Chris Sergeant profile details
About Chris
I am a BACP-accredited counsellor working with adults and couples in Plymouth and online across the UK. I have been in counselling practice since 2010 and have more than 6,500 hours of counselling experience.
People come to counselling for many different reasons. You may be facing a particular difficulty, struggling with a relationship, feeling anxious or stressed, or simply have a sense that something in your life is not quite right.
My approach is integrative and tailored to you. I draw on person-centred principles to build a strong therapeutic relationship, while also working actively and, where helpful, more challengingly. Counselling may involve exploring present difficulties, past experiences, recurring patterns, relationships, thoughts and feelings, or simply trying to make sense of something that has left you feeling stuck or uncertain.
I work with individuals experiencing difficulties including anxiety, stress, anger, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and significant life changes.
Couples counselling
I also work with couples experiencing recurring conflict, communication difficulties, infidelity or loss of trust, emotional distance, differences in needs or values, and situations where the relationship has begun to feel stuck.
The aim is not to take sides, but to understand what is happening between you, recognise patterns that may have developed and consider what might need to change. Couples counselling does not assume that every relationship should continue; it can also help you make clearer, more considered decisions about what you both want going forward.
Chris can help with issues such as
Specialisms
Also helps with
If you are unsure if Chris deals with your issue, please email in confidence →
Ways we can work together
Qualifications, training and experience
BACP Accredited Counsellor
- Diploma in Integrative Counselling – LIFE-FORCE, 2009
- CPD Certificate in Couple Counselling – 2015
- Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision – 2018
- Diploma in Hypnotherapy – 2011
Testimonials
I had not looked at things the way I am now, not even when I had years of therapy before. How I am seeing things now is so true.
It was challenging but there is something about you that meant it felt safe.
I am able to talk with her now without fear of expressing myself, and she with me.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know whether you are the right counsellor for me?
Choosing a counsellor is personal. I offer a free brief introductory conversation so that you can ask questions, tell me a little about what brings you to counselling and get a sense of whether working together feels right.
Do you offer an initial assessment session?
I do not offer a separate free assessment session. Your first counselling session is a full paid session and gives us time to explore what brings you to counselling, what you would like from it and whether working together feels right. I do offer a free brief introductory conversation beforehand if you would like to ask a few questions before booking.
What happens in the first counselling session?
The first session gives us time to explore what brings you to counselling, what you would like from it and any questions or concerns you may have. There is no pressure to have everything clearly worked out before you come.
Do you work with couples as well as individuals?
Yes. I work with both individuals and couples. Couples may come with communication difficulties, recurring conflict, loss of trust, emotional distance or simply a sense that the relationship has become stuck. I do not take sides; the focus is on understanding what is happening between you.
How long will I need counselling for?
There is no fixed length. Some people come for a relatively short period around a particular difficulty, while others find longer-term work more useful. We can review how the counselling is going as we work together.
If your question is not listed here, please email Chris.
Further information
Choosing a counsellor is personal, and it can be difficult to know from a profile alone whether someone’s way of working will suit you. I am happy to have a brief introductory conversation before you decide whether to arrange a full session.
I work face-to-face in Plymouth and online across the UK. Online sessions are available via Zoom or WhatsApp. My face-to-face rooms are on the first floor and are accessed by stairs; there is currently no lift.
I am also developing a collection of reflective PDF resources exploring themes such as communication, relationships, difficult conversations and personal patterns. These can be used independently or alongside counselling. They may also give you a sense of some of the questions and ideas that inform my therapeutic approach, and whether this feels like a good fit for you.
The resources are available through the Resources section of my website.
I work with both individuals and couples. With couples, the aim is not to take sides but to understand what is happening between you, recognise recurring patterns and consider what each of you may need going forward. Counselling does not assume a particular outcome; sometimes the work is about improving a relationship, and sometimes it is about reaching clearer decisions.
Profile gallery
A few extra photos from Chris's practice. Click any image to enlarge.