My name is Ben Beacroft. I am a fully qualified therapist and counsellor, with Registered MBACP status, the standard recommended by the BACP to the public when seeking a therapist or counsellor.

My training was integrative in nature, with a therapeutic model that incorporated theory from four broad approaches to talking therapy - these were the Person Centred, CBT, Existential, and Psychodynamic models.  

My approach may incorporate elements from each of the aforementioned models, but my focus in sessions is very much on trying to understand your perspective, and helping you to find ways to deal with what is troubling you.  I understand most problems as connected to our relationships (be it early relationships with significant people, such as parents, the loss of relationships, conflict in existing ones, or the relationship we have with our self); as such, in sessions we are likely to spend time thinking about the important relationships in your life. 

Whilst it is not a panacea, nor the only way to resolve personal struggles, therapy does have the capacity to positively change the trajectory of a life.  As such, I take seriously the responsibility of supporting you in finding your solutions.

Alongside my counselling qualification, I worked as a mental health nurse (RNMH) from 1999 to 2019.   During that time, I accumulated a wealth of experience in a variety of mental health and substance misuse settings, including many years as the deputy manager of an NHS detox unit.  I have a good understanding of addictive behaviours, as well as common mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, and personality disorders.  

During my career, I have encountered many psychological issues. I have worked with people who self harm, feel suicidal, use drugs and alcohol in excess, and those with mental health problems; I have worked with people with body image issues,  anxiety,  long term depression, and with those that have been sexually, emotionally or physically abused, or suffered other trauma; and I have worked with people from many different cultural backgrounds and diverse social situations.  

Whatever your background and circumstances, and whatever it is that troubles you, you can be assured that I will treat what you share with me with sensitivity and confidentiality, and without judgement.

I now work exclusively in private practice, working with individuals and couples across Kent.