Therapy for Lasting Change

You don't have to face life's challenges alone, I offer compassionate personalised therapy in a safe and welcoming space supporting individuals, couples and parents through times of emotional difficulty, trauma and transition. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, grief, early parenting or simply feeling lost, you are welcome here.

About

My name is Flo Atkins

My journey into therapeutic counselling began through a deeply personal calling to care for others. I spent over 38 years working as a nurse in the NHS, across both general medical and psychiatric settings. It was an incredibly rich and rewarding path, one that allowed me to walk alongside people through some of the most vulnerable and intimate parts of their lives.

Over time, I became drawn to the deeper emotional and psychological roots of healing. This led me to train as a psychodynamic counsellor, and eventually to open my own private practice. I now work from therapy rooms in Cheltenham and Swindon, supporting adults, parents, and couples with a wide range of emotional and relational challenges.

Therapy is a courageous step — a place to feel known, seen, and gently supported as you explore your story. My approach is warm, grounding and collaborative. I offer a safe, containing space where we can work together at your pace, and in a way that feels right for you.

My Therapeutic Approach

No two people are the same and therapy should reflect that. My approach is rooted in psychodynamic and attachment-based models. I also draw on trauma-informed care, mindfulness, and emotional regulation practices, adapting our work to meet your unique needs and life story.

I believe therapy is most effective when it provides not only insight, but also a deep sense of safety and emotional connection. My intention is to help you build that sense of safety within yourself, and within your relationships.

“Trauma is not what happens to you. Trauma is what happens inside you, as a result of what happens to you.”
— Dr. Gabor Maté

What I offer

I offer in-person therapy for adults, parents, and couples seeking support through emotional challenges. My approach is grounded in attachment theory, psychodynamic insight, and trauma-informed care.

People come to me for support with:

Anxiety, depression and emotional overwhelm
Trauma, abuse and PTSD
Pregnancy, postnatal struggles and baby loss
Infertility and IVF journeys
Relationship difficulties and disconnection
Grief, loss and loneliness
Difficulties bonding with your baby
Exploring childhood patterns and identity

Parent-Infant Therapy

Becoming a parent is often idealised, yet the reality can feel isolating, frightening, and full of self-doubt. Not everyone bonds easily with their baby, and many parents feel too ashamed to speak up. You're not alone.

With over 20 years of specialist experience in infant mental health, I offer therapy for mothers, fathers and partners during pregnancy and the early years. This work offers space to explore postpartum depression and bonding difficulties, birth trauma, infertility, unresolved childhood issues, or grief from baby loss.

We focus on strengthening the parent-infant bond, supporting your own emotional wellbeing, and gently untangling what’s getting in the way of connection.

What to expect

I offer a free 30-minute session, either in person or over the phone. This gives us a chance to meet, talk through what’s brought you here, and explore whether working together feels right.

If we decide to work together, sessions are 60 minutes, held weekly at a regular time. I offer both short-term and longer-term therapy, depending on your needs.

Sessions are available Tuesday to Friday in Cheltenham and Swindon.

To arrange a consultation or ask any questions, please email me at:

floatkinscounselling@gmail.com

You are welcome to reach out, whether you're ready to begin or simply curious about the process.

Fees and Availability

I currently offer sessions Tuesday through Friday, with availability split between Cheltenham and Swindon practice locations.

Invoices sent after each session (preferred payment via BACS)

Individual Therapy
60 British pounds
Parent Infant Relationship Therapy
60 British pounds

Training & Experience

Registered Nurse – Adult & Mental Health
Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling (WPF, 2007)
OXPIP Diploma in Parent-Infant Therapy (2014–2018)
Infant Observation Training (APPCIOS Accredited)
Exeter Model – Couples Therapy (2021)
Accredited member of BACP since 2007
Full DBS clearance and professional indemnity insurance
Ongoing CPD and monthly clinical supervision

“Helplessness and isolation are the core experiences of psychological trauma. Empowerment and reconnection are the core experiences of recovery.”
— Judith Herman, Trauma and Recovery

“The aim of therapy is transformation. It’s to become, in many ways, a better version of ourselves... And ultimately, that’s the most selfless thing we can do.”
— Carolyn Spring

Testimonials

"Flo has been an amazing support to myself, my little boy and my family. After my experiences following my first son’s birth and subsequent years of struggling with my mental health, I was incredibly anxious about history repeating itself. I truly believe that Flo’s involvement prevented this from happening and for that I will be eternally grateful."

"Flo has given me the greatest gift of therapy, spent countless hours listening to me, giving me tissues when I couldn’t do that for myself, she has been helping me to trust others and in turn opened up my world for both me and my children. I felt contained and held in my sessions and without her I truly believe my story with my daughter would have been an entirely different one. The therapy had a huge and lasting impact in my life."