Accendo Counselling

So Who Am I?

My name is Vanessa Harvey and I am a Humanistic Integrative Counsellor. That means that I put my client at the centre of my work and use many different styles of counselling, involving a variety of techniques. You can read more about that on the "What to Expect" page.

I am an experienced counsellor working in private practice and based in Dorchester. My preferred therapy style is Humanistic and Integrative, which means that at the centre of my work is a belief in your ability to bring about change, with help and guidance, through the use of your own internal resources. I use whichever interventions are appropriate for you and draw on a wide range of theoretical approaches including Cognitive Behavioural, Solution Focused, Gestalt and Person Centred therapy.

I spent several years in a local drug and alcohol advisory service, counselling individuals struggling with addiction and dependency issues and providing counselling support for their families. More recently I have been working with those in recovery from their substance misuse.

Training and Qualifications

I have undertaken extensive training, both at certificate and diploma level and hold an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling (BACP accredited). Additionally, I have completed training in Transactional Analysis, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and DANOS (Drug and Alcohol National Occupational Standards) along with continued professional development workshops including domestic violence, mental health, disordered eating and psychosexual issues.

Ethics and Confidentiality

I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and as such I adhere to their guidelines on confidentiality, I am bound by their Code of Ethics and Practice and I am subject to their Professional Conduct procedures.

All counsellors are required to receive regular clinical supervision where they discuss and reflect upon their work. This ensures that I am providing the best service possible and offers me an opportunity to monitor and assess the quality of my work with an external supervisor. Care is taken not to identify any client, other than by their first name