Kerry Hampton Counselling
Integrative Somatic Trauma
Psychotherapist
(Mbacp, Dip. Somatic Trauma)
Welcome. Come on in.
You don’t have to keep carrying
everything on your own.
Starting therapy can feel vulnerable. You might feel nervous, hopeful, uncertain, or even a little relieved to have reached this point.
You may have questions about whether I will understand, whether what you're experiencing is important enough to talk about, or whether you'll feel comfortable opening up to someone new.
You don't need to have everything worked out before you arrive.
You can start wherever you are, and we'll take things at a pace that feels manageable for you.
If you're considering counselling and would like to find out a little more about working together, you're very welcome to get in touch.
I'd be happy to hear a little about what's brought you to consider counselling and answer any questions you may have. We can then explore whether I might be the right person to support you and what availability I currently have.
Call /Text or Email : 07827027499
kerryhamptoncounselling@gmail.com
About Counselling.
I offer a warm, supportive and non-judgemental space where you can begin to make sense of what you're experiencing, at your own pace.
Sometimes we know something doesn't feel right, but struggle to understand why. We might find ourselves repeating familiar patterns, feeling stuck in relationships, struggling with our emotions, or reacting in ways that don't seem to make sense, even to ourselves.
Our experiences, including those from earlier in life, can shape how we see ourselves, how we relate to others and how we learn to cope. Some of the ways we have learned to protect ourselves may once have been necessary, but can become less helpful as life changes.
Counselling offers an opportunity to slow things down, explore what's happening beneath the surface and develop a better understanding of yourself. This isn't about judging your responses or trying to change who you are. It's about recognising what may be going on, making sense of how you've learned to navigate life and discovering what you might need now.
I won't tell you how to live your life or expect you to have all the answers. I'll work alongside you, offering support, curiosity and guidance as we explore what feels important to you.
The relationship we build is central to this work. Feeling heard, understood and safe enough to be yourself can make room for things that may have felt difficult to approach before.
There is no expectation to share everything at once or to have everything figured out. We work together, at a pace that feels right for you, allowing space for understanding, change and new possibilities.
"Am I living in a way which is deeply satisfying to me, and which truly expresses me?" Carl Rogers. (Person Centred Approach)
A Little About Me.
Hi, I'm Kerry.
I'm a Somatic Trauma Therapist based in Hilperton, near Trowbridge.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent many years running my own freelance hairdressing business. No two days were ever the same. One moment I might be doing a quick trim, the next travelling to help someone feel their best on their wedding day.
Somewhere in all those conversations across the chair, I began to appreciate how naturally people can open up when they feel comfortable, listened to and accepted. It showed me how important it is to feel genuinely seen and heard.
That understanding deepened through my own experience of therapy. Working through personal trauma gave me an appreciation of just how much our experiences can shape us, often in ways we don't fully recognise at the time. It also helped me understand how people develop ways of coping and protecting themselves, usually doing the best they can with what they have available to them.
That experience eventually led me to train professionally as a therapist.
Today, my work is shaped by my training, professional experience and lived understanding. I bring warmth, curiosity and compassion into the room, alongside a genuine interest in understanding the person behind the difficulties they're experiencing.
I don't believe you need to have the right words, understand exactly what's happening or know where to begin. Sometimes things feel confusing, overwhelming or difficult to put into words. That's okay. We can take time to make sense of things together.
I work with adults and young people experiencing trauma, anxiety, relationship difficulties and other challenges that can affect how they feel about themselves and navigate everyday life.
My approach considers the connection between mind, body and emotions. I draw on somatic techniques and trauma-informed approaches, always with an emphasis on safety, collaboration and working at a pace that feels manageable.
Having experienced therapy myself, I appreciate that reaching out can bring a mixture of hope, uncertainty and vulnerability. I won't assume to know your experience, but I will do my best to understand it.
Above all, I want our work to feel like a space where you can be yourself, without needing to perform, pretend or have everything figured out.
My Approach to Therapy.
I take an integrative, trauma-informed and somatic approach to therapy, recognising that our experiences can affect us in many different ways, not just through our thoughts, but also through our emotions, bodies, relationships and the ways we learn to cope with life.
Sometimes we can understand something intellectually but still find ourselves reacting in familiar ways. We might know that something is in the past, yet our body responds as though we're still facing it. We may find ourselves becoming anxious, shutting down, avoiding certain situations or repeating patterns that we don't fully understand.
This is because understanding something and processing it are not always the same thing.
