Meet the Therapist: Abi Cowls

What attracted you to become a therapist?

On and off in my life I have experienced various forms of counselling. This gave me a feel for how challenging and valuable personal growth can be. In my previous role as a Mental Health Advisor, I noticed that not everyone wanted advice, information, or guidance - many simply needed to be deeply listened to.

Where did you train as a therapist? 

I did my Level 2 and Level 5 Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling and Therapy at the Cornwall Counselling Institute. This course is accredited by the BACP and is based at Cornwall College (I attended the Camborne campus over two years). This is in partnership with Plymouth University who I did my undergrad Psychology degree with.

Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?

Person-centred counselling is based on the idea that the client is the expert on themselves and has the capacity for change and self-healing. It is very much client-led. Sessions may involve exploring feelings of uncertainty, feeling stuck, unpicking beliefs that are no longer serving them, or working through mental health difficulties that can be improved through healthier relationships. We may also explore the meaning clients attach to their emotions. I chose person-centred counselling because I believe that thoughts and emotions are complex, and that feelings are part of the human condition, so it's really important to create the space to sit with those feelings and give clients permission to be their whole selves. It is rewarding seeing how the respect, trust, and connection within counselling can support clients' self-compassion or recognising their own worth for the first time.

How does person-centred counselling help with symptoms of anxiety?

Person-centred counselling can help with anxiety by creating emotional safety and consistency. The three core conditions of person-centred counselling are empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence. When clients who are feeling anxious experience these core conditions, it can allow them to feel truly heard and process parts of themselves. Furthermore, the gentle, human approach with no pressure to ‘fix’ can help to reduce anxiety, discomfort, and distress by going at the client’s pace.

What sort of people do you usually see?

I work with individuals. Most of my clients are adults though I do work with teens. I would say the average age is late 20s though it has ranged from 14-50s. Commonly, clients are struggling with difficult life events, difficult emotions such as anxiety, self-esteem, or coping with other issues like identity.

Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider changes in attitude?

There are more people seeking support, and more men starting counselling. It’s been a learning curve for me to discuss with my clients their mixed experiences of using AI for some of their struggles. My clients have fed back that they are being more open with friends and family about attending counselling, which to me feels like a great step towards tackling some of the societal stigma that still remains despite greater mental health awareness.

What do you like about being a therapist?

I like sitting alongside people while we navigate the awkward parts and move towards increased self-awareness and self-acceptance. Although many clients come to counselling feeling that they are “broken”, the core of person-centred counselling is the belief that no one needs fixing and it is a privilege that clients trust me to be with them on the journey of exploring their innermost feelings.

What is less pleasant?

I definitely get bouts of imposter syndrome where I struggle with self-doubt and the feeling of not being good enough to help my clients. In these moments, I have to practice what I preach and do some cognitive reframing, embrace imperfection, and accept that it will take time to build my confidence as a private practitioner.

How long have you been with Welldoing and what you think of us?

I am fairly new to Welldoing, having joined in November. I have been enjoying the CPD sessions and hope to attend more peer support groups next year.

What books have been important to you in terms of your professional and personal development? Do you ever recommend books to clients?

I have recommended The Body Keeps the Score, a 2014 book by Bessel van der Kolk, to clients who want to understand more about the effects of trauma on the mind and body. Matt Haig is another author I’ve frequently recommended to people, particularly Reasons to Stay Alive.

What you do for your own mental health? 

In addition to losing myself in a book (with a cup of tea!) I attend an art group every other week as it gives me a real sense of accomplishment and connection, and living in Cornwall I’m lucky enough to have lots of lovely beaches nearby where I love to look for seaglass. I find this is the perfect way for my brain to be mindful.

You are a therapist in Cornwall. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this area?

I am a counsellor in Cornwall (down on the southwestern tip of England!) where there are a variety of needs and lifestyles in one county, due to it being a fairly rural region with limited transport, clients decide if they’d like to travel, or work online/over the phone if they are more isolated. As online/phone counselling is more flexible it allows me to work with anyone anywhere in the UK and beyond. New for 2026, I will be offering walk and talk sessions to make the most of being in the countryside, which I can see being particularly useful for clients who prefer movement and being outdoors.

What’s your consultation room like?

My counselling room has two chairs with cushions, with big windows overlooking the historic heart of Hayle. It is a shared office, so I’m not able to personalise it as much as I’d like to (things on the wall) but it is comfortable. On the table I always have fidget tools for clients to pick up if they’d find it useful.

What do you wish people knew about therapy?

There is a common myth that person-centred counsellors “just sit and nod” or say very little. In reality, clients can expect counsellors to paraphrase what they have shared, offering the opportunity to hear their own thoughts and feelings reflected back. Counsellors actively listen to remain fully present, ensuring clients feel seen and heard, and may ask open questions to deepen understanding and build rapport.

What did you learn about yourself in therapy?

I learned how difficult I found it to show my vulnerable side as I lived largely ‘in my head’ but found the feeling part challenging, especially in front of someone else. Over time, I became aware of the things I tell myself and patterns that were repeating and where these coping strategies (like shut down) come from which made a lot of sense. This meant I was able to move forward with more understanding and compassion.

For the full article please see here https://welldoing.org/article/meet-therapist-abi-cowls

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