Curvy Counselling

Counselling & Psychotherapy with Frances Varney

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I'm a former Civil Servant, with a Masters degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy,

and a Bachelors degree in Psychology.

I've been counselling for over 10 years, mainly working with people

dealing with grief, trauma, abuse and poor self worth.

I counsel clients nationwide, online and over the phone.


Frances Varney

MA, BSc, MBACP


What issues can counselling help with?

Counselling can help with a wide range of issues, such as:

Stress and anxiety

Relationship problems

Difficulties at work or in retirement

Body-image concerns

Depression

Issues relating to sexuality

Bereavement and loss

Abuse and trauma

My qualifications and experience


  • MA Counselling and Psychotherapy

University of Leeds (2016)

  • Certificate in Counselling Skills and Theory

University of Leeds (2013)

  • BSc (Hons) Psychology

Royal Holloway University (2001)


I attend continuous professional development courses to expand, reinforce and keep my training up to date.

I’m a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in line with the BACP’s Ethical Framework.

Before setting up in private practice I counselled for a number of diverse organisations, including a faith-based charity and a women's centre.

Why 'Curvy' Counselling?

Firstly, counselling is rarely a straight path to where you want to go. It’s hard work,

and there can be twists and turns along the way. Sometimes you need to tackle

the same issues again and again, at deeper and deeper levels.

Secondly, I'm fat, and this has hugely shaped my sense of self. A particular

field of interest of mine is weight stigma, and how it impacts people.

On the whole, fat people in the UK are judged negatively, and not accommodated.

We're expected to change to fit in.

My experience as a fat person has made me passionate about working with other people

who have also been unfairly judged and found wanting. Whether that be because of weight,

skin colour, sexuality or any other reason. So the 'Curvy' is a nod to that part of me and my practice.

Some frequently asked questions

How long will I need to have counselling?

It depends on what you want to achieve and how deeply you want to explore things. Some people want to work on a particular issue for just a session or two, and that's enough for them. Around 10 to 15 sessions is quite common. And other people may know from the beginning that they want long-term psychotherapy. It's really just what's right for you at this particular time, and you can decide as you go along.

How long will I have to wait for an appointment?

If I have capacity I'll try to arrange your first session within a week, depending on your own availability.

Will everything I say be kept confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the great benefits of counselling. You can say things to me that you can't say to the people in your life, knowing it'll go no further. But I can't promise 100% confidentiality, because as I say in my contract, there are some situations where the law requires disclosure. However, such instances are rare, and usually only happen after talking to the person concerned.

Can a friend or relative be in the session with me?

I'm afraid not, I only offer 1:1 counselling. I understand that a family member or friend may wish to support you, or that you may want them just to be next to you when we talk, especially at first. But this can make it harder for you to open up about what really matters to you. Your counselling is for you, and you alone.

My location

I work from my peaceful garden office in Yorkshire, but give sessions remotely, online or over the phone.

I prefer not to counsel clients who live near me; within roughly 20 miles of Skipton. That's because I like trying out new hobbies, and it can be rather unnerving for both me and my clients if we bump into each other in day to day life!

Fees & availability

All sessions are 50 minutes long. The fee is £50 per session.

I currently have availability from February 2026 onwards.

I offer a limited number of sessions at a concessionary rate to students or clients on a low income. Please contact me to check availability.

Get in touch

Email: frances@curvycounselling.com


Please email me if you’d like to know more or to book a session. You can also message me using this contact form.

I reply to contact as soon as possible, and usually within 24 hours, although this may be longer at weekends.