Edward Silver
Psychotherapist in Ipswich

Walk and Talk Therapy Ipswich
Eco-therapy and Deeper Nature Therapy
or
Online & Telephone or Outdoor Counselling & Psychotherapy

Outdoor Therapies
I offer outdoor walk and talk sessions either in our therapy garden or closeby at Gosbeck Woods,  IP6.
The power of nature can heal and support wellbeing in a number of proven ways. Spending time outdoors guided by an experienced eco-therapist, can help you gain clarity and insight into the challenges you face and support you to consider yourself with more empathy.
With the online world we live in, many people have become disconnected from the natural world. We naturally connect to nature and the world both urban and wild through our senses (sight, touch, taste, smell and hearing), imagination, feelings, curiosity and wonder.
This connectedness is vital for us to find meaning, inspiration and to be well and happy in our individual and collective dwelling places here on earth.

For Walk and Talk Therapy or Woodland Based Eco-therapy or Deeper Nature Exploration please contact me via email or call 07792187304


Online or Telephone Therapy

Online counselling therapy is a way for you to engage in counselling using internet technology such as Zoom & WhatsApp Video. 

Zoom and WhatsApp video sessions are a way for you to see your counsellor face-to-face from your computer whilst engaging in therapy. You will be guided through setting up your own encrypted Zoom account and you will meet your counsellor on Zoom at a time that you have previously arranged. It is important that you have a safe place, where you are comfortable and you will not be overheard. An initial asessment sessions lasts for 75 minutes and thereafter if you choise that I am the right therapist weekly sessions are 60 minutes in length.

Being able to see your counsellor gives you more of the benefits you get from face-to-face counselling but with the convenience of online therapy. By talking you hear tone of voice which is a way to convey empathy and with video you see non-verbal communications such as facial expressions.
Every effort is made to provide a safe and secure environment for your online therapy with encryption software to protect your confidentiality and secure.

Telephone Therapy

The therapist will call you at a pre-arranged time and this will be via their work mobile telephone or if you would prefer via Zoom with your camera turned off.
A disadvantage of telephone or online counselling is that you need a private room where you will not be overheard.

n.b. With this in mind several of the clients who felt comfortable to do so,  have found a confidential room at work, have sat in there cars in a safe location or decided to go for a walk when they have their session, I am happy to be flexible, but your safety  and confidentiality is of paramount importance so we can discuss this and plan accordingly. 

Background & Psychotherapy Qualifications

BA Hons Counselling UEA 2011
Acredited Diploma Eco Psychology and Nature Based Practice from Natural Academy, Bristol 2022
Online Therapy Primer (BACP)  2020
ACTO (Level1) Certificate Online & Telephone Counselling 2024
FdA Counselling(Distinction) UCS 2008/10
Certificate Integrative Counselling WSC 2008
Therapeutic Art & Play
Mindfulness
Annual Child Protection Training

Becoming a Counsellor was something that I had always been interested in, but had never had the confidence to persue. I always felt I wanted to work with people, but managed hotels and shops and later became a Support Worker, until a life changing event, stopped me in my tracks and I found I did not know how to move forward.

Although my family and friends rallied round, I knew that I had to find someone to talk to who didn't know me and who could help me get my life back on track. I sought out a 'Qualified Professional Counsellor' (www.bacp.co.uk) and it really helped me to work through the challenges I faced. This positive experience inspired me to begin training as a counsellor in 2004. After 6 years training I set up private practice working with adults and a year later set up a children & families practice which I ran until 2020 alongside.

In 2018 my interest in nature based therapeutic interventions begun and after finding a suitable Diploma I qualified as a Nature Based practioner in 2022.

As a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
I also hold a Certificate of Proficiency and I am on the Register which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health & Social Care. I am bound by the BACP's Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy and subject to its Codes of Practice.

Part of being a qualified and professional counsellor means I had therapy as part of my training and will be in and out of therapy for the rest of my career when I feel it necessary. This is how I know how difficult it can be to take that first step and how hard it can be to continue.

I also undertake regular supervision every month to adhere to B.A.C.P. requirements, and hold professional indemnity insurance.

In addition to counselling in private practice, I have also worked with adult clients at Life-Force in Colchester, and presently counsel adolescents (7-18 year olds) at schools in Suffolk and Essex. I also have experience of facilitating children's group programmes for Compassion a Suffolk based charity working with Domestic Violence & Abuse. I am also a group trainer at Cavendish Training who supply courses for mental health professionals.

I also worked in the social care sector for 6 years and have experience of working with vulnerable adults (mental health and learning difficulties).

I hold a current Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (C.R.B) Certificate from Suffolk County Council.

