About Abi Hearn
It is my heartfelt belief that being heard and seen can be exceptionally healing and I aim to offer you a space that is warm and safe so that you can reflect, make sense and begin to make those life changes you need.
I am a qualified person-centred counsellor, offering compassionate and professional support to children, young people, parents, and adults in St Columb Major, near Newquay, and across North Cornwall. I also work online, providing flexible and accessible therapy and clinical supervision wherever you are.
With over 12 years of experience as a secondary school counsellor, I have supported countless young people through life’s challenges. I originally trained as a person-centred therapist at the University of Plymouth, qualifying in 2012, and later completed a Level 5 Postgraduate Diploma in working therapeutically with children and young people through the CPCAB. This was delivered in partnership with CLEAR, an organisation specialising in emotional trauma therapy, where I now also work as a sessional therapist.
Alongside my counselling work, I also offer clinical supervision for counsellors and therapists. I provide a supportive and reflective space for professionals to explore their practice, develop their skills, and ensure their well-being as they support others. My supervision approach is collaborative, grounded in person-centred values, and tailored to the unique needs of each practitioner.
My approach to therapy is warm, down-to-earth, and non-judgmental. I believe that therapy should feel like a genuine human connection, not just a clinical process. I offer a safe space where you can truly be yourself, whether you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or simply in need of someone to listen.
I am deeply committed to ongoing learning to ensure my clients receive the best possible support. I regularly keep up with my continuing professional development such as training in TraumaPlay™ and Dan Hughes’ Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP Level 1), strengthening my work with attachment, trauma, and relational healing.
Therapy with me isn’t just about talking, it’s about being heard, feeling understood, and finding a way forward that works for you. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your child, or you’re a fellow professional looking for supervision, I am here to walk alongside you, at your pace, in a way that feels right.
“Wherever we are, wherever we find ourselves, this is just us doing the best we can with what we have, trying to get where we need to go.”
CARL ROGERS
MY APPROACH
Counselling is a journey to self-discovery and I strongly believe that we all have the capability to make positive changes to our lives given the right environment and relationship.
I am a person-centred counsellor seeking to put you, the client at the centre of my practice and strive to capture the essence of you and your experience as it is in the moment. I create a safe, trusting and genuine relationship where we can explore your concerns in a fully honest and open way. I offer warm, non-judgmental acceptance which gives you the opportunity to explore your inner and outer world with someone you can trust.
WORKING WITH ME
Sometimes life can feel extremely overwhelming and we do not always know who we can turn to for support, you may want to make changes but you are unsure how to.
Taking this first courageous step to find support can feel daunting!
With that in mind, I offer a free consultation for you to explore your situation and the counselling process with me to see if this is the right support for you.
If you’d like to book your free 20-minute phone consultation please use the form on the contact page to get in touch.
Qualifications & Experience
Education & Diplomas
Degree in Drama & Early Years Childhood Education – University of Winchester (2005)
Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling – University of Plymouth (2012)
Postgraduate Diploma in Working Creatively with Children & Trauma – CPCAB Level 5 (2017)
Diploma in Clinical Supervision – Iron Mill College, Exeter (2022)
Trauma & Mental Health Training
Trauma Informed Schools Practitioner (TIS) (2020)
Trauma Recovery Model Practitioner Training (2022)
Trauma Informed Educator – Rock Pool Life CIC (2022)
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy & Parenting Level 1 (28 hours) – DDPI
Foundation & Advanced Trauma Play™ Training – Trauma Play Institute (2021)
Children’s Accelerated Trauma Technique (CATT) – Trauma Psychology Training (2023)
Safeguarding & Crisis Information
Level 3 Multi-Agency Safeguarding Training (Updated every 2 years)
Childhood Loss & Grief Training (Levels 1 & 2) – Penhaligon’s Friends
Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) (2-Day Training)
Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
ASIST Suicide Prevention (Updated every 2 years)
Self-Harm UK, Adolescent Self-Harm Training (2017)
Mindfulness & Therapeutic Play
Trained to Teach .b (Mindfulness in Schools Project)
Trained to Teach .b Foundations/School Mindfulness Lead
Confident Hearts Creative Mindfulness Youth Coach (2019)
Confident Hearts Creative Mindfulness Adult Coach (2020)
Lego-Based Therapy – Play Included (2020)
Certificate in Sand Tray Therapy – Jill Carter (2022)
Additional Training & Certifications
UK Youth Peer Mentoring (2016)
Citizen Coaching Anger Management (2017)
SPACE – Supporting Parents and Children Emotionally – Rock Pool Life (2021)
Professional Certificate in CBT – Iron Mill College (2023)
Psychology Associates- Therapeutic Parenting (2021)
Session Therapist with CLEAR
I work on a regular basis as a session therapist with CLEAR – a Cornish charity supporting children and young people who have experienced trauma.
Secondary School Counsellor
I have worked as a school counsellor in secondary schools for over 12 years, although I am now self employed, I still work alongside schools and love this part of my work. Every day, I am inspired by the courage and resilience of the young people I support. It is a privilege to be part of their journey during such a transformative time in their lives.