So, what is somatic therapy?
Somatic therapy brings attention to the connection between mind and body. Rather than focusing solely on talking about what has happened, we also pay attention to what you notice physically and emotionally in the present.
For example, when talking about something difficult, you might notice your breathing change, your shoulders tighten, a lump in your throat or an urge to laugh, change the subject or move away from the feeling.
These responses can offer useful information about what is happening for you. We can gently become curious about them, without forcing anything or needing to make them mean more than they do.
This isn't about searching for something wrong with you. It's about developing a greater understanding of your experiences and recognising what you might need.
Working with trauma safely.
I draw on the Tri-Phasic Trauma Model, which recognises the importance of establishing safety and stability before moving into deeper trauma processing.
This means we don't simply dive into painful memories or assume that talking about everything is what you need.
Our work begins with developing a sense of safety, understanding your responses and finding ways to support you when things feel overwhelming. When you're ready, we may gently explore experiences that continue to affect you, always paying attention to how you're feeling and what feels manageable.
There may be times when we need to slow down, return to establishing steadiness or spend time allowing things to settle. This is all part of the process.
More than understanding your past.
Therapy isn't about dissecting every chapter of your life or reliving everything that has happened. It's about noticing how your experiences may still be showing up in your life today, in your thoughts, feelings, relationships, behaviours and the ways you relate to yourself.
We may explore familiar patterns, beliefs you've developed about yourself, ways you've learned to protect yourself and responses that once helped you cope but may no longer feel helpful.
Alongside this, we can introduce gentle somatic techniques, psychoeducation and practical ways of supporting yourself outside the therapy room.
There is no set formula for this work. Everyone's experiences and needs are different, and we work together to find an approach that feels right for you.
Neuroaffirming and Trauma-Informed.
My work is both neuroaffirming and trauma-informed. This means I recognise that each person experiences and responds to the world differently, and that there is no single way we should think, feel or behave.
Being neuroaffirming means recognising neurodiversity as a natural part of human variation, rather than something that needs to be fixed. I don't expect you to fit a particular way of communicating, processing information or engaging in therapy. I'll adapt my language, pace and approach where needed, taking account of what helps you feel comfortable, understood and supported.
Being trauma-informed means understanding that our past experiences can shape how we feel, how we relate to others, how we respond to situations and how safe we feel in the world. Some of the ways we cope may have developed as ways of protecting ourselves, even if they no longer feel helpful today.
This is why safety, choice, consent and collaboration are central to my work. I won't make assumptions about what you need or expect you to work in a particular way. We'll pay attention to what feels manageable and useful for you, recognising that your experiences and needs are your own.
You are not broken, and you don't need fixing. Often, you've been finding ways to manage and cope with experiences using whatever resources were available to you at the time. Therapy can offer an opportunity to understand those responses with greater compassion and explore what might feel different moving forward.
You remain in control.
You don't have to share anything before you're ready, and you can always tell me if something doesn't feel comfortable or useful.
I won't push you to revisit experiences or use techniques that don't feel right for you. We can pause, slow down or change direction whenever needed.
My aim is to help you develop a greater understanding of yourself, feel more connected to your own needs and gradually find ways of responding to life that feel less driven by old experiences and more in keeping with who you are today.
What Next?
I know meeting someone new can feel a little daunting, especially when you're considering sharing parts of your life that may feel difficult or personal. That's why I offer a free, 30-minute online introductory meeting.
It's an opportunity for us to meet, talk a little about what has brought you to consider therapy and give you a chance to get a feel for me and how I work. There's no obligation to continue, and you don't need to prepare anything or know exactly what to say.
During our time together, we'll have space to:
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Talk about what's been happening for you and what you're hoping to get from therapy.
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Ask any questions you may have about my background, experience and approach.
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Explore whether you feel comfortable talking with me and whether working together feels like a good fit.
There's no expectation to share anything you're not ready to talk about. It's simply a chance to get to know one another and see how things feel.
If you decide you'd like to continue, we can discuss arranging a regular appointment that works around your life. I generally work with clients on a weekly basis, although we can talk about what might be appropriate for you.
You don't have to make a decision straight away. Take some time to think about it afterwards if you need to.
My hope is that you leave our first meeting with a clearer sense of what working together might look like, and whether it feels right for you.
Confidentiality.
What you share in therapy is treated with care and respect. Our conversations are confidential, although there are some circumstances where information may need to be shared to help keep someone safe. I'll explain this fully before we begin, so you understand how confidentiality works.
