Claire Shaw Online & Phone Counselling

I work online (Zoom or other secure video platform) and on the telephone, and have undertaken specialist training to enable me to work in these ways. This way of working makes counselling more accessible, as we are not limited by our geographical location or a need to travel to & from sessions, and means that those who are unable to attend face to face sessions can access therapy.

Like many therapists, I have worked in other fields before coming into  the world of professional counselling. In the past, you might have found me in the kitchen or dining room of my restaurant; catering for functions; baking wedding cakes; or working as a Private Assistant or Office Manager. You might equally have encountered me at an evening class studying Italian, art or... an Introduction to Counselling.

I was drawn to this subject having had therapy myself at a time when my life felt difficult and I needed some help to work through things. This led, eventually, to making the decision to pursue a new and fulfilling career in counselling, and undertaking a 4-year training at Metanoia. I now work in my own practice, together with my role as Lead Counsellor at a London GP practice and as a volunteer counsellor for a London-based bereavement service.

I have lived experience of chronic illness and disability, having developed an autoimmune illness in 2019.

I aim to ensure that my practice is inclusive, recognising that some communities face specific oppression and discrimination.