Our History
Formerly known as Bromley Community Counselling (BCCS), Accessible Counselling and Therapy (ACT) is an Accredited service by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). Established in 2003, ACT provides accessible, affordable, and effective mental health support for individuals aged 18 and above across South London and Kent. ACT recognises the importance of having equal opportunities to improve mental health and well-being, regardless of financial constraints. When life presents personal, emotional, and mental health challenges, ACT aims to support you in the processing, managing, and overcoming of these challenges.
Our Mission
Our mission is guided by a deep commitment to the well-being of communities. Through compassionate care and evidence-based approaches. We aim to alleviate psychological distress by providing accessible, affordable, and effective therapy and counselling. By fostering social inclusion, continuously working to prevent social isolation, we hope to respond the needs of marginalised individuals while assisting integration back into society. We seek to advance public understanding and awareness of the complexity of mental health, enhancing public education in the fields of counselling, psychology and psychotherapy. Together, we aim to create more inclusive, informed, resilient communities.
Our Approach
We deeply empathise with the courage it takes to seek therapy, and we are committed to accompanying you on this journey. Our ethos is built on a foundation of empathy, respect, and unwavering professionalism. You can trust that we have created a sanctuary, free from judgment, where you can begin to navigate the difficulties that you are facing. Our team of ACT therapists, psychologists, counsellors, are all volunteers working hard towards qualification or their accreditation. It is the dedication from these individuals that enables us to offer a range of interventions that ensure the best therapeutic provision for individuals seeking support. We are proud of the positive results we achieve, and it’s all thanks to the unwavering commitment of our volunteers.
Venetia Cooper
Chair of Trustees
Venetia is the Chair of Trustees at Accessible Counselling and Therapy. Venetia works full time as the Head of Strategy and Group Chief Sustainability Officer at a UK based Asset Management Firm, having overall responsibility for devising and implementing the company’s strategy and providing strategic direction.
Venetia also previously worked at the Bank of England, where she was Deputy to the Chief Operating Officer. In 2017, Venetia was named as one of Management Today’s 35 Women under 35, and is an alumna of the Mentoring Foundation as well as a fellow of the Forward Institute. Venetia is Deputy Chair of the Bahrain Association of Banks’ Sustainable Development Committee and advisor to the Bahrain Institute of Business and Finance.
She is member of the faculty of the Competent Boards Programme and is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Forum of Young Global Leaders. She is a Certified Investment Fund Director, and a Trustee for another charity, alongside being Chair of ACT. Venetia graduated with an MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics and an MA degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge.
Charlotte Prior
Treasurer
Charlotte is Treasurer / Trustee at Accessible Counselling and Therapy. Charlotte works full time as a Marketing and Sustainability Executive at a UK based Asset Management firm, and has 10 years’ experience working within the financial sector. Charlotte previously worked in fund management and operational roles, having responsibility for the day-to-day operations of funds and investment transactions. In 2019, Charlotte was awarded the ITFA Young Trade Financier of the Year Award.
Charlotte is a certified Mental Health First Aider, who has a passion for raising awareness about Mental Health, and has ran the Mental Health Initiative at her present company for the last 3 years. Charlotte is also currently studying towards the CIM Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing.
Meet the Clinical Director
Dr Raffaella is a clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic psychotherapist and clinical supervisor. Her knowledge, skills and experience have developed through psychotherapeutic work in private practice, as a psychotherapist in Crisis Centres and Therapeutic Communities, and as a senior manager and clinical supervisor in the third sector designing therapeutic services and providing clinical interventions to children, adults and older people. She worked closely with NHS CAMHS (Children Mental Health Teams) and CMHTs (Community Mental Health Teams) and mental health hospital staff in the provision of tailored psychosocial and psychotherapeutic interventions to individuals and large communities across London and South England.
Dr Raffaella’ clinical expertise include individual, couple and systemic therapy, long and short term, work in schools, community, hospitals and therapeutic centres. She has over 20 years experience of working with individuals affected by depression and anxiety disorders, relationship conflicts, abuse, bereavement and trauma. Over the course of her professional career, her focus has been about improving access to mental health support for communities and individuals experiencing isolation, financial struggles, and discrimination.
