Meet Claire
About Me
Claire Franks (BSc, Dip. Couns, MBACP)
Adult, Child and Adolescent Integrative Counsellor
I am a qualified BACP‑registered integrative counsellor based in Sevenoaks. Kent. I offer face‑to‑face, online and telephone sessions for adults, and in‑person or online sessions for young people aged 11-18 years. I believe that having someone alongside you can make even the heaviest feelings feel a little more manageable.
My Approach
My approach to counselling is relational, humanistic, and client‑led. I aim to offer a calm, steady space where you can explore what’s going on for you and begin to understand yourself more fully. Feeling heard and feeling understood matters and the relationship we build is an important part of our work. We aim to move at a pace that feels right for you; building trust and making sense of things together.
I draw from a number of therapeutic methods, bringing together an integrative way of working that includes play and art‑based approaches, person‑centred and CBT techniques, as well as psychodynamic and systemic thinking. I work flexibly, adapting the approach to what feels most comfortable for you - whether that’s talking together, using creative methods, or taking time to reflect more deeply.
However you come, the intention is the same: to offer a compassionate, grounded space where you can pause, breathe, and find your way forward in your own time.
My Experience
My Qualifications
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Supporting adults and young people within mental health charities.
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Counselling clients from diverse backgrounds.
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Providing therapeutic support in schools for ages 11–18.
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Offering one‑off counselling sessions when a focused space is helpful.
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Experience with anxiety, low mood, relationship and family issues, identity concerns, past experiences, and peri‑menopause/menopause.
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Working face‑to‑face, online, and by telephone.
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Enhanced DBS
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ICO registered
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Level 5 Certificate in Counselling Children and Young People (CPCAB)
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Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (CPCAB)
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Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CPCAB)
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Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CPCAB)
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BSc Childhood and Youth Studies
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Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
I regularly undertake training as part of my continuing development and I have regular supervision to ensure I offer the best support to my clients.
Ethical Considerations
I am a registered member of the British Association for Psychotherapy and Counselling (BACP) and adhere to their ethical guidelines for confidentiality and professional practice.
Your wellbeing and privacy are my top priorities.
Counselling offers a pause - a space to make sense of what’s happening inside and around you. It isn’t about advice or “fixing” things, but about being heard, understood and supported as you find your own way forward.
It gives you a confidential place to speak freely, without judgement or pressure. Exploring your thoughts and feelings can bring clarity, self‑understanding and new ways of coping.
Counselling works through relationship. Trust, empathy and connection help us notice patterns, link past and present and explore what helps you feel more grounded.
For adults, it offers space to reflect on experiences, relationships, loss or change, and to make choices that feel authentic. For young people, it provides a steady, safe place to talk about feelings, worries, identity and relationships at a pace that feels right.
You don’t need to arrive with clear answers. Counselling can begin simply with a sense that something feels difficult or out of balance — and we explore it together, one conversation at a time.
About Counselling
Inside the Counselling Room
A quiet, spacious room in central Sevenoaks - calm, light and set apart from the busyness outside.
The space is airy and open, with room to settle in comfortably. There’s also plenty of space for children and young people to spread out, move around, or get creative when that supports their way of working.
It’s a tranquil environment designed to help you breathe a little more deeply, whether you’re here for reflective adult work or perhaps for more active, creative sessions for your CYP.
Toilets are available on site and parking is close by, making your visit simple and stress‑free.
Please note that the location is not wheelchair accessible. However I offer counselling online and over telephone.
How We Work Together
Children & Young People
Adults
I usually begin by meeting with the parent or carer. This is a 50‑minute, no‑obligation consultation (£60.00) where you can meet me, talk through what your child is experiencing and get a sense of how I work. We can arrange this meeting online or you’re welcome to come in person to see the counselling room if you prefer.
During this time, we’ll explore what support your child may need, and I’ll explain how confidentiality and consent work within counselling. These are central to my practice and are guided by the BACP Ethical Framework.
If it feels like the right fit and you’d like to move forward, we can then look at a suitable weekly time for your child’s 50‑minute sessions. Sessions can take place online or in person in my Sevenoaks counselling room.
My fee is £60 per session, and concessions are available upon discussion.
When you get in touch, we’ll arrange a brief telephone conversation (around 15 minutes) to get a sense of what you’re looking for and whether working together feels like a good fit. This initial chat gives you space to share what’s brought you here, ask any questions, and get a feel for my approach before deciding on next steps.
If you choose to move forward, we’ll arrange your first session and agree a regular weekly time that works for you. Sessions last 50 minutes and can take place online, in person in my Sevenoaks counselling room, or over the telephone. My aim is to offer a consistent, supportive space where you can explore whatever feels important at your own pace.
My fee is £60 per session, with concessions available upon discussion.
If you would like to speak further, you are welcome to contact me directly by email. From there, we can arrange a convenient time for a short introductory call. There’s no pressure — just a gentle space to see whether I’m the right fit for you or your young person.
Session fees
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£60.00 per 50‑minute session for adults
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£60.00 per 50‑minute session for children and young people (11-18 years)
Concessions available on discussion.
Availability:
I offer daytime and limited early evening appointments during the week. Sessions can take place in person in Sevenoaks or online if that feels more comfortable or practical.
If you decide you’d like to begin working together, we’ll arrange a first session at a time that suits you, and you’re welcome to work short‑term or longer‑term depending on your needs.
Fees & Availability
Helpful Services
I am not able to offer crisis or emergency support. Call 999, or go to A&E, if you're in need of urgent support. If there's no immediate danger, I recommend you contact:
Call 0800 1111
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Free, available 24 hours a day
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For children & young people in the UK, aged 18 and under
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Chat online (set up an account first)
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Send an email (set up an account first)
Text CONNECT to 85258
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Free
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Available 24 hours a day
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For anyone in the UK
Call 116 123
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Free
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Available 24 hours a day
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For anyone in the UK
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Send an email (response within 24 hours)
For non-urgent support:
Call 111
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Free
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Available 24 hours a day
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For anyone in the UK
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Urgent GP appointments offered
"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination."
- Carl Rogers