Willow & Thyme Therapy
Psychotherapy and Counselling in Cheltenham
Together on the Trail
Hello, I’m Shauna New, a psychotherapist based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the person behind Willow & Thyme.
I trained in the United States before moving to the UK, and my experience spans 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, 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.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Ongoing study is an integral part of my practice, enabling me to stay current with evidence-based counselling and psychotherapy, 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.
Recent courses include:
- 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
Training and Qualifications
Accredited Regsitrant (MNCPS Accred.) — National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society, UK, 2022
Master of Social Work (MSW) — Concentration in Clinical Practice (Psychotherapy), Smith College, USA, 2018
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
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.
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.
Get in touch
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
©Shauna New is powered by WebHealer