Welcome to my website! My name is Amanda Scott and if you're here, it's likely because you're at a crossroads in life and unsure of what to do next. Perhaps you're overwhelmed by a series of events, a difficult relationship or struggling with an issue that just won't go away.
I've been there, and I understand how difficult life can be. Sometimes, we need help to figure out why something is happening, or keeps happening, and what you can do to change that.
My background has mainly been in the corporate world, where amongst other things, I mentored and coached individuals to help them progress in their careers. Seeing someone gain confidence in themselves and blossom has always been a wonderful thing to witness in the business world. However, I have always had the desire to work with people at a deeper level. This led me to retrain as a Transactional Analysis (TA) Counsellor and transition from the corporate world so that I now run my own counselling practice near Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire, working with older adults on a one-to-one basis.
TA Counselling can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, and the therapeutic relationship where the counsellor and the client work together to examine a person's experiences is a special one. It's a relationship built on openness and trust, and I offer a secure, warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach. By exploring someone's thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and looking at how these - along with experiences from the past - are impacting the person in the present, together we can find solutions to current problems.
I have counselling experience with issues including
(but not limited to):
Transactional Analysis (TA) is widely recognized and arguably one of the most accessible psychological theories. Developed by Dr. Eric Berne in the late 1950s, TA is designed to help people understand and improve their social interactions and communication patterns. TA is based on the idea that everyone has three distinct ego states: Parent, Adult, and Child. These ego states influence how people think, feel, and behave in various situations. TA counselling involves analysing interactions (or transactions) between these ego states, both in ourselves and others, and helps us to identify patterns that may be causing problems. By understanding these dynamics and helping individuals become more aware of their behaviour and its impact on others and themselves, they can improve their communication, resolve conflicts, and develop healthier relationships. TA provides tools for personal growth and change, ultimately helping you gain autonomy in your life. Berne defined autonomy as three vital human capacities: spontaneity, awareness, and intimacy. I like to share TA concepts and ideas with clients, as this provides a framework for the work we do together. By "naming" what might be going on, clients can quickly recognize when something is happening for them in their everyday lives and, in those moments, choose to do something different for a better outcome.
I hold the following qualifications in Transactional Analysis from TA Works in Oxford:
TA101
Foundation Certificate in Transactional Analysis
Certificate in Organisational and Educational Transactional Analysis (Groups and Teams in the System)
Diploma in Transactional Analysis Counselling
I am currently studying a Certified Transactional Analyst in the Counselling (CTA (C)
I have monthly supervision with a TA Counselling supervisor (PTSTA (C). Regular supervision is an ethical responsibility and professional requirement, as it protects you, the client, whilst allowing a safe space for your therapist to explore confidentially the work you do together. It also ensures counsellors continue professional development during their practice.
I am a member of the ITAA (International Transactional Analysis Association), and adhere to their code of ethics. www.itaaworld.com.
and
IARTA (The International Association of Relational Transactional Analysis)
Accredited Member ACCPH (Association of counsellors, coaches, psychotherapists and hypnotherapists)
Please contact me using the form below if you cannot find an answer to your question.
I offer a free 15 minute introductory session so that we can speak and you can tell me why you are thinking about counselling. If we are both happy, we can then agree to set up regular slots, at the same time every week. Counselling slots are always 50 minutes.
Yes. I have evening slots between 5pm and 7pm Monday through Wednesday.
I offer short term and long term counselling and recommend that clients commit to at least 6 sessions.
I charge £55 per 50 minute session which is payable in advance.
If a session needs to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, a minimum of 48 hours is required or the session is deemed chargeable. I will always try and reschedule to another day in the same week if possible.
At the current time, I offer individual therapy for older adults. I expect to offer couples counselling within the next few months once my advanced training is complete.
Absolutely, I can offer online sessions. I also offer walking therapy where we can meet at a quiet location around the Bradford on Avon area, and take a walk together whilst doing a session. Some people find it helps to be outside and encourages them to speak more freely.