Saphêneia Counselling & Psychotherapy, Birmingham & Shrewsbury
Tailored & relational approach
A space where you can feel truly seen, heard, and understood.
Adam Bellaby MSc, BA, UKCP, MBACP
A Relational Developmental Integrative Approach.
Integration - 'tailored to you'
Developmental psychotherapy theory
Relational psychotherapy approach
You are the expert on your own experience.
As an Integrative Psychotherapist, I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches to respond to your unique experience.
All therapeutic models offer something valuable - but no single one captures the full complexities of being human.
I often think of it like baking: each ingredient matters, but i
You are the expert on your own experience.
As an Integrative Psychotherapist, I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches to respond to your unique experience.
All therapeutic models offer something valuable - but no single one captures the full complexities of being human.
I often think of it like baking: each ingredient matters, but it’s the balance — sometimes adding, sometimes leaving out — that creates something nourishing and true to your taste.
Relational psychotherapy approach
Developmental psychotherapy theory
Relational psychotherapy approach
My approach is, above all, relational.
I aim to create a safe, trusting therapy space where you feel genuinely connected, seen and heard.
I will be interested in you, I will listen with care, attention, and without judgement.
I will share my responses openly and with compassion.
Research consistently shows that in therapy - as in life -
My approach is, above all, relational.
I aim to create a safe, trusting therapy space where you feel genuinely connected, seen and heard.
I will be interested in you, I will listen with care, attention, and without judgement.
I will share my responses openly and with compassion.
Research consistently shows that in therapy - as in life - relationships matter. The quality of the therapeutic relationship is a key agent to meaningful change.
Developmental psychotherapy theory
Developmental psychotherapy theory
Developmental psychotherapy theory
Human beings are not static, we have a life-long capacity for growth and change.
A developmental approach recognises how our earliest relationships with caregivers and community shape the way we may see and relate to ourselves, others and the world.
Patterns formed in childhood often continue into adult life, sometimes in ways that no lo
Human beings are not static, we have a life-long capacity for growth and change.
A developmental approach recognises how our earliest relationships with caregivers and community shape the way we may see and relate to ourselves, others and the world.
Patterns formed in childhood often continue into adult life, sometimes in ways that no longer serve us. By exploring these together, we can make sense of your past and how it may still be effecting your present - opening a door to new ways of being.
You can choose to create the next stage of your development.
Approaches that influence my work
Developmental psychotherapy theory
Developmental psychotherapy theory
I integrate a range of therapeutic approaches and theories, depending on your needs and goals. These include:
Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Self Psychology, Transactional Analysis, and Interpersonal Neurobiology. I also utilise techniques from CBT, Gestalt, mindfulness and body-work.
Each brings a different lens for understanding emotion, exp
I integrate a range of therapeutic approaches and theories, depending on your needs and goals. These include:
Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Self Psychology, Transactional Analysis, and Interpersonal Neurobiology. I also utilise techniques from CBT, Gestalt, mindfulness and body-work.
Each brings a different lens for understanding emotion, experience, and change — and I adapt them to suit your pace and process.
If you’d like to read more about the approaches that shape my work, you can explore them by clicking the button below.
The Professional bit
Training and Qualifications
I trained at the Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute (SPTI), earning an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counselling and a Master's degree (MSc) in Relational Developmental Integrative Psychotherapy.
I am committed to ongoing professional & personal development, continually updating my knowledge and skills.
I have additional training in Bodywork, and Existential Psychotherapy.
In addition, I hold a BA English and Primary Education with Qualified Teach status (QTS)
Experience
With over five years' experience as a counsellor, I obtained my MSc in May 2025. Alongside my private practice, I have worked with charities, not-for-profit organisations, NHS-affiliated services and a private company offering counselling & psychotherapy.
I'm also just a very normal person, having worn many hats - from teaching in SEND provisions to running my own construction business and working as a mountaineering instructor.
Professional Affiliations
I am a registered member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), and British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) as well as a graduate member of the SPTI.
I adhere strictly to the codes of ethics and professional standards set by these organisations. Links below.
I hold full Professional Liability insurance and have an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring service) certificate.
If you want to learn more about the training, competencies, and standards required for counsellors, psychotherapeutic counsellors and psychotherapists, please refer to the SCoPEd Framework document or, specific to my training, visit the SPTI website
Codes of conduct and ethics
Getting in touch
My main practice is located in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham.
I also offer therapy in a centrally located practice in Shrewsbury.
Both spaces are accessible, with easy parking and excellent public transport links.
Remote and online sessions are also available for your convenience.
I aim to respond to all enquiries within 48 hours, unless a different timeframe is noted on my voicemail or automated email. For urgent concerns or emergencies, please refer to the “Additional Services” tab in the menu.
Reaching out is the first step
Office 314, 95 Spencer Street, Birmingham, B18 6DA & SY1
From initial contact to meeting.
Should you wish to contact me, I will respond within 48 hours.
Should you wish to we will organise a convenient time for a free 30 minute first meeting. This could be in-person, or via telephone / online.
In this first meeting I will answer any questions you have, about therapy or myself, and give you space to say what may have brought you to look for a counsellor / therapist. I would also say what days & times I have available should you wish to meet again.
Our next meeting would be for a first therapy session — often called an assessment. I’ll explain a little more about how I work, and we’ll go through a contract together. The rest of this session is your space — a chance for you to talk about whatever feels important. I may ask you some questions, but mostly I’ll listen. We might talk about any hopes or goals you may have for yourself or from therapy.
The main focus for this session is for you to get a sense of me and therapy. Whether you feel comfortable and want to have continuing session together. If you decide to continue, I usually recommend meeting weekly. I also suggest we set regular points to review how the work is going — how you are, how we are, and whether the therapy continues to feel right for you.