The Models and Approaches I Use...
Somatic Trauma Therapy
Somatic Trauma Therapy is a body-centred approach that explores the connection between the mind and body, recognising that our experiences can affect us not only emotionally and mentally, but physically too. When we've experienced trauma or prolonged stress, our bodies can continue to respond as though we're still under threat, even when the situation has passed. This might show up as tension, changes in breathing, feeling constantly on edge, shutting down, or finding it difficult to relax or feel safe. Rather than focusing solely on talking about what has happened, somatic work brings attention to what you're experiencing in the present moment. We gently notice physical sensations, emotions and nervous-system responses, helping you develop a greater understanding of how your experiences may still be affecting you. Depending on what feels helpful and appropriate, I may introduce techniques such as grounding, breathwork, tapping, gentle movement and body awareness. These aren't about forcing anything to happen or making difficult feelings disappear. They're ways of supporting you to feel more connected to yourself, recognise what you need and gradually develop a greater sense of steadiness and safety. The work is always guided by you, at a pace that feels manageable, with an emphasis on choice, safety and understanding rather than pushing or overwhelming yourself.
Person Centred Approach
Person-Centred Therapy places importance on building a warm, genuine and accepting therapeutic relationship where you feel heard, understood and able to be yourself without judgement. It recognises that you have your own experiences, feelings, values and ways of understanding the world. Rather than me telling you what to do or offering ready-made solutions, I'll provide a supportive space where you can explore what's happening for you, make sense of patterns in your life and consider what you might need. Sometimes, having the space to talk openly and feel genuinely listened to can help you see things differently, develop greater self-understanding and discover possibilities that may previously have felt out of reach. I believe you are the expert in your own life. My role is to walk alongside you, offering empathy, understanding and support as you find your own way forward.
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic Therapy explores how our past experiences, particularly those from childhood and significant relationships, can influence the way we think, feel and behave in the present. Sometimes, we develop patterns of relating to ourselves and others, or ways of coping with difficult feelings, without fully realising where they came from. These responses may once have helped us feel safe, protected or accepted, but can continue into adulthood even when they no longer feel helpful. Through exploring these patterns, we can begin to understand how earlier experiences may be influencing your present-day relationships, emotions, beliefs and behaviours. The aim isn't to blame the past or dwell on it, but to develop a greater understanding of yourself, recognise what may be keeping certain patterns in place and begin to discover different ways of responding that feel more helpful for you.
Attachment Theory
Attachment Theory explores how our early relationships with parents or caregivers can shape the way we experience closeness, trust, connection and emotional safety in later life. As children, we learn about relationships through the care and responses we receive from the people around us. These early experiences can influence how we see ourselves, how much we trust others, how comfortable we feel depending on someone and how we respond when relationships feel uncertain or difficult. Sometimes, patterns that developed in those early relationships can continue into adulthood. We might find ourselves seeking reassurance, keeping others at a distance, worrying about being abandoned, struggling to trust or finding it difficult to express what we need. Exploring attachment can help us understand how these patterns may have developed and how they show up in our relationships today. It can also help us recognise that our early experiences don't have to define our future relationships or limit our ability to experience connection differently.
Incorporating Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation involves exploring and understanding how our minds and bodies work together, and how our experiences can influence the way we think, feel and respond. Sometimes, we experience physical or emotional reactions without fully understanding why. This might include anxiety, tension, feeling overwhelmed, shutting down, difficulty concentrating or finding it hard to settle. By learning more about the nervous system, stress responses and the mind-body connection, we can begin to make sense of these experiences and recognise that many of our reactions have developed for a reason. Understanding what's happening can help you feel less confused or critical of yourself, recognise your own patterns and develop a greater sense of choice in how you respond. I'll introduce information and explanations where they feel relevant and useful to you, helping you make connections between what you're experiencing and what might be happening beneath the surface.
Face-to-face sessions
I offer face-to-face therapy Monday to Friday from my home in Hilperton, near Trowbridge, Wiltshire. (Subject to availability)
Sessions take place in a cosy wooden cabin in my garden, providing a private and comfortable space away from the distractions of everyday life.
My full address will be provided once we've agreed to work together and completed the initial contracting process.
Online sessions
I also offer online therapy to adults and young people throughout the UK, using Microsoft Teams or Google Meet.
Online sessions offer the flexibility of accessing therapy from a space where you feel comfortable and have some privacy.
