Together on the Trail
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to learn more about the person behind Willow & Thyme. I’m Shauna New, a psychotherapist and nature enthusiast based in Gloucestershire, a beautiful corner of the world where trees feel like old friends.
My professional journey began in 2013, but my path into and through this work is rooted in collective human experiences: joy, grief, peace, loss, compassion, anger, and presence. In other words, I'm not a therapist because I have it figured out. Quite the opposite, I’m a therapist because I’m walking the path of shared humanity, one step at a time, showing up on rainy days [just like you]. This work isn’t separate from my life; it’s woven through it with curiosity, care, and imperfection.
I trained in the United States before moving to the UK, and my experience includes working with teenagers, adults, and older adults in community settings such as schools, universities, senior centres, and care homes. In the UK, I’ve volunteered with Footsteps Counselling and Care, supporting families affected by baby loss and pregnancy-related mental health needs, and with Essential Space CIC, a community organisation offering specialist services for the LGBTQ+ community.
I work from a person-centred and psychodynamic framework, integrating relational approaches and nature-inspired techniques to offer therapy that meets you where you are. Across all settings, one thing has remained constant: therapy is most transformative when there is space for gentleness, curiosity, and authentic connection. The relationship we build together is at the heart of the work.
Training & Qualifications
Accredited Regsitrant (MNCPS Accred.) — National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society, UK, 2022
In the United States, social work is a broad profession encompassing community, policy, and clinical practice. Clinical social work is a specialist pathway focused on psychotherapy and mental health, and one of the primary routes to becoming a licensed psychotherapist in the U.S. The MSW programme at Smith College, where I trained, was founded in 1918 as an emergency mental health course to support soldiers affected by the trauma of war. It is internationally recognised for its strong grounding in psychodynamic theory and practice.
Master of Social Work (MSW) — Concentration in Clinical Practice (Psychotherapy), Smith College, USA, 2018
In the United States, social work is a broad profession encompassing community, policy, and clinical practice. Clinical social work is a specialist pathway focused on psychotherapy and mental health, and one of the primary routes to becoming a licensed psychotherapist in the U.S. The MSW programme at Smith College, where I trained, was founded in 1918 as an emergency mental health course to support soldiers affected by the trauma of war. It is internationally recognised for its strong grounding in psychodynamic theory and practice.
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BSW) — Additional areas of study: Honours Program, Geriatric Health and Wellness, Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Sacred Heart University, USA, 2017
In the United States, social work is a broad profession encompassing community, policy, and clinical practice. Clinical social work is a specialist pathway focused on psychotherapy and mental health, and one of the primary routes to becoming a licensed psychotherapist in the U.S. The MSW programme at Smith College, where I trained, was founded in 1918 as an emergency mental health course to support soldiers affected by the trauma of war. It is internationally recognised for its strong grounding in psychodynamic theory and practice.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Ongoing study is an integral part of my practice, enabling me to stay current with evidence-based counselling and psychotherapy modalities, mental health research, and ecotherapy techniques. In addition to independent learning through books, academic journals, and podcasts, I engage in formal CPD alongside peers and colleagues.
- Narrative Therapy
- OCD: Fundamentals of Exposure-Based Therapy for OCD and Anxiety Disorders | OCD, the Brain and Recovery
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Accredited Practitioner Training
- Certificate in Trauma-Informed & Aware Practice
- TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Safeguarding, Prevent, and British Values (RQF)
- Recognising Mental Health Issues
- Psychotropic Medication and Psychotherapy
- Working with Suicide and Suicidal Ideation
- Working with the Menstrual Cycle in Psychotherapy
- Deep Ecology
- Narrative Therapy
- OCD: Fundamentals of Exposure-Based Therapy for OCD and Anxiety Disorders | OCD, the Brain and Recovery
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Accredited Practitioner Training
- Certificate in Trauma-Informed & Aware Practice
- TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Safeguarding, Prevent, and British Values (RQF)
- Recognising Mental Health Issues
- Psychotropic Medication and Psychotherapy
- Working with Suicide and Suicidal Ideation
- Working with the Menstrual Cycle in Psychotherapy
- Deep Ecology
The Meaning Behind Willow & Thyme
Willows bend without breaking, their branches swaying with the seasons. Across cultures, they are symbols of resilience, wisdom, healing, and the cyclical flow of life. In talk therapy, like the willow, we learn to adapt, to grow even when conditions are hard, and to find strength in flexibility.
Thyme whispers of time and courage. Time: your time, at your pace, unfolding as it needs to. Courage: historically celebrated for protection and healing, thyme reminds us that change takes bravery, and that small, steady steps can bring profound growth.
Together, willow and thyme are everyday guides: a tree in your neighbourhood, a forgotten jar of dried thyme nestled in with the rest of your herbs and spices. They speak of connection — to nature, to others, and to yourself. Willow & Thyme Therapy invites you to honour your own journey, rooted in gentleness, curiosity, and the rhythms of life.
About the NCPS
The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society maintains a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. The Accredited Register programme was set up by the Government to improve standards and safety for the benefit of the public. The NCPS is just one of several professional membership organisations and is among the six organisations that form the Partnership of Counselling and Psychotherapy, a collaborative project to improve training in, understanding of, and accessibility to therapy. As a member of the NCPS, I am committed to ongoing professional development, ethical practice, and maintaining high standards to provide safe, effective therapy.
Having trained in the United States, I bring a cross-cultural perspective to my work, which is both informed and supported by my NCPS membership.
Get in touch
Need more information? Feel free to contact me using this form or the details below if you have any questions about how therapy works or the services I provide.
Those with professional enquiries, please contact me using this form or the details below.
I aim to respond to enquiries within 48 hours, excluding holidays weekends.
“I am a willow of the wilderness
Loving the wind that bent me.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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