I’m an integrative therapist with a person-centred background. 

What does that actually mean? 

As a person-centred psychotherapist, I believe that every client is an expert in their own life. You are the one who lives in your head 24 hours a day, so I will follow your lead as we explore your experiences. I want you to have the opportunity to reflect openly and honestly, and I therefore strive to facilitate a non-judgmental and empathetic space. No pressure, no expectations, just somewhere you can give yourself permission to say the things you have felt you needed to hide. I hope to understand your life and what it is really like to experience what you are going through.

Working integratively means that I also draw from a range of therapeutic techniques and modalities to help you develop your own unique emotional toolbox. This may include challenging thoughts together, practicing grounding techniques, or offering you some psychoeducation on how the brain works. I offer these intuitively during our sessions, but they’re always presented as an invitation, rather than something you are obligated to follow. These techniques are not about ‘fixing you’ or providing a short-term solution to a deep-rooted issue. Rather, we begin by exploring your past to ensure that these mechanisms are rooted in self-compassion and understanding, as you learn how to better support yourself based on your past experiences. 

Can you tell me a bit about you? 

I am an integrative therapist and I am a BACP registered member and have experience in school, university, and private settings. I also work part time as a Wellbeing Lead for a young people’s charity in Bath.

I am an open minded, curious person, with a knack for putting people at ease. I am committed to being myself in the therapy room and hope to facilitate a space where you will feel able to do the same. We often can feel the need to edit or censor ourselves to others, to guard the real us due to feelings of shame. But however you show up in our sessions is enough- including all the sorrow, humour, swearing and weirdness that being human can involve!

What happens in our first session? 

I don’t follow a strict structure in our first session, but I understand that knowing where to start can feel daunting, so I provide some guiding questions to ease you into your story. It can be helpful to explore any previous experiences with therapy and how you found it, as well as what’s brought you to therapy at this point in your life. I will also share a bit about me and the way I work, answer any concerns or questions you have, and explore how you are feeling about starting the process. There is no ‘right’ way to start therapy- wherever you choose to begin is an incredibly brave step.

How long does this process take?

I do not work with a fixed number of sessions- it is completely up to you. I work at your pace, because it is important to take time to build a trusting relationship. We will work together to come to an ending when you feel the time is right- I will never be angry or judge your decision. 

I understand that seeking support through counselling and psychotherapy can feel intimidating, especially with all the jargon and technical terms involved. I hope this gives you a better idea of how I work, but don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.

If you would like to seek counselling in Bristol, our team can help. At Bristol Counselling and Psychotherapy, we have a team of experienced counsellors who are ready to offer support for a wide range of mental health issues, welcoming individuals into safe and non-judgemental spaces within which to begin their journey to recovery. For more information or to book an initial consultation, please email hello@bristolcounsellingandpsychotherapy.co.uk. Alternatively, to speak to us directly, please contact 07751 271 709.