Whether we meet in person or online, my aim is to provide a welcoming, confidential and accepting space where you can feel comfortable being yourself.
Qualifications and Professional Training
Core counselling qualifications CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Somatic Trauma Psychotherapy CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Counselling CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills Additional qualifications and specialist training Level 3 Diploma in Addiction Diploma CPD – Children and Young People Level 2 – Suicide and Self-Harm Level 2 – Breathwork Level 2 – Neuroscience in the Younger Years Professional development and experience BACP Certificate of Proficiency Shout Crisis Volunteer Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) Charity and agency counselling experience
BACP Membership and Ethical Practice
I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and am committed to maintaining high standards of ethical, safe and competent practice.
As a BACP member, I work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, which guides my professional responsibilities, conduct and the way I work with clients.
You can find out more about the BACP and its Ethical Framework at www.bacp.co.uk.
DBS Checked
I hold an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of my commitment to safeguarding and working responsibly with adults and young people.
My Commitment to You
I believe good therapy involves ongoing learning, reflection and a willingness to keep developing as a practitioner. I am committed to maintaining my professional knowledge, working within my competence and offering a thoughtful, ethical and supportive space where you can feel heard, respected and understood.
Continued Professional Development. (CPD)
I am committed to ongoing learning and professional development, regularly undertaking training and CPD to deepen my understanding of trauma, mental health, neurodivergence and the experiences that can affect our relationships with ourselves and others.
Trauma, the nervous system and somatic approaches Trauma-informed practice Body Responses and Trauma Polyvagal System Nervous System Dysregulation PTSD and CPTSD Dissociation Triggers and Activations Flashbacks Grounding and Mindfulness Inner Child and Inner Critic Timelines and therapeutic tools, including Russian Dolls and Feeling/Emotion Cards Neurodivergence and mental health ADHD and Autism Awareness Understanding Diagnosis Depression Anxiety Addiction Suicide and Self-Harm Shame, Guilt and Self-Esteem/Self-Worth Compassionate Enquiry Masterclass with Gabor Maté Relationships, attachment and life experiences Attachment Styles Relational Depth Men, Intimacy and Shame Divorce Estrangement Affairs and Betrayal Domestic Abuse Grief, Loss and Change Pregnancy Loss and Infertility Work and Life Stuckness and Ambivalence Abuse, safeguarding and wider experiences Childhood Sexual Abuse Sexual Abuse Safeguarding Narcissism Diversity and Discrimination Accommodations and Reasonable Adjustments COVID Fallout
Regular Professional Supervision
I attend regular professional supervision as part of my ongoing responsibility to practise safely, ethically and responsibly.
Supervision provides a confidential space for me to reflect on my work, consider the needs of my clients and explore any challenges or questions that may arise in our work together. It also helps me maintain professional boundaries, develop my practice and ensure that the support I offer remains appropriate and considered.
Client confidentiality is always respected, and any discussion of my work takes place in accordance with professional and ethical guidelines.
Fees, Cancellations and Missed Sessions
Session frequency and length
I generally recommend weekly sessions, as having a regular time together can help build continuity, consistency and momentum in the therapeutic work.
Sessions last one hour and are usually arranged for the same time and place each week. We will aim to keep this regular arrangement wherever possible, while recognising that life circumstances can sometimes mean adjustments are needed.
Fees and payment
My standard fee is £55 per one-hour session.
I also have a limited number of reduced-fee spaces available for students and those experiencing financial hardship. If this is something you may need, we can discuss it together before beginning our work.
I operate a pre-payment system. Payment is required before your session, usually in advance, and can be made by bank transfer or cash.
Client cancellations If you are unable to attend a scheduled session due to illness or other personal circumstances, I ask for at least 24 hours' notice wherever possible. I understand that illness and unexpected life events cannot always be planned. Where possible, I will try to offer an alternative appointment later in the same week or at the weekend. If we are unable to find a mutually convenient alternative, the full agreed session fee will still be payable. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, including missed appointments, are also charged at the full session rate. Holidays and planned breaks Scheduled breaks, such as holidays, will not be charged for when they are agreed and arranged in advance. If I need to cancel If I need to cancel a session due to illness or other unavoidable circumstances, I will give you as much notice as possible and try to offer an alternative appointment within the same week or at the weekend. If we cannot find a mutually convenient alternative, any payment already made will either be carried forward to a future session or refunded, as appropriate. Late arrival or ending a session early If you arrive late, the session will usually still finish at the scheduled time, and the full session fee remains payable. The same applies if you choose to end a session before the agreed finishing time. Arriving early My practice is based in my garden cabin, and I ask that you arrive no more than five minutes before your scheduled appointment, unless we have agreed otherwise. I may still be working with another client, so I might not be available to welcome you earlier. Waiting until your appointment time also helps protect everyone's privacy and reduces the possibility of clients crossing paths.