Additional Training

I attend regular workshops and seminars to study the different philosophies and theories in counselling. I feel this helps to keep my skills fresh and up-to-date.

'Trauma & the body: Somatisation & Dissociation'
'Sexual Abuse'
'Capacity for Self Care & Self Harm'
'Working with Shame'
'Domestic Violence & Abuse with Children'
'Sand Tray with Symbolic Meaning'
'Communication through Play'
'Natural Self Eco Therapy Practitioner'
'Eco Depth Practitioner'
'Attachment Theory - Working with Adults & Children'
'Generic approaches to Disordered Eating in Young People'
'Sand,Clay and Natural Material Play Therapy'
'Psychological Splitting'
'Risk Management'
'Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults'
'Interpersonal Couples Counselling
'Advanced skills and practice for working with people in nature Nature-based personal development'
'Professional nature-based practice'
'Reciprocal and Regenerative Recovery Eco depth practice'
'Mindfulness Training'
'Stronger Families Community Programme Facilitator(AVA)'
'Working Therapeutically with Transgender'
'Working Therapeutically with Transgender Youth & their Families'

My Specialisms

Counselling can help you to understand yourself and your relationships with those around you better. It can assist you to make informed choices or decisions, come to terms with your situation or find better ways of coping. Counselling can offer you the space to work through personal issues in a safe, supportive and confidential environment.

If you or your loved ones need support to help come to terms with......

Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Addiction, Abuse, Bullying, Bereavement & Loss, Childhood Trauma, Dissociation Disorder, Divorce/Separation, Domestic Abuse, Child Abuse, Eating Disorder, Emotional & Developmental Concerns, Infertility, Life Crisis, Low Self Esteem, Mental Health, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Attacks, Parenting difficulties, Phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Relationships Problems, Student Stress, Surviving Sexual Abuse, Transgender & Gender Identity, Long term illness, Work/Life Balance, School Phobias, Self Harm, Unresolved Childhood Issues or simple your Personal development...

Approach to Psychotherapy & How I Work

As an integrative counsellor I believe that we all think, feel and react in different ways. Because of this I feel it is important to work holistically by integrating different theories into my work to create a unique therapy adapted to suit your individual needs as my client.
In my training I have developed a skills set which includes integrative psychodynamic talking therapy, solution focused therapy, nature based interventions, mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy, expressive arts, sand tray and therapeutic play.

My outdoor practice has emerged through my passion to support people with mental health and personal development needs along with my love for the natural world. I have over 15 years experience in mental health, addiction, sexual trauma, depression & anxiety.

Studies now show that people with strong connections with nature report feeling happier and more content. Being outside in nature brings its own healing element and this combines with exploring the symbols and mirroring that nature can offer to support recovery from mental illness, trauma, stress, anxiety as well as to support personal development and meaningful connection to the natural world.

Most importantly, when humans have a better connection to nature, they take care of the natural world in proactive ways.

Therapies & Rates

Please note the rates detailed below are there to give you an idea of the therapists standard rates, we strongly advise you contact the therapist for more detailed rates and any offers they may have.

Therapy	Appointment Type	Rate
Psychotherapy	In Person	£65 per 60 minutes
Psychotherapy	Online/Telephone	£60 per 50 minutes
Counselling	Online/Telephone	£60 per 60 minutes
Counselling	In Person	Please Call
Life Coaching	Online/Telephone	£65 per 60 minutes
Relationship Therapy	Online/Telephone	£75 per 75 minutes
Relationship Therapy	In Person	£80 per 75 minutes

Additional Rate Information

I can offer daytime or evening appointments. (07.30am to 19.00pm, Tuesday to Friday) At this time I am able to offer telephone or online counselling session (via Zoom, WhatsApp). Walk & Talk (Nature Based Eco-psychology Sessions)....75 minutes Nb * Concessions are available on request (low income & student)- limited places but please ask The initial session is taken up with a 75 minute assessment and an explanation of the counselling on offer. How to book? 1.You contact me for an initial appointment. If I am not available to talk, please leave a message on my confidential 24 hour answer phone 07792 187304, or you can email me at ejs.counselling@gmail.com with your contact details and I will call you back, as soon as I can, usually within 24 hours. 2.We set up an initial appointment. This initial appointment via Zoom OR WhatsApp Video. This gives you the opportunity to meet me, for me to take a history and explore your world and your difficulties, and how you arrived at this point. 3. I answer any questions you need answered. We discuss what you want to achieve from your counselling, length of therapy, fees and payment options. If you are happy with the counselling/ psychotherapy on offer, we will agree a way to work together and set up a schedule of appointments. 4. If you decide you would like to continue to work with me as your counsellor/therapist, regular sessions will be arranged (usually at the same time on the same day, each week).