Clara Dawson
MSc

Clara Dawson - Counsellor and Therapist

Maybe you are feeling lost or stuck, or like youve lost touch with who you are. It might feel like the world expects you to have everything figured out, but inside, things feel confusing or disconnected. Thats okay. Therapy is a place where you can pause, breathe, and start gently reconnecting with yourself and what matters most to you.

Availability not confirmed

Profile

claradawson.counselling.online

Phone

07885 576092

Email

clara@wild-deer-therapy.com

Website

wild-deer-therapy.com

About me and my practice

I specialise in helping adults, teenagers, and children navigate identity and self-esteem challenges. This might include:
Gender identity or family and cultural expectations
Neurodivergent experiences (autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia)
Body image struggles or masking your true self to belong
People-pleasing, avoiding conflict, or feeling stuck in relationships

These struggles often run deeper than they seem, impacting how you see yourself, connect with others, and make lifes big decisions. If any of this resonates, you dont have to face it alone. Therapy can help you unpack whats beneath the surface, gently shift unhelpful patterns, and begin building clarity, confidence, and self-acceptance.

How I Work
I dont believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy- its all about working in a way that feels right for you. Thats why I tailor our sessions to your needs, drawing on techniques like person-centred therapy, psychodynamic approaches, Transactional Analysis (TA), creative counselling, and Imagery Rescripting (ImRs).

If youre someone who processes through talking, reflecting, or creativity, thats what well do. Well go at your pace, exploring patterns or experiences with care and compassion, always focused on what feels comfortable and safe for you.

What You Can Expect
Clients often tell me that our sessions feel calm, grounding, and supportive. My approach is gentle and compassionate, particularly if youre feeling sensitive, self-critical, or have felt the need to hide parts of yourself to belong. Together, , well:
- Build self-awareness and emotional resilience
- Let go of roles and beliefs that no longer serve you
- Develop tools to navigate relationships and challenges
- Start to feel more at home in your own skin

Experience

My passion for supporting identity and self-esteem work comes from my own journey. Ive navigated these challenges myself- neurodivergence, self-doubt, and struggles to feel fully at home in who I am. These experiences have shaped the way I approach therapy, helping me offer not just professional insight but genuine empathy and understanding.

Alongside my work with identity and self-esteem, I have many years experience in workplace mental health and counselling, supporting people through grief, stress, and major life transitions. I also bring affirming support to individuals navigating autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia.

In addition to my private practice, Ive worked in roles that have provided me with invaluable experience.

-Helped adults, teenagers and children navigate bereavement with a national charity.
-Addiction counselling in a specialist treatment centre.
-In a school, I worked with parents to foster stronger family bonds.
-Workplace counselling to help with challenges like stress and bullying.
-Supported unpaid carers with a national charity.

Qualifications

While qualifications and training alone cant create a connection between us, they ensure I work safely and effectively, equipping me to offer the highest standard of care.

-Level 6 in Advanced Imagery Rescripting (for complex PTSD) awaiting certification.
-Postgraduate Diploma in Children and Young Person Counselling.
-Diploma in Integrative Counselling.
-MSc in Occupational Health.
-BSc in Analytical Science.
-Training in bereavement counselling for children, teenagers and adults.

Professional Membership

Accredited Registrant MNCPS (Acc.)

Professional Register

National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

Verified by Counsellingo on Monday, 10 March 2025

Initial Consultation

I offer therapy in person in Deal and Canterbury, as well as online via Microsoft Teams.

I also offer a free 30-minute introductory call, so you can get a feel for how I work and decide if its the right fit for you. This is a chance to explore what therapy could offer you with no pressure to continue, its simply a friendly chat to see how I might support you.

If you are curious about working together, I would love to hear from you.

Fees

£50 per hour, payable via bank transfer.

When I Work

Currently I have some availability on a Wednesday and Thursday.

Therapeutic Approach

Psychodynamic, person-centred, CBT, ImRs, transactional analysis

Video Platforms

Teams

Area

Kent