Core Numbers And Helplines
Although therapy can offer a regular space for support, there may be times when you need help outside our sessions.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or there is a life-threatening emergency, call 999.
If you need urgent medical or mental health support that is not an immediate emergency, you can contact NHS 111.
I've included a list of UK support services below, covering a range of situations including emotional distress, mental health, suicide prevention, bereavement and other difficulties.
If you are outside the UK, please contact your local emergency services or an appropriate crisis support service.
Opening times and contact details can change. Please check the organisation's website for the latest information.
Emergency services – 999 For immediate danger, serious injury or a life-threatening emergency. NHS 111 For urgent medical advice when the situation is not immediately life-threatening. In England, select option 2 for urgent mental health support. Police non-emergency – 101 To report a crime or seek police advice when there is no immediate danger. Samaritans – 116 123 Free, confidential emotional support, available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing distress or struggling to cope. Childline – 0800 1111 Free, confidential support for children and young people up to their 19th birthday. Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258 Free, confidential text-based support, available 24/7 for anyone struggling to cope. Mind – 0300 123 3393 Information about mental health difficulties, treatment and support services. The Infoline operates Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm. Mind also has a separate support line on 0300 102 1234. CALM – 0800 58 58 58 Support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or struggling with their mental health. Open 5pm–midnight every day. Cruse Bereavement Support – 0808 808 1677 Support for anyone affected by bereavement, including emotional support, information and guidance. Beat – 0808 801 0677 (England) Support for anyone affected by eating disorders or difficulties with food, weight and body image. Phone lines operate Monday to Friday, 3pm–8pm. PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 – 0300 102 2470 Confidential suicide prevention support for young people under 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts, and anyone worried about a young person. Available 24/7. You can also text HOPE to 88247. FRANK – 0300 123 6600 Confidential information and advice about drugs, including support for people using drugs and those concerned about someone else. Available 24/7. Drinkline – 0300 123 1110 Free, confidential advice for anyone concerned about their own or someone else's drinking. Opening hours vary. GamCare – 0808 8020 133 Free support for anyone affected by gambling-related harm, including advice, live chat and WhatsApp support. Available 24/7. LGBT Foundation – 0345 330 3030 Support and information for LGBT communities, including wellbeing, counselling and practical advice. National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 Free, confidential support for women experiencing domestic abuse, including safety planning and help finding local services. Available 24 hours a day.
Thoughts, Reflections and Insights
Sometimes understanding ourselves begins with finding the words for something we've experienced but haven't quite been able to make sense of.
Here, I share reflections and insights around trauma, relationships, emotional wellbeing, neurodivergence and the ways our past experiences can shape how we feel and respond to life today. Some explore why we develop certain patterns or ways of coping. Others look at the relationship between our thoughts, emotions and bodies, and how we can begin to reconnect with ourselves.
My hope is that something you read here might help you recognise a little more about yourself, feel less alone in your experiences or see something from a different perspective.
Take a look around, and spend time with whatever feels relevant to you
Contact Me At...
Get in touch with any queries or appointment enquiries via email or phone. If I am unable to answer please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours. (Please check your spam if a email).
I can also be found on the registered professional sites, Psychology today, BACP and Counselling directory.
kerryhamptoncounselling@gmail.com
Tel:
07827027499
Professional Standards and Responsibilities
I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in accordance with its Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
I hold professional indemnity and public liability insurance, am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), and undertake regular professional supervision to support safe, ethical and responsible practice.
Continuity of Care
As part of my commitment to responsible and ethical practice, I have a Clinical Will in place. This sets out arrangements for what would happen if I became unable to continue practising due to serious illness, incapacity or death.
A designated clinical executor would help ensure that clients are informed, understand that sessions cannot continue, and are offered information about appropriate next steps and alternative support if they wish.
Client confidentiality and the secure handling of records remain central to these arrangements.
Privacy Policy
Please see my Privacy Policy for information about how personal information is collected, used, stored and protected, both through this website and in connection with my counselling practice.
© 2026 Kerry Hampton Counselling | MBACP | CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Somatic Trauma Psychotherapy
