Approach & Modality
Having Someone in Your Corner
When I meet someone for the first time - anyone, not just clients - my intention is for them to feel heard. I want each person to feel welcome, cared for and above all, that I am in your corner.
So many of us wander through the world without that and when I first found a therapist who was, it changed everything for me.
Radical Empathy
I practise what I call radical empathy, which is essentially an intention to care authentically and be compassionate.
I read about child development, worldwide politics and actively engage in professional forums to be able to support my clients as we work to more fully understand how they have been impacted by the messages they received from their caregivers, the education system and society as a whole.
Integrative Psychotherapy
I call what I do “Integrative Psychotherapy” because I tend to work with people long term at depth. I would describe my approach as trauma-sensitive, feminist and neurodivergent affirming.
I like the concept of pluralistic counselling for its emphasis on how we can provide a fresh and individualised approach for each client and the school of humanistic therapy for its emphasis on authenticity and self-actualisation.
I try to incorporate those perspectives into creating a bespoke therapy experience for each client whilst recognising that my style is validating and directive with a sprinkle of humour thrown in.
Qualifications
After completing introductory courses in Person Centred Counselling, I undertook a certificate, diploma and Masters degree at London South Bank University as a mature student from 2007 to 2010. I worked alongside my studies at inpatient and aftercare addiction treatment programmes and started my private practice in my final year of study.
My Masters dissertation focused on the relationship between menstrual phases and addictive behaviours. I remain committed to supporting clients with menstrually related challenges including (but not limited to) Premenstrual Syndrome, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and Perimenopause.
I continue to learn therapeutic skills and expand my understanding and knowledge through Continuing Professional Development, supervision, consultation and attending conferences.
Post Graduate Certificate
Addiction Studies
2007-2008
Post Graduate Diploma
Addiction Counselling
2008-2009
Masters of Science
Addiction Psychology & Counselling
2009-2010
Professional Membership
As a registered and accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, I abide by the Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions and the Supplementary Guidance for Working Online.
The BACP asks us to maintain our professional learning and growth through study and clinical supervision. As well as having a long standing relationship with a supervisor I trust and respect, I also regularly engage in consultation with other specialist practitioners. I love consultation and supervision as this enables me to keep developing as a practitioner, expand my understanding and to benefit from structural support so I can provide a highly professional and personalised experience for my clients.

Personalised Bespoke Service
DB Recovery+ McLean Award
Therapist of the Year
I intentionally work with very few clients at one time, so that I can hold each person’s story and provide a bespoke and individualised experience with a high level of professionalism. That’s not to say other therapists can’t do that with more clients, just that this is the way I structure my practice in order to provide the best possible experience of working with me.
The recommendations I make are things I have done or continue to do myself and I am passionate about learning from other therapists too – I read articles and books, listen to podcasts, participate in forums, present at conferences and interview other practitioners to gain inspiration, new perspectives and insight into different approaches.
I tend to work with people for a year or more, and they often return to me after breaks to check in or work on new challenges.
My Practice Principles
Here are some of the values and principles that shape the way I work.
Clarity
It is super important to me that clients know exactly what to expect from me. We discuss your intentions for therapy and we review regularly. My paperwork is clear and you'll get a copy to refer back to.
Congruence
For me, congruence is about about providing you with room to be, not do. To be heard, and seen and appreciated. My intention is to listen, understand and create a space with authenticity and integrity where you feel secure.
Continuity of Care
I am connected with holistic, integrative practitioners with brilliant minds and hearts. I keep in mind what other therapeutic support would benefit you and your body, and provide referrals and recommendations.
Get In Touch
If you would like to enquire about therapy with me or ask for a referral to another therapist, please drop me a line at pa[at]tamaramhowel[dot]com.
My emails are read by my administrative team and you may receive a response from my assistant. We will try to respond within 2 working days so it might be Monday if you write on a Thursday. If you don't hear back from us, please check your Spam folder or drop us another note in case there has been a technical error.
*The reason I don't have an email form here is because the submissions were getting lost, and bots were writing to me!