Abi Spence 

Integrative Psychotherapy

Perhaps you are increasingly noticing patterns such as 

  • overthinking and spiralling thoughts (symptomatic of anxiety, depression and emotional burnout)
  • holding back emotionally (fear of appearing vulnerable emotions are unsafe)
  • struggling to feel at ease (PTSD, feeling threat or dread)
  • feeling lonely even around others (at a loss to make yourself understood)

These patterns are not random, but shaped by earlier relational or life experiences that continue to influence how you connect, and respond to the life challenges you currently face. 

They might apply to you for many reasons, such as

  • processing IVF and it's aftermath,  
  • 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.

About Me
I am a UKCP and BACP registered psychotherapist working with adults navigating complex relationship dynamics, trauma, identity questions, and emotionally complex life experiences. 

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. This means we pay attention not only to your past experiences, 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.

Specialisms

Boarding School Therapy

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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Fertility Therapy

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

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Identity and relationships

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

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Family relationships and sibling dynamics

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

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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.

This is because walking side by side can feel less intense and confronting. 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 I am also a media volunteer for Fertility Network 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 qualified.

Practicalities

What to Expect

I offer a free 25-minute introductory session (online, by 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.

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

 I offer: 

  • short-term work (8–12 sessions)
  • longer-term therapy
  • twice-monthly sessions
  • 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 with 24 hours. This may not always be possible over a weekend or public holiday.



Contact

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Useful Links 

 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

 FNUK

Fertility Network UK

 Stonewall

LGBTQIA+ community support