Hello I am Hannah. I am an Integrative Therapist and work from a person-centred foundation.

What does that actually mean?

We are all unique and with individual needs. Together we can select and integrate the different elements of counselling that feel relevant to you.

I largely work in a non-directive way, empowering the client to take responsibility for their own healing. This can feel daunting and even frustrating when we want a quick fix but it is, I believe, the best path for long-term wellbeing.

Elements I like to work with are the drama triangle, developing self compassion, psycho education on trauma and body awareness. I am also trained in Rewind, a technique which aims to file away traumatic memories.

How long does this process take?

Therapy doesn’t have to be forever. It can be helpful to take a break and then return at different periods of our lives. There is no “set time” and I will not blame you, judge you, or be angry when you feel ready to end. Reflecting on our level of psychological flexibility can be used at any time to review how we feel we’re doing.

How will we know where to start?

These are your sessions, so there is no right or wrong way to “start” therapy. It is a uniquely confidential space to try out, dropping those masks we so often wear in the outside world.

We naturally seek safety and certainty in structure or rules, particularly if we’ve become accustomed to looking outwardly for answers. There will be sessions where you may not know exactly which way we are going, those than can feel uncomfortable, but these often lead us precisely where we need to be in order to discover unrehearsed parts of ourselves. A non-directive approach can also help us shake off pressures to do things “right.”

How would we start unpacking issues?

Everyone is different. Some clients like to bring issues week by week according to what is playing on their mind while some prefer a stimulus to prompt discussion and investigation. In such cases, I usually suggest a timeline to help us in understanding the roots of your pain and to recognise the defensive narratives and survival strategies, those often learned in childhood and that may no longer serve you.

I will be empathetic, honest and non-judgemental. We will explore your world, to grow awareness of what’s happened to you (experiences), what meaning you take from experiences (thoughts), what messages your emotions are trying to convey (feelings), and why you’re doing the behaviours you’re doing (actions). This, in my experience, helps clients to have compassion for where they’ve been and how they feel, but also to begin feeling empowered, enough to take responsibility for their actions and to recognise what new choices they can make that align with their values.

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If you would like to seek mental health services 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.