Meet Our Team
Experienced Counsellors in Plymouth and Online
Whether you are facing relationship difficulties, emotional challenges, or seeking personal growth, our team is here to guide you with compassion and professionalism. All our therapists are registered or accredited with a professional body, ensuring the highest standards of care and ethical practice.
Helen Parnell
BACP Registered Member
Level 5 Post Qualifying Cert in Relational Counselling
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Certificate in CBT
Level 3 Counselling
Hi, I’m Helen, a qualified relationship counsellor. I work with couples who want to reconnect - whether you’re navigating a breakdown in communication, adjusting to new parenthood, or feeling as though your relationship has lost its spark.
I support couples in processing and moving forward after an affair, as well as in building a stronger future together through improved communication, renewed trust, and deeper connection. I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of relationships, from newlyweds to long-term partners, blended families, and individuals seeking clarity, growth, and greater self-awareness.
I also work with individuals who want to develop a deeper relationship with themselves - whether that means exploring self‑worth, rebuilding confidence after a relationship breakdown, or learning to create healthy boundaries.
What motivates me most is witnessing moments of real change: when a partner feels truly heard for the first time, when a couple begins to rebuild trust after betrayal, or when someone learns to value themselves enough to make meaningful changes. I offer a safe, supportive space where you can explore and process your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. Together, we’ll work in a way that suits you, helping you move towards the person and relationships you want to have. This isn’t a quick fix, but a journey of understanding, acceptance, and growth.
If you’re ready to transform your relationship with yourself or with someone you love, I would be honoured to support you on that journey.
Kate Gibb
BACP Registered Member
Advanced Diploma in TA Psychological Studies (Level 7, Iron Mill Institute)
I am a trained counsellor with a background in Transactional Analysis (TA) Psychotherapy, a humanistic approach grounded in the belief that we all have the capacity for growth and change, given the right conditions.
My aim is to provide those conditions in therapy so that people encountering difficulties in their lives, can be given freedom to explore and make sense of their experience within a safe trusting, non-judgmental environment. My approach, while focusing on exploring different parts of your inner world, puts the relationship between client and therapist at the heart of healing. It is through this relationship that self-awareness and growth can be fostered, allowing you more freedom to choose your path forward.
I have particular experience helping clients with difficulties such as anxiety, depression, workplace stress, family, relationship and parenting issues and anger management.
Nicole Gaugas
MNCPS Accredited
Level 6 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Certificate in Couples Counselling (The Link Centre)
Certificate in Hypnotherapy and Counselling skills
Applied Transactional Analysis in Clinical Practice (Certificate)
Transactional Analysis (101 Certificate)
After working with individuals facing various life challenges, both mental and physical, I became a qualified Integrative Counsellor and hypnotherapist.
This experience motivated me to expand my training in couples relationships, where I customise my approach to meet the needs of my clients. I believe in healthcare being accessible to all, which is why I actively volunteer weekly. My areas of expertise include; understanding repeating negative patterns, exploring personal identity, dealing with unmet expectations, stress, and more.
We will focus on restructuring, learning to communicate openly and responsively, and addressing relationship needs. My top priority is to offer support and guidance as you navigate your relationship.
I am dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental and nurturing environment where you can openly express your concerns and work towards a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.
Sophie Forder
Registered Member MBACP (Accredited)
Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling
I completed training as a Psychodynamic Counsellor in 2003. I have experience working for the NHS, mental health charities, addiction and dependency treatment services, counselling and University Student Counselling Services.
Whether experiencing a crisis, a difficulty that has been bothering you for some time, or you just want to talk, counselling can create a safe, regular time to talk to someone who is professionally trained.
Psychodynamic counselling is an approach that can support you to gain deeper insight and awareness of your thoughts, feelings and behaviour, and your relationship with others. Talking about present day concerns and past experiences, gaining insights and identifying recurring patterns, can enable a person to make decisions and choices, reduce difficult and distressing symptoms and improve health and well-being.
