Reflective Psychological Consultation with Dr Gwen Adshead
Consultant Psychiatrist in Berkshire Book Your ConsultationOne of The UKs Most Experienced Psychotherapists
Understanding Yourself Through Reflective Psychological Consultation
Reflective psychological consultations with one of the UK’s leading psychiatrists
Dr Gwen Adshead offers a small number of private psychological consultations for adults who wish to better understand themselves, their relationships, and the psychological patterns shaping their lives.
These consultations provide a thoughtful, confidential space to reflect on complex emotional or interpersonal difficulties with one of the UK’s most respected psychiatrists and psychotherapists.
This is not an ongoing therapy service, but a focused series of consultations designed to help you reflect, gain insight, and clarify next steps.
For many people, even a short period of reflection with an experienced clinician can provide valuable perspective and insight.
“Psychotherapy is not about fixing what is broken, but understanding what has been wounded – and learning how to heal.””
About Dr Gwen Adshead
An Eminent Psychiatrist Offering Private Psychotherapy in West Berkshire
Dr Adshead is a consultant psychiatrist, psychotherapist and author with more than 30 years of experience in the NHS.
She has worked extensively in both community and secure forensic settings, helping people understand complex emotional experiences and patterns of behaviour.
Recognised as one of the UK’s leading voices in psychiatry and psychotherapy, Dr Adshead is widely recognised for her thoughtful and humane approach to psychiatry and
psychotherapy.
Her distinctions include:
• BBC Reith Lecturer
• Royal College of Psychiatrists
• Visiting Professor at Gresham College and Yale University.
• Author and commentator on ethics, psychiatry and human behaviour.
Most people attend between one and six sessions.
The aim is period of careful reflection that may help clarify personal understanding and possible next steps.
The Nature of This Service
Expert, Personalised Care From One of the UK’s Leading Psychotherapists
Dr Adshead offers a limited number of reflective consultations designed to help people better understand their experiences and the psychological factors influencing their lives.
The work focuses on:
• gaining psychological insight
• recognising emotional and relational patterns
• understanding motivations and behaviour
• developing greater self‑awareness
Important Information About Suitability
Dr Adshead is only able to offer a brief series of consultations rather than ongoing therapy. Because she cannot offer long‑term treatment, she does not usually accept appointments from people who would benefit from ongoing weekly psychotherapy or intensive support.
For this reason, this service is not suitable for:
• people currently experiencing an acute mental health crisis
• individuals needing urgent or intensive psychological support
• those seeking long‑term psychotherapy
• people requiring medication management
This service is most appropriate for individuals who feel stable enough to reflect on their experiences in a structured therapeutic conversation.
Where possible, Dr Adshead will suggest other appropriate sources of support if longer‑term therapy would be beneficial.
Who May Benefit From These Consultations
For adults (21+) looking to understand emotional or relational difficulties
These consultations may be helpful for adults seeking to explore and better understand unhelpful patterns in their lives. Many people find that even a short period of reflective work can provide meaningful clarity.
You might benefit if you experience:
Feeling stuck in recurring emotional or relational struggles
The lasting impact of trauma, loss, or early-life challenges
Curiosity about the motives behind harmful or self-defeating behaviours
You don’t need a diagnosis to attend, only openness to explore how past experiences shape the present.
This service is not suitable for individuals under 21, those in acute mental-health crisis, or anyone needing medication management.
How the Consultation Process Works
Private Psychotherapy Sessions and Fees at Total Health West Berkshire
Each course begins with an initial consultation to discuss your concerns, history, and goals.
From there, Dr Adshead may recommend a short series of consultations (typically up to six sessions). The aim is a period of careful reflection to help clarify personal understanding and possible next steps.
1. Initial Consultation
One 60-minute meeting - £400
2. Follow-Up Sessions
Follow-up consultation - £210 each
3. Typical Course
4. Review and Next Steps
Towards the end of the consultation series, Dr Adshead may help you consider:
• what insights have emerged
• what further personal work may be helpful
• possible sources of longer‑term therapy if appropriate
Dr Adshead does not usually offer ongoing long‑term psychotherapy.
Dr Adshead’s Therapeutic Approach
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Reflective Practice in Psychotherapy
Dr Adshead’s approach combines mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), psychodynamic reflection, and ethical awareness.
She encourages clients to notice patterns of thought and emotion, fostering understanding rather than judgement.
Her therapeutic technique is gentle, yet rigorous – grounded in psychiatry, informed by philosophy, and deeply human.
This balance of her medical knowledge and moral insight sets Gwen’s work apart from conventional therapy.
“When we listen with compassion, we don’t excuse what’s been done – we try to understand why it happened, and what healing might still be possible.”
Dr Gwen Adshead
What These Consultations Can Help With
Private psychotherapy can help you:
Develop deeper self-understanding
Recognise and change destructive relational patterns
Find greater emotional balance and resilience
Reconnect with values, purpose, and meaning
Over time, clients often report improved relationships, reduced inner conflict, and a renewed sense of coherence in their lives.
Booking an Appointment
Arrange Your Private Psychotherapy Consultation in Berkshire
Appointments with Dr Adshead are limited.
All enquiries are reviewed by the clinic to ensure that this consultation service is suitable
before a session is arranged.
If you are currently experiencing severe distress or require urgent support, please contact
your GP or local NHS services who can provide appropriate help.
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Call us: 01635 791 301
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this service confidential?
Yes – all sessions follow professional ethical and confidentiality standards.
Can Dr Adshead prescribe medication?
What if I’m in crisis or feeling unsafe?
Private psychotherapy is not appropriate for acute risk situations. Please contact your GP, local crisis team, or emergency services immediately if you need urgent help.
Your Experienced Psychiatrist
Dr Gwen Adshead
Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist & Author
I am Dr Gwen Adshead, a Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience working in NHS mental health services. My clinical work has focused on helping adults who feel lost, stuck, or in need of time and space to reflect on challenges in their personal or professional lives.
I am a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and a registered member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) as a group therapist. Alongside group work, I offer individual psychotherapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) to support people in understanding patterns of thought, emotion, and behaviour that may be causing distress.
After an initial assessment consultation, I typically offer up to six individual psychotherapy sessions to help clients explore what is happening for them and to identify possible next steps. Where longer-term therapy or specialist input is indicated, I can provide recommendations and onward referral.
My practice is designed for adults aged 21 and over who wish to develop greater self-awareness and emotional insight. It is not suitable for individuals in acute crisis or those at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others.
I do not prescribe medication as part of this service but can work collaboratively with other medical professionals where appropriate.