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Free 15-minute consultation

Welcome to Riptide Therapy

Claire Bowman

At times, life can feel overwhelming — as if you’re being pulled in unexpected directions. From the outside, you may seem to be coping, while inside things are unsettled.

You don’t have to face this alone.

I’m Claire, a qualified and experienced counsellor offering a calm, supportive space where we can explore what’s going on for you, at your own pace, helping you to rediscover your sense of direction.

  • Certificate in Person-Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression
  • BA (hons) degree in Integrative Counselling, First Class
  • LLB Law Degree, 2:1
More About Me
Free 15-minute consultation

Welcome to Riptide Therapy

Claire Bowman

At times, life can feel overwhelming — as if you’re being pulled in unexpected directions. From the outside, you may seem to be coping, while inside things are unsettled.

You don’t have to face this alone.

I’m Claire, a qualified and experienced counsellor offering a calm, supportive space where we can explore what’s going on for you, at your own pace, helping you to rediscover your sense of direction.

  • Certificate in Person-Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression
  • BA (hons) degree in Integrative Counselling, First Class
  • LLB Law Degree, 2:1
More About Me
Free 15-minute consultation

A riptide can feel frightening when you’re in it, but understanding how it works can help you move through it safely.

“The therapist’s task is not to solve the patient’s problems but to help the patient grow.”

My approach is integrative, drawing on several therapeutic models while being grounded in the humanistic belief that people have an innate capacity for growth when they are met with empathy, understanding and acceptance.

More About Me

Who I work with

I work with adults (18+) suffering from depression and anxiety with a particular focus on:
  • Burnout or chronic stress
  • Navigation of life transitions
  • Divorce or relationship breakdown and problems (I work with individuals only)
  • Menopause and other midlife change
  • Stuckness, overwhelm and disconnection
  • Trauma
Who I work with
50-minute sessions
£65 per session
Weekly sessions (online or in-person)
If you’d like to see whether counselling with me feels right for you, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute introductory call.
Free 15-minute consultation
Kind, supportive, and easy to talk to
Working with Claire was a great experience. She was always kind, listened carefully, and asked the right questions while considering my feelings at all times. She did not try to lead the conversations, but instead gave me the space to talk openly about my problems and feelings.
Helped me feel clearer and better after therapy
I felt better and had a much clearer mind after therapy. I still often think about what she told me when I find myself in a difficult life situation.
Someone you can trust completely
I would say to anyone considering working with Claire that they can trust her with their deepest problems. She never judges, is calm and responsive, and creates a space where there is no need to feel embarrassed.
Support across a range of personal challenges
The most helpful aspects of the sessions were support with grief, everyday struggles, parenting, relationships, and self-esteem.
Would highly recommend
I would recommend Claire’s counselling service to anyone looking for a professional who helps them feel safe, understood, and supported.
Welcoming, calm and easy to engage with
Relaxed but challenging sessions that help you feel understood, supported, and able to understand yourself better.
Deeper understanding and positive change
Therapy that creates space to process feelings and situations more deeply, leading to wider positive changes over time.
Comfortable, supportive and worth trying
A welcoming approach that helps you feel at ease, understood, and confident that counselling can be beneficial.
Space to talk, reflect and feel validated
The chance to talk openly, make sense of what is in your head, and feel heard and validated.
Highly recommended counselling support
A supportive and effective counselling experience that clients would most definitely recommend.

Qualifications

Riptide Therapy - Support through life's changing tides
Riptide Therapy - Support through life's changing tides
Riptide Therapy - Support through life's changing tides

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in the first session?

It’s really natural to feel nervous about attending your first session. Many clients feel this way. Understanding what to expect can help: 

I will explain how the sessions work, how I work with clients and if you feel ready, you can tell me a bit more about what is troubling you. You go at your own pace and you don’t have to share anymore than feels ok for you. You might also share what you hope to get out of counselling and we can explore how we might work together. You can ask any questions you have about the counselling process. Often just explaining a little about what is going on for you, and being listened to, can help you relax a bit.

Clients often ask this at the start. The reality is this varies from client to client. I would suggest at least 6 sessions to start, with some clients finding this enough for now and others discovering that they would like to continue into longer term therapy where you explore things on a deeper level. The decision rests with you and you are free to decide what feels right for you

Yes what you tell me is confidential apart from a few situations where I may be obliged to disclose things by law and I will explain this to you in person. 

I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and work in accordance with its ethical framework. 

Finding the right counsellor is important, and a personal choice for everyone. I offer a free 15 minute introductory consultation to help you work out if I am a good fit for you.