You're in the right place
I'm Stuart, a British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) registered integrative counsellor working with adults in Hertford and online. I understand how life's pressures can build up and affect your wellbeing, whether that's work stress, relationship difficulties, or just feeling overwhelmed.
Starting therapy takes courage, so well done for getting this far. If you're feeling stressed, stuck, or just not quite yourself, counselling can help. Maybe work is overwhelming you, relationships feel difficult, or you're dealing with anxiety that won't shift. Whatever's brought you here, you don't need to have it all figured out.
I work with people of all backgrounds who want practical and effective support. Whether you'd rather meet face-to-face in Hertford or talk online, we'll work in whatever way suits you best.
How I can help
I work with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, work problems, self-esteem struggles, and more. Some people seek short-term support to get through a rough patch. Others benefit from longer-term therapy to work on deeper issues. I use a mix of approaches (person-centred, CBT, psychodynamic, and Transactional Analysis) depending on what suits you. Some clients just want to talk things through. Others prefer practical strategies they can use straight away. There's no one-size-fits-all here.
How counselling works
Counselling gives you space to talk about what's troubling you without judgement. You'll have my full attention to make sense of what's going on and work out what might help. Some people find that talking itself brings clarity. Others benefit from learning techniques to manage anxiety, change unhelpful thinking patterns, or handle difficult situations.
My job is to listen, understand, and work with you at your own pace. The relationship we build matters. It's not about me fixing you. It's about supporting you to find your own answers and build the resilience you need for whatever life throws at you.
What brings people to therapy
People contact me for all sorts of reasons, usually when something feels off or life gets overwhelming. I help with anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, work pressures, and burnout. Many clients struggle with confidence, self-esteem, or perfectionism that's holding them back. Others are dealing with identity questions, sexuality, or the aftermath of experiences like bullying.
You might have a specific problem to solve or just feel like you've lost your direction. Either way, therapy gives you the headspace to understand what's happening and develop practical ways forward that actually fit with who you are.
About me
I've always been drawn to helping people, but it took a few career changes before I found my way to counselling. I've worked in sectors such as education, HR, and advertising. Each role taught me something different about how people handle pressure, navigate change, and sometimes struggle to keep going when things get tough.
Eventually, I experienced burnout myself. That's when I started my own therapy. It changed everything. I saw firsthand how powerful it is to have someone really listen, without judgement, and help you make sense of what's going on. That experience showed me what I wanted to do.
Now I'm a BACP registered integrative counsellor, working with adults across a broad age range. I combine different therapeutic approaches because people are different. Some need to talk things through. Others want practical tools they can use between sessions. I've got both in my toolkit, and I'll adapt to what works for you.
What matters most to me is the relationship we build. Therapy isn't a one-way street. It's collaborative. I'll bring my experience, training, and understanding. You bring your willingness to explore what's troubling you. Together, we'll work out what helps. I keep my fees affordable because I believe good therapy should be accessible, not just for those who can afford premium prices.
Qualifications
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- Certificate in Transactional Analysis (TA101)
- PGCE in Primary Education
- BA in History
I maintain my professional development through regular CPD training, attend fortnightly clinical supervision, and adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework.
My therapy space
My therapy room is located at 27a Fore Street, Hertford, SG14 1DJ. It's right in the town centre, within easy walking distance of Hertford East and Hertford North train stations. There's no dedicated car park, but you'll find parking nearby easily. The therapy room is on the second floor, and please bear in mind it's not wheelchair accessible unfortunately.
Location
I work with clients throughout Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas. My practice is convenient for people in Ware, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Cheshunt, and Welwyn Garden City. I also see clients from Hatfield, Stevenage, Bishop's Stortford, and Harlow. Those travelling from Enfield, Potters Bar, or other parts of North London find Hertford accessible. Of course, if you prefer online counselling, location doesn't matter at all. You can access therapy from anywhere with a quiet space and an internet connection.
Fees
Introductory call
10 minutes by phone – Free
Initial consultation
50 minutes – £60
Regular sessions
50 minutes – £60
All sessions are £60 whether you attend in-person in Hertford or meet with me online.
Payment
Payment is required before each session begins. You can pay by bank transfer or cash if attending in-person. I keep a limited number of reduced-fee spaces available for those who need them. If cost is a barrier to accessing counselling, please get in touch to discuss what might be possible.
Life happens, and sometimes you need to cancel or reschedule. I ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you can't make a session. This gives me time to offer the slot to someone else. Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice will need to be paid for in full (except in some exceptional circumstances). Let's talk if you're unsure about anything.
Get in touch
Thank you for considering getting in touch. Taking this step can feel daunting, but I'm here to make it as straightforward as possible.
The easiest way to contact me is by using the contact form below. I respond to all enquiries within one business day. Let me know a bit about what's brought you to counselling and whether you'd prefer in-person or online sessions. If you'd like to arrange your free 10-minute introductory call, just say so and I'll send over some times that work.
I look forward to hearing from you and helping you take the next step.
© Stuart Edwards Counselling
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