About

Frances Rayner, MNCPS Acc.

Welcome to Dove Counselling

Hi, I’m Frances and I’m so glad you are here.  

Specialising in counselling for grief after bereavement and loss, I’m dedicated to helping to reduce feelings of isolation and support you through difficult times. 

I know that grief is a complex and deeply personal experience.  I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space for you to talk about your thoughts and feelings.

About grief counselling

Through grief counselling, you can find healthy ways to cope and develop resilience in the face of loss.  By introducing self-care techniques into your routine, you can look after your physical and emotional well-being and learn how to cope better during the most difficult times.

How my passion for grief counselling developed

My own experiences and the specific clients I enjoy working with led me to become interested in grief counselling.  Having personally experienced grief after bereavement and loss, I understand how painful and difficult it can be to adjust to a new way life.

I recognise the unique challenges that come with different kinds of loss and I have experience of supporting bereaved parents.  With caring and compassionate support and guidance, you can find healthy ways to cope and develop resilience in the face of loss.   

Foundation for Infant Loss Training

Qualifications and Certificates

Grief Counselling

Diploma in Grief Counselling, Centre for Excellence, 2025.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Training

Certificate of attendance, The Foundation for Infant Loss, 2024.Pregnancy and Infant Loss

Online and Telephone Counselling

Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling, Counselling Tutor, 2024.

Counselling

Advanced Diploma in Humanistic Counselling, The Dartmoor Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2018.

Oriental Face Massage

Diploma in Oriental Face Massage, The Natural Therapy Studio, 2016.

Indian Head Massage

Diploma in Indian Head Massage, The Natural Therapy Studio, 2015.

Shiatsu

Diploma in Shiatsu, The Devon School of Shiatsu, 2012.

BA (Hons) Degree

History of Art and Literature, The University of East Anglia, 2004.

My therapy practice

Professional membership

I am an accredited registrant 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.
  • Integrity and self-responsibility.

a close-up of a logo

Learning and development

Ongoing learning and keeping my private practice up-to-date with CPD (continuous professional development) ensures that I give you the most effective support.

Knowledge and experience

Experience

I have 17 years of combined experience, and my background as an independent consultant in higher education and a holistic massage therapist gives me a unique perspective.

Client groups

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.

EAP’s

In my private practice, I provide short term counselling for adults through Pam Wellbeing and Plymouth Schools Counselling Service.

Charity organisations

As a self employed counsellor, I support guests staying at Hearts Together, a hospital hotel in Plymouth, providing in person and online counselling sessions.

Holistic therapies

Prior to training to be a counsellor, I worked as a complementary therapist in Devon and Cornwall for 15 years, supporting individuals to improve their physical health and emotional well-being through holistic massage treatments.

Woman getting a massage with Frances Rayner at Devon Holistic Therapies

Mental health support in higher education

I have been working as an independent consultant in higher education since 2013, providing 1:1 support to students at The University of Plymouth, Arts University Plymouth, and Marjons University Plymouth.   

Specialist Mentoring

In addition to my counselling practice I work as a Specialist Mentor for Clear Links and Amano, providing motivational support and encouragement to students in Plymouth,  My work involves helping people to develop interpersonal and social skills and overcome barriers to learning so that they can reach their desired academic and personal goals.

a young person sitting on a bed with a laptop talking with a therapist online

Initial consultation

I know that it takes a huge amount of courage to reach out to a therapist, especially when you are going through a hard time.  That’s why I offer a FREE 15-minute initial consultation, with no obligation to book.

To find out more or book a FREE 15-minute initial phone consultation, please telephone 07940 865994 / 01752 422029.