I can help with; Abuse, Addictions, Anxiety, Bereavement, Depression, Eating disorders, Health related issues, Identity issues, Loss, Obsessions, OCD, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Relationships, Self esteem, Self-harm, Service veterans, Sexuality, Stress, Substance Dependency, Trauma, Work related issues.
Steve Worsley
Registered Member MBACP Accredited
Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling (Iron Mill Institute)
Advanced Specialist Diploma in Psychotherapy
Certificate in Education
As a Humanistic Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist, I bring over 15 years of experience in counselling adults and young people in private practice. My professional journey includes serving as a Royal Marine, working with the Devon Ambulance Service, teaching and managing Physical Education, and practising as a Sports Therapist.
When we start our sessions, my primary goal is to provide you with a safe and non-judgmental space to share your story at your own pace. I will listen intently to understand your needs and tailor the therapy to suit your unique personality and the challenges you are facing. I believe that each client inherently knows what is best for them and has distinct communication preferences. By recognising and respecting these individual traits, I aim to offer you the most effective support.
I offer face-to-face, telephone, and online sessions to accommodate your preferences. My practice covers a broad spectrum of issues, including PTSD, bereavement and grief, depression, anxiety, work-related stress, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, anger, physical and emotional abuse, self-worth issues, bullying, and addictions (particularly alcohol and drug dependence). This list is not exhaustive, so please feel free to contact me to arrange a 15-minute call where we can discuss your specific requirements.
Marcia Morton
BACP Registered Member
Level 2 Advanced Counselling Skills
Level 3 Counselling Study
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Diploma in Teaching Meditation - British School of Meditation
I am a humanistic, integrative counsellor offering a holistic approach to my work, drawing on a number of different approaches depending on the clients needs. I have a keen interest in narcissism and the healing and recovery of narcissistic abuse.
I recently gained a diploma in Mindful Meditation, as I believe by being able to learn to connect back to our bodies and our true selves will not only help us understand what our bodies are trying to tell us, but it can also help us discover inside ourselves, and over time can retune past trauma and anxiety which has entered our bodies by external influences, be this bullying, abuse or conditions and external beliefs that are put on us through our lives.
We all experience personal problems at some point in our lives. It can feel like we are ‘stuck’ with certain difficult emotions, which is why I focus on giving you the ideal environment to explore challenging feelings and move past them. Together we will work on developing self-love and a closer understanding of yourself to put you on a path towards a happier, clearer mindset.
Melissa Stockley
BACP Registered Member
Level 4 Diploma in Person Centred Therapy
Level 5 CBT in Counselling
Over the past five years, I have worked within the Poole North Primary Care Network, employed by the NHS to establish and deliver a bespoke counselling service for teenagers, their parents/carers, and families. Previous to this, I provided therapeutic support through Relate Bournemouth, working with children and young people, primarily in secondary schools. Alongside this, I worked with families and couples.
My experience also includes working at Purewell Therapy Centre as a therapeutic counsellor for both adults and young people, and serving as the lead practitioner for Dorset at the Grief Encounter Project, where I supported young people and their families through bereavement.
Additionally, I have facilitated group sessions for Dorset Mind, leading Anxiety and Trans support groups, and have contributed to Cruse Bereavement Care. I am trained in Person-Centred Therapy (PCT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT Level 5), Gestalt, and Transactional Analysis (TA), and I work creatively with children and teenagers to tailor therapeutic approaches to their individual needs.
Kamil Kostrzewa
BACP Accredited
Level 4 & 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Advanced Certificate in Relationship Therapy
Advanced Couple Course
Post Graduate Study in Social Preventative Treatment & Rehabilitation
Master’s Degree in Pedagogy Department
EMDR
I am a fully qualified, MBACP accredited, experienced counsellor and psychotherapist, offering a warm, confidential, non-judgmental space for individual clients and couples.
My work incorporates a range of issues, which include: depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger, rage, relationship issues, childhood abuse, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, low self-esteem, bullying, sadness, coping with serious health conditions, stress, suicidal thoughts, personality disorders, despair, change, addictions, low self-confidence, self-harm, trauma, grief, identity, sexual orientation.
