Brian Shand – A Psychotherapist based in Guildford, Surrey

My name is Brian Shand and I’m a well-qualified, accredited and experienced psychotherapist based in Surrey.  I offer a friendly, secure and confidential environment in which to explore issues which may be causing difficulties. In my private practice, based in a large medical centre near Guildford in Surrey, I provide psychotherapy and counselling for many common conditions, such as anxiety, depression and loneliness.

I understand that it can take a lot of courage to contact a complete stranger to talk about some of the most deeply personal things in your life. You need to know you’re in safe hands.

I have considerable professional experience in mental health settings, having worked in the psychotherapy departments of NHS hospitals in Surrey where I supervised the work of psychiatrists and other psychotherapists. Over the years, I have worked with people from a wide range of ages and backgrounds and, indeed, with a wide range of difficulties.

I am one of the very few trained and qualified group analytic psychotherapists in private practice in the whole of Surrey. I also offer individual therapy/counselling.

I trained at and am a Member of the Institute of Group Analysis (IGA). The IGA is the UK’s main institute for training group psychotherapists. It emphasizes the way in which our minds are formed through social, multi-personal relationships. At the IGA I was awarded an MSc in group analysis. I have a special interest in the experience of those who grew up without brothers and sisters.

I also have a WPF Certificate in Counselling Skills and Attitudes.

In addition to my therapy qualifications, I have a BA (Hons) degree in French language and literature and a Ph.D in French literature from University College London.

When looking for a therapist or counsellor, it can be very useful to ask any professional you’re considering working with about their professional orientation and training in order to get as clear a picture of them as possible.

Brian Shand

I’m a well-qualified, accredited and experienced therapist offering a friendly, secure and confidential environment in which to explore issues which may be causing difficulties.  My private practice is based in a large medical centre near Guildford in Surrey.

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Accrediting Organizations

I am on the UK Council for Psychotherapy register which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.  The UKCP is an internationally recognised membership organisation of psychotherapists who have to meet exacting standards and training requirements.

I am a Member of the Institute of Group Analysis.  The IGA is the UK’s leading institute for the training of group psychotherapists.

Teaching & Workshops

Before training as a psychotherapist I worked as a school and university teacher. I bring that experience, together with my training in facilitating groups, to provide teaching on a variety of subjects related to psychology for organizations requesting it. I also draw on experience gained in working as a BBC Radio presenter and producer.

My work has included delivering training on the subject of stress and burnout. As we know, organizations and workplaces can be highly pressured environments and it’s clearly important to recognize the symptoms of stress and burnout in oneself and in others and to know what can be done to alleviate them.

I have also provided teaching in various settings covering basic psychoanalytic concepts and explaining what psychotherapy is, how it works and how it can make a difference to people’s lives.

A specific example of my work is training offered on behalf of the Institute of Group Analysis to ordained Ministers and Church leaders across the Church of England.  The Church is no more immune than any other institution to real difficulties arising out of group dynamics. It’s not uncommon, for instance, for those in leadership positions to run up against significant problems around conflict, authority and difference and people are not always clear how they should respond to these things. In 2017 and 2018 I co-led nationally advertised workshops at the IGA specifically to meet this need.

Generally, I am available to provide teaching for organizations on a variety of psychologically-related subjects. These include: the unconscious mind, common psychological protection mechanisms, group processes, narcissism, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, personality disorders, relationship difficulties, bullying, self-defeating behaviour, shame and guilt, loneliness, avoidant personalities, dissociation, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, anger, assertiveness, confidence, low self-esteem, abuse, and other topics besides.