Skewstar Psychology
Psychotherapy in Cambridge, Ely & online
Navigate uncertainty. Live authentically.
Hi, I'm Tony. I work as a psychotherapeutic counsellor with adults. My professional life has been shaped by a deep interest in how people navigate complex systems – both internal and external – to find wellbeing and meaning.
Perhaps you're feeling stuck, stressed by work pressures, grappling with significant life changes, or facing difficult questions about your purpose and direction. Therapy offers a confidential, supportive space where feelings can be safely explored together, helping you to understand yourself more deeply and find meaningful ways forward.
My Background
I consider myself an open-minded and down-to-earth person with a genuine curiosity about people's experiences. My career has spanned 20 years in senior corporate leadership roles, including designing and leading large-scale employee wellness programmes across Sub-Saharan Africa. This work gave me a valuable, systemic view of the pressures and challenges people face in demanding environments and inspired me to return to my clinical roots to work more directly with individuals.
This background gives me a dual focus: a deep therapeutic understanding of your internal world, alongside a real-world appreciation for how that world is shaped by external systems like work, family, and culture. My previous work has included supporting people impacted by cancer at Maggie's Cambridge and working with a diverse client base at Cambridge Counselling Service.
I have a deep respect for the courage it takes to begin this process of change.
Professional Membership
I am an Registered Member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which is a leading professional body setting standards for therapeutic practice in the UK. This means that I work to the standards set out in the "BACP Ethical Framework for Counselling Professions," and I am bound by their ethical principles and code of professional conduct.
Education & Qualifications
My therapeutic approach is rooted in psychological theory and practice from my Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy (DCPsych), undertaken through the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling & Middlesex University (Viva Voce corrections pending). My doctoral research explored how crises of meaning can shape the beliefs we form to cope with anxiety and uncertainty.
Why Therapy Can Help
Life is often uncertain, and it's natural to feel anxious or overwhelmed when facing its challenges.
My approach aims to help you explore your experiences without judgment, clarifying your values and discovering what truly matters to you.
Integrative Approach and Methods
My work is integrative, meaning I draw on a range of established therapeutic theories and techniques tailored to your unique needs. This includes a specialist focus on existential therapy, exploring how we make sense of our lives and navigate fundamental questions about freedom, responsibility, and meaning.
I also incorporate insights from systems thinking, helping us look at the wider context of your relationships, work, and life situation.
How We Will Work Together
I usually suggest an initial session for us to explore what brings you to therapy and whether we feel like a good fit. Following this, we can collaboratively agree on either a fixed number of sessions focused on a specific goal, or more open-ended therapy allowing for deeper exploration, with regular reviews along the way.
My aim is to work alongside you, respecting your pace and experiences. Together, we can explore the challenges you face, unlock new perspectives, and help you move towards living a more authentic and fulfilling life.
My Services
I offer confidential psychotherapeutic counselling for individual adults (18+). My approach is integrative, drawing on various therapeutic models with a specialist focus on existential therapy to help you explore your experiences and find meaning.
I work with a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:
Anxiety and stress (including work-related stress)
Depression and low mood
Relationship difficulties
Life transitions (career changes, relocation, retirement, etc.)
Questions around meaning, purpose, and identity
Loss and bereavement
Low self-esteem or confidence issues
I also offer coaching services focused on personal and professional development, navigating transitions, and building resilience.
Sessions
Sessions are typically 50 minutes long and held weekly, usually at the same time each week. We can agree on either short-term counselling (focused on a specific issue) or longer-term, open-ended therapy allowing for deeper exploration.
In-person sessions:
Cambridge: Held at Cambridge Counselling Service near Stourbridge Common.
Ely: Coming Soon
Online sessions: Available via secure video call (e.g., Zoom for Healthcare).
My Fee Structure
My standard fee reflects my doctoral-level training and experience. However, I aim to make therapy accessible and offer a sliding scale based on household income.
Standard Rate: £100 per 50-minute session (for household incomes over £100k per annum).
Reduced Rate 1: £80 per session (for household incomes between £61k - £100k).
Reduced Rate 2: £70 per session (for household incomes between £31k - £60k).
Reduced Rate 3: £60 per session (for household incomes £30k or less).
Initial Session: The first session is an opportunity for us to meet, discuss what brings you to therapy, and see if we are a good fit. The fee for the initial session is the same as your agreed ongoing rate.
Selection of Rate: The appropriate fee rate is usually based on total household income. However, I understand circumstances can be complex (e.g., separation, significant savings/assets, students receiving parental support). Please mention when you first get in touch if you would like to discuss which rate is most appropriate for your situation. Availability for reduced-rate sessions may be limited.
Coaching Fees: Coaching fees differ from therapy fees. Please contact me directly to discuss coaching requirements and rates.
Payment: Payment is typically made by bank transfer before each session or weekly/monthly as agreed.
Insurance: I am not currently registered with private medical insurance providers.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about how therapy works or would like to arrange an initial assessment, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
This first step gives us the chance to talk through what brings you to therapy, explore whether it may be supportive for you, and see if we’re the right fit to work together.
For all enquiries, please use the secure contact form.
Messages are usually responded to within 24 hours, and all communication is treated with complete confidentiality.
©Tony van der Nest