Please note: The practice is closed for Winter 2024 - 2025.
An update on my return will be posted here in Spring 2025.
Willow & Thyme Therapy
Counselling and Psychotherapy for Cheltenham and Gloucester
About Me
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit more about the therapist behind Willow & Thyme. My name is Shauna New and I am a therapist based in Cheltenham and Painswick, UK. I qualified in the United States in 2018 and have experience working with teenagers, adults, and older adults in after school programs, universities, senior centres, and care homes.
Since relocating to the UK and receiving accreditation by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), I have dedicated my time to both voluntary therapy provision and the development of Willow & Thyme. I formerly volunteered with Footsteps Counselling and Care, a charity supporting people affected by traumatic birth, loss of a baby, fertility problems, and pregnancy related mental health needs. I currently support clients through Essential Space, a pay-what-you-can Community Interest Company with specialist services for the LGBTQ+ community. Regardless of how and why we meet, the relationship we build is both entirely unique and essential to our work together.
Education:
Master of Social Work, 2018
Smith College, Northampton, MA, USA
Concentration: Clinical Social Work (Psychotherapy)
Bachelor of Arts, Social Work, 2017
Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT, USA
Additional areas of study: Honours Program, Geriatric Health and Wellness, Women’s Studies (now Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies)
I engage regular continuing professional development (CPD) to keep up to date on research, theory, and techniques.
About the NCPS
The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society holds a Register that has been 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. As a member of the NCPS, I am committed to continuing professional development, maintaining high professional standards, and the code of ethics in order to enhance safety and deliver a better service.
Having initially trained in the USA, I have a unique cross-cultural perspective that is both supported and informed by the NCPS.
The meaning behind Willow & Thyme
There are hundreds of species of willow and nearly as many cultural and spiritual descriptions of our ongoing relationship with these trees. Recurring patterns can be seen in stories of the willow tree throughout the world: wisdom, self expression, the cyclic nature of life, healing and growth, balance and harmony. Willow trees are known for their flexibility and resilience. They developed the ability to adapt and thrive when conditions for growth are not optimal.
Thyme holds meaning for this practice in two ways: to represent the concept of time and for its own historical significance. In symbolising time, I want to emphasise that the work we do together is yours. It is your valuable and respected time. You choose the destination and set the pace; taking the time you need to get where you are going. Thyme also represents courage and strength. Thyme has been used for protection and healing throughout history both spiritually and medicinally.
There is likely to be a species of willow in your neighbourhood and, perhaps, dried thyme nestled in with the rest of your herbs and spices. Willow and thyme are accessible, everyday reminders of profound relationships and stories in your world — within your environment, among the people around you, and with yourself. Therapy is a journey and Willow & Thyme will support you along the way.
Get in touch
Please note: I do not have availability for new clients at this time.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how therapy works or to arrange an appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
I aim to respond to enquiries within 48 hours.
“I am a willow of the wilderness, Loving the wind that bent me.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
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