Therapy with Philippa
Philippa Welsh
UKCP reg. MRCVS
I'm a UKCP-registered Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and veterinary surgeon with over twenty years of post-graduate experience in the veterinary profession. I founded Vetamorphosis because I believe that effective support for veterinary professionals requires someone who genuinely understands the culture from the inside.
I know what it's like when veterinary work becomes overwhelming. After almost ten years in first opinion practice, I experienced burnout during my own residency training. That experience led me through retraining - first in veterinary education and then in psychotherapeutic counselling - and eventually out of clinical practice altogether. It gave me personal understanding of how transformative good support can be, and deep respect for how much these transitions ask of us.
I work with vets, vet nurses and practice managers navigating a wide range of personal and professional challenges, including those where the professional and personal have become hard to separate.
Psychotherapeutic counselling
Psychotherapeutic counselling offers you a trusted, confidential relationship where you can explore what's troubling you without being judged or directed toward particular solutions.
I'm a relational psychodynamic therapist, which means we'll explore your patterns and how past experiences show up in your current work, relationships and sense of yourself. This is particularly helpful when navigating workplace dynamics, burnout, career transitions, difficult relationships, grief, or anxiety.
I adapt my approach to what you need. Some clients benefit from exploring deeper patterns rooted in earlier experiences. Others need more present-focused, practical work. Most need both at different times. I'm trauma-trained and use gentle, body-aware approaches when working with difficult experiences.
How does it work?
- Remote sessions via Zoom or phone
- 50 minutes, usually weekly
- Open-ended or time-limited depending on your needs
- I accommodate rota patterns where possible, though regular timing works best
Fees:
- Sliding scale £60-75 (self-assessed - if you are early career or financially stressed, choose the lower end; if you are financially comfortable, choosing the high end helps keep lower cost spaces available)
- Low-cost spaces: £45 (limited availability — please enquire)
Confidential Support
I take confidentiality seriously, therapeutic work cannot take place without it. I will not share information from your sessions, or any other information I hold about you, with any other person, organisation, or agency, other than with my professional supervisor or in truly exceptional circumstances required by law. All enquiries are also kept confidential.
Veterinary professional circles are small, and it's possible we will have mutual connections or may have met professionally. I do not work therapeutically with people where a dual relationship exists. If that applies to you, I will help you find an alternative therapist.
Qualifications and memberships
- Advanced Diploma in Humanistic and Integrative Counselling
- Registered Member of UKCP
- PGCert Veterinary Education
- Current MRCVS status
Contact me
I offer an initial session (standard fee £60) to enable exploration of your current situation and to discuss how I can support you.
Contact Us
Or email directly: philippa@vetamorphosis.co.uk
I aim to respond within one working day to arrange our initial conversation. If you don't hear from me after completing the form, please email direct (as above).
Alternative Support Options
If you'd prefer to find a therapist from a wider pool, the Vetamorphosis Directory lists qualified practitioners who all have genuine understanding of veterinary culture.
In crisis?
Vetamorphosis is not a crisis support service
If you need immediate support:
- NHS mental health services: 111 or 999, visit A&E or call your GP
- Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
Vetlife: 0303 040 2551 (24/7) -
www.vetlife.org.uk