Understanding
comes before change
Welcome to Understanding Therapies
Feeling overwhelmed doesn't mean you have to carry everything on your own.
Counselling based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, offering in-person counselling in a comfortable, private therapy room and online across the UK.
When life feels overwhelming, you don't have to face it alone.
Life doesn't have to be in crisis before you seek support. Counselling can help if you're experiencing:
Anxiety or constant worry
Low mood or depression
Stress or burnout
Relationship difficulties
Bereavement and loss
Low self-esteem or self-confidence
Life changes or uncertainty
Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally stuck
You don't need to have all the answers before coming to therapy. We simply begin with where you are.
You don't have to have everything figured out before asking for support
Perhaps you've become so used to holding everything together that you've forgotten what it feels like not to feel exhausted.
Maybe you're constantly worrying, struggling with anxiety, feeling low, or finding it difficult to cope with the pressures of work, family or relationships. You may be grieving a loss, questioning who you are, or carrying emotions that have become too heavy to manage on your own.
From the outside, it can look as though you're coping. Inside, it may feel very different.
Whatever has brought you here, you don't have to work through it alone.
At Understanding Therapies, I offer a warm, confidential and compassionate space where you can slow down, explore what you're experiencing and begin to make sense of it. Therapy isn't about being given advice or being told what to do. It's about having the time and support to understand yourself more deeply, so you can move forward in a way that feels right for you.
A little about me
I'm Sian Fletcher-Patel, a fully qualified person-centred counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Before retraining as a counsellor, I spent many years working in a demanding corporate environment. I understand how easy it is to keep going, meet expectations and put everyone else's needs first while quietly struggling yourself.
My approach is warm, accepting and tailored to you as an individual. I believe that every person has their own unique experiences, values and way of understanding the world. Rather than offering quick solutions, I work alongside you to help you explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace, without judgement.
Whether you're seeking support for a specific difficulty or simply feel that something isn't quite right, therapy can provide the space to reconnect with yourself and create meaningful, lasting change.
What to expect
đź•’ 50-minute sessions
đź“Ť In person or online
đź“ž 20-minute introductory call
I offer counselling from my private therapy room in Hitchin as well as online sessions, giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for you.
Finding the right counsellor is an important decision, so I also offer a 20-minute introductory telephone call. This gives us an opportunity to talk about what has brought you to counselling, answer any questions you may have, and help you decide whether working together feels like the right fit.
Take the first step
Starting therapy can feel daunting, but reaching out doesn't mean you have to have everything figured out. It simply means you're giving yourself the opportunity to be heard.
If you're ready to take that first step, I'd be pleased to hear from you.
Book your 20-minute introductory call today and let's explore how counselling could support you.
Let’s start with a conversation
Taking the first step can feel difficult.
You're welcome to get in touch without any obligation.
I'll reply personally and we can arrange a 20-minute introductory call if you'd like, or book your first session.