I have experience in working with LGBTQIA+ clients, assisting with areas such as the difficulties of coming out, stigma, associated mental health issues, childhood bias, gender identity, high-risk sexual behaviour, and other issues. I am here to support you on your journey with full awareness of the specific pressures experienced by the LGBTQIA+ community.
My sessions can be provided in both English and Polish.
Please note: I only offer online sessions. Feel free to reach out using the contact form below to check my availability.
Les Parsons
Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy (Iron Mill Institute) Supervision Certificate
BA Hons (Humanities) Transactional Analysis (101 Certificate)
Having trained originally as a psychiatric nurse, working in community mental health projects for many years, I have been self-employed as a therapist and supervisor for over two decades. My training and experience, especially in community mental health, allows me to work with care and empathy on a wide range of issues.
I bring a number of approaches to my work and always place central importance on forming a non-judgmental therapeutic relationship that allows you to feel comfortable and speak openly about the difficulties you are facing.
Claire Goddard
BACP Registered Member
Certificate in Relationship Therapy Level 5
Advanced Specialist Diploma in Psychotherapy Level 5
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Level 4
Certificate in Awareness in Bereavement Care
Transactional Analysis (101 Certificate)
Social work (Diploma)
I am a compassionate and dedicated counsellor/psychotherapist committed to guiding individuals and couples on their journey towards mental and emotional well-being. Having worked within a Bereavement agency, an agency for victims of sexual violence and within Relate I bring a wealth of knowledge and empathy to my practice.
I use an integrative approach developed from three sources, Person Centred, Gestalt and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I seek to create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. Using an Integrative model, I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. I seek to help clients navigate life's challenges, overcome obstacles, and cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and resilience.
Having trained and worked with Relate, I am an experienced couples counsellor. I believe that relationships are one of the most important aspects of our lives. While they can bring much happiness and support, that doesn't mean they are easy. Sometimes, we find we have lost connection with each other and become more distant. My goal is to provide a safe space for you to explore your relationship. I will assist you in expressing yourselves, fostering empathy, and understanding your own and each other's behaviours and feelings. Together, we'll delve into the dynamics of your relationship and explore how unfinished issues from the past may be influencing the present. My aim is for you to relate in a healthier way.
*PLEASE NOTE - my next available appointments are from May 2026.
Ferda Mesquita Barros
Acupuncturist
MBAcC Member of the British Acupuncture Council
BSc (Hons)
LicAc
Diploma in Balneo-Physiotherapy
Ferda has been a valuable addition to our practice since January 2021, establishing her private acupuncture clinic within our building.
After experiencing the benefits of acupuncture during her travels, she pursued a diploma in Balneo-Physiotherapy in 2007 and later graduated from the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in 2013.
Ferda specialises in Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering a holistic approach to wellness. She addresses a wide range of conditions, including women's health issues, fertility, pregnancy support, menstrual problems, musculoskeletal pain, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, migraines, insomnia, and facial nerve conditions.
When you visit Ferda, you can expect a serene environment, attentive care, and a gentle yet effective treatment approach. Your first appointment will involve a consultation to discuss your health history and determine the most appropriate course of treatment. To compliment your treatment you may receive free cupping, tui-na massage, guasha, moxibustion or ear seeds. Please wear loose clothing for your treatment.
First visit up to 90 minutes £65 and follow-up visit 60 minutes £50
To book an appointment or learn more about acupuncture, contact Ferda directly on 07443434086 or info@ferdambchinesemedicine.com
Getting in touch with us
Interested in couples counselling or psychotherapy? Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation today to discover if our Plymouth-based therapists are the right fit for you - there's no pressure to book a session. Contact us by phone or using the form below.
Ready to take the next step? Use our online booking system to schedule your initial counselling appointment.
Want to know more about how we supply couples counselling and psychotherapy in Plymouth? Take a look at our Counsellors page for further information on how our team can work with you.
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