dyspraxia. Clients can also use the service as a way of maintaining their mental wellbeing and to explore who they are.
Founders Fiona Lambert and Sofia Jones met at Aberdeen University during their post graduation studies in counselling, and through studying, socialising and practicing together, realised their shared vision was to deliver accessible affordable therapy. Whilst sharing this vision, their areas of specialist interests are complementary, which offer clients the best all round service.
Fiona has over a decade of experience in community care work, specifically end of life care, and has first hand experience of the complex social issues surrounding this. The recent cuts to the care service contributed to Fiona’s decision to step away from the front line of this work and offer support to those impacted by these issues, as well as volunteering in her time working with survivors of abuse.
Fiona commented:
“Survivors of domestic and sexual abuse often feel shame and blame. The first step to healing is often being listened to and believed. Clients can share as little or as much as they wish.
Trauma comes in many shapes and forms, from various life experiences. My work with bereavement isn’t exclusive to death, clients often feel bereaved through the loss of work, relationships, or in the case of dementia they have lost a person who is still physically with us.”
Sofias specialist interest is in working with individuals who live with chronic health concerns, which is complemented by her own lived experience. This experience inspired her to campaign at national level for awareness around endometriosis. She also practices openly as a queer neurodivergent therapist offering clients the empathy of shared lived experience, and has an appreciation for the minority stresses that individuals experience when living at the cross section of intersectional identities.
Sophia commented:
“We are living in a strange time. There is a lot of political unrest, especially around gender identity. I openly practice as a queer neurodivergent therapist in the hope that it allows my clients a sense of being seen and belonging without fear of judgement or saying the wrong thing. Services for neurodivergent individuals are being cut and people are left without support. I also understand the mental health impact of living with chronic health conditions, it is complex and people often feel isolated and alone.”
Both counsellors feel passionate about bringing a high level of advocacy, awareness, and social justice to mental health.
Setting up their own practice has not been without its challenges and personal sacrifices, with Fiona and Sofia working around the clock to set up their room, website, and socials. The cost of setting up has been daunting without the security of a salary but their vision has kept them going throughout.
Phoenix Therapy offer a free introductory meeting to allow potential clients to get a feel for the space and ask any questions they may have about starting therapy. This can take place at their therapy room on Berry Street in Aberdeen or online. Their online counselling is available to anyone in the UK.
More information about the practice and services offered can be found at www.phoenixtherapy.org.uk.
