About
Frances Rayner, MNCPS Acc.
About Frances
Hi, I’m Frances and I am a qualified counsellor in Plymouth.
I’m so glad you are here. I know it takes a huge amount of courage to reach out to a therapist, especially when you are going through a hard time.
Grief and bereavement counselling
Grief counselling provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to talk about your thoughts and feelings, process your grief and find ways to cope. Bereavement counselling plays a crucial role in helping you navigate the complex and challenging process of grieving, whilst supporting you to eventually find hope and meaning in life after loss.
How my passion developed
My own experiences and the specific clients I enjoy working with led me to specialise in grief counselling. I understand from personal experience how painful and difficult it can be to adjust to a new way life after a loved one has died. I also recognise the unique challenges that come with pregnancy and child loss, loss of a partner/spouse, sibling, parent, home, family, career, and health.
Client testimonial
“Frances provided me with support prior to the death of my daughter and she helped me through the dark days of early grief. She is such a talented counsellor and her support changed the way I coped in such difficult circumstances. I have no hesitation in highly recommending her. She is a very special lady”. Carolyn.
Qualifications and Certificates
Advanced Diploma in Humanistic Counselling, The Dartmoor Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2018.
Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling, Counselling Tutor, 2024.
Certificate of attendance, The Foundation for Infant Loss, 2024.
Diploma in Grief Counselling, Centre for Excellence, 2024.
History of Art and Literature, class 2.1, The University of East Anglia, 2004.
My therapy practice
Who I work with
- Adults.
- EAP’s (Pam Wellbeing and Plymouth Schools Counselling Services).
How I deliver therapy
I offer sessions both face-to-face from a therapy room near Mutley Plain and online.
My working hours
My working hours are Monday – Thursday, 9.00am – 5.00pm.
Professional membership
I am an accredited member of the NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society) and I abide by their code of ethics that is based on the following principles:
- Working towards the good of clients.
- Being trustworthy and responsible.
- Respect for the dignity and rights of the client.
- Justice.
- Integrity and self-responsibility.
CPD
Ongoing learning and keeping my private practice up-to-date with CPD (continuous professional development) ensures that I give you the most effective, professional therapy.
Fees
My fee for a 50-minute session of individual counselling is £50. This fee factors in session time as well as out-of-session administrative tasks such as record-keeping, appointment scheduling and other tasks as required.
Confirming your first appointment
I request full payment by BACS prior to the first session (initial assessment).
Attending therapy
A therapy sessions usually lasts 50 minutes. The frequency of sessions is determined by your particular situation.
Accepted payments
I accept cash, cheque, debit and credit cards and Apple Pay.
Cancellation policy
I require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations, missed appointment and requests to change appointment time/days, otherwise the full fee becomes payable.
Knowledge and experience
Experience
With 17 years of experience, I bring a unique perspective from my background as a massage therapist and independent consultant in higher education.
Training
During my counselling training I worked as a volunteer counsellor at The University of Plymouth, Young Devon and Safe Space for Counselling, where I gained experience of working therapeutically with students, young people and adults.
Background
Prior to training to be a counsellor, I worked as a massage therapist for 12 years, supporting individuals to improve their physical health and emotional well-being.
Mental health support in education
I have been working as an independent consultant in higher education for 12 years, providing specialist support to students with disabilities and mental health problems.
In my current role as a Specialist Mentor at Clear Links, I provide motivational support and encouragement to students, helping them to develop interpersonal and social skills and overcome barriers to learning so that they can reach their desired academic and personal goals.