About us
Since 1989, Riverside Counselling Service has been committed to providing accessible, professional counselling to our local community in South Oxfordshire.
As a registered charity, we work to ensure that mental health support is available to everyone, regardless of financial background. We offer tailored support to individuals aged 12 and above.
Our team
We have a dedicated team made up of counsellors, supervisors, managers and trustees.
Our key staff
A full list of Riverside’s staff team, covering all departments and roles across the organisation:
- Sophie Wellings – Chief Executive Office
- Emilia McIntyre – Head of Therapeutic Services
- Kate Terry – Operations and Marketing Lead
- Katia Tanoussis – Initial Consultation and Allocations Lead
- Claire Needham – Counsellor Coordinator
- Julie Cook – C360 Coordinator
Our trustees
A full list of Riverside’s trustees, who sit on our board:
- Adrian Marsh (Chair)
- John Morrow (Treasurer)
- Phil Bridge (Policies & Procedures)
- Fiona Pharoah (Clinical)
- Nicki Williams-Gray (Fundraising)
- Suzy Hobbs (Fundraising & Events)
- Aspen Weatherburn (Communications Lead)
Our patron
Find out more about Riverside’s patron role:
James Cracknell OBE
James is a double Olympic gold medallist in rowing and has taken on a number of endurance challenges, including the London Marathon and the Marathon des Sables. In 2010, during a coast-to-coast challenge across the US, he was hit by a petrol tanker, suffering a serious brain injury that led to epilepsy and impacted his mental health. He says the therapeutic support he received in recovery was life-changing – and only wishes he’d sought help sooner.
Our ambassador
Find out more about Riverside’s ambassador role:
Emma-Jane Taylor
Emma-Jane is a lifestyle business founder, author, and long-time advocate for children’s wellbeing. Her work in performing arts and fitness spans all ages, and her campaigning against child abuse is rooted in her own lived experience. As a Riverside ambassador, she’s passionate about protecting young people and helping them thrive.
Jobs and placements
We’re always interested in hearing from people who want to be part of our team – from counsellors and supervisors to managers and trustees.
Safeguarding, privacy, and professional standards
We take safeguarding, privacy, and professional standards seriously in everything we do.
Our ethos and approach
At Riverside, we offer a range of counselling approaches to suit different needs and preferences. Our team includes counsellors trained in psychodynamic counselling, humanistic counselling and integrative psychotherapy, and we provide both short-term and longer-term support. Counselling can take place in person, online, or by phone, and we also offer group work in some cases. Whatever the format, our focus is on creating a safe, respectful space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.
Why choose Riverside
At Riverside Counselling, we’re committed to providing high-quality, accessible support to help you navigate life’s challenges. Here’s why you can trust us to be there for you:
Years of experience
We’ve been supporting the local community for over 30 years. Our highly trained, professional counsellors offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can explore whatever’s going on for you.
Positive outcomes
Over the past 12 months, 100% of our clients reported an improvement in their mental health, and 95% would recommend our service to others.
Professional and ethical
All of our counsellors work within professional ethical frameworks and receive ongoing supervision and training to ensure high standards of care.
Flexible support
We fit counselling around your needs. Whether you’re looking for short-term or longer-term support, in-person or online, we’ll match you with the right approach for your circumstances.
Affordable and accessible
We believe counselling should be available to everyone. As a charity, our fees are based on household income, and we offer bursary support where possible to ensure affordability. It costs around £50 to deliver a session, but some clients pay as little as £5 per week.