Abi Spence 

Integrative Psychotherapy

Are you increasingly noticing preoccupying, or even overwhelming states of mind, such as 

  • overthinking and spiralling thoughts (symptomatic of anxiety, depression and emotional burnout)

  • holding back emotionally (fear of appearing vulnerable, or experiencing dismissal or rejection)

  • struggling to feel at ease (PTSD, feeling threat, dread or shame)

  • feeling lonely even around others (at a loss to make yourself understood, a stranger to yourself)
They might apply to you for many reasons, such as

  • processing IVF and fertility issues 
  • having experienced boarding school  
  • having family and sibling difficulties, 
  • experiencing LGBTQIA+ / GSRD-related challenges

I work online, in-person and outdoors with adults expriencing the above symptoms and more. Contact me below for my current availability.


Boarding School Therapy: Adult Experiences and Relationships

Adverse boarding school experiences such as abuse, bullying and abandonment issues; C-PTSD, burnout, workaholism, addiction, relationship difficulties through an ex-boarder lens.

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IVF and Fertility Counselling and Psychotherapy; York and online

IVF and fertility issues, miscarriage and pregnancy loss, involuntary childlessness, the emotional impact of the fourth trimester, postnatal depression (PPD) and matrescence

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Identity and relationship counselling; York and online

GSRD (Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity) and LGBTQIA+ experiences

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Sibling relationships and complex family dynamics

Sibling relationships and complex family dynamics, birth order, childhood trauma including neglect, sexual and physical abuse

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About Me
I am a UKCP and BACP registered integrative psychotherapist working with adults affected by infertility and IVF, involuntary childlessness, boarding school experiences matrescence, GSRD issues and complex family relationships. I offer therapy online and in person. 

Before training as a psychotherapist, I worked in marketing and public relations. I understand the pressures of intense, results-based environments—the expectation to hold things together, to excel, and to make it all look effortless.

About Psychotherapy

My approach draws on person-centred, relational and psychodynamic thinking. I hav particular interest in the ways experiences shape identity, relationships and emotional wellbeing. This means we pay attention not only to your past, but also to what’s happening in the present moment—between us and in your wider life. 

Working with a therapist to address whatever is bringing you discomfort and unhappiness can be transformative. 50 minutes once a week for as little as eight weeks can be enough to gain some clarity, begin to grieve your past, relate to yourself and others differently, and relocate some joy and purpose.

Free introductory chat


I offer a free 25-minute introductory session so you can get a sense of whether working together feels right. This can be online, in person or on the phone.

Outdoor Therapy
As well as working online and face to face in a therapy room setting, I also hold sessions outdoors. 

Spending time in nature can have a noticeable impact on how we feel, physically and emotionally. For some people, being outside makes it easier to turn thoughts into words.

The changing environment and physical movement can help to gently shift stuck thoughts and feelings.

Sessions take place in parkland, city green spaces or trail environments. We will agree a location in advance and think carefully about privacy, pace, and what feels manageable for you. 

Safety and your individual needs are always the priority.

If you’re curious about whether this might suit you, get in touch to discuss it further.
Training & Professional Memberships
  • I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and an accredited clinical psychotherapist with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), and adhere to their ethical frameworks.

  • I trained at The Minster Centre, one of Europe’s leading integrative psychotherapy training institutions, and hold an MA, Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy (with Middlesex University).

  • I am a member of British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA), The Relational School and Miscarriage UK.

Practice Information

  • In private practice since 2018
  • Offering sessions online and in person, including outdoor therapy
  • Registered with AXA Health, Vitality and Aviva
  • DBS cleared
  • In regular clinical supervision and ongoing CPD
  • Outdoor first-aid - Level 3


What to Expect

I offer a free 25-minute introductory session (online, phone, or in person). This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and get a sense of whether working together feels right. There is no obligation to continue. If you decide to go ahead, we will agree a regular time. Before starting, I will send you further information and a client agreement. Sessions are £70. 

Session Format 

  • Online: Some people choose online work for convenience; others are looking for support with specific issues in which I specialise.
  • In person:  Miller’s Yard, Gillygate, York (10-minute walk from York station, with nearby parking)
  • Outdoor: I undertake sessions outdoors in and around York and the Howardian Hills.
  • I work Monday- Thursday 

 I offer: 

  • short-term work (8–12 sessions)
  • longer-term therapy
  • one-off sessions
  • hybrid (online and in-person)

If you are in immediate distress call NHS mental health support on 111, or the Samaritans on 116 123.  

I aim to respond to enquiries within 48 hours. This may not always be possible over a weekend or public holiday.




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 UKCP

UK Council for Psychotherapy Code of Ethical Practice

 Ex-Boarders

A short intro on how adverse boarding school experiences may present in therapy

 BICA

British Infertility Counselling Association

 BACP

British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists Code of Ethical Practice

 Fertility Friends

A forum community dedicated to infertility and fertility support.

 Stonewall

LGBTQIA+ community support

 Miscarriage UK

Free support for everyone who needs it, because every loss matters.