Embodied-Relational Living^® Counselling, Psychotherapy & Supervision in Bristol & Online

Working in an embodied and relational way, I offer a safe, empathic space for you to explore anything that may be troubling you - it may be a challenge or difficulty you're currently facing, a feeling of unease and dissatisfaction with your life or the need to come to terms with something from your past.  Over time, I aim to help you develop a greater self-awareness and inner resilience to meet life.  This is based on my experience of working as a therapist with individuals and couples for 20 years, as someone who's had 35 years' Mindfulness experience and as a certified trainer in Nonviolent Communication (NVC).

In my work, I integrate the approaches I've been trained in - some of which I first met and received in order to heal my own trauma.  I am now a BACP Accredited counsellor, psychotherapist and supervisor.

I have previously worked in a Hospice as a Bereavement Counsellor, as well as in the NHS supporting individuals with complex trauma.  I worked for Social Services out-of-hours Emergency Duty Team for 12 years in Devon, supporting families in crisis through conflict resolution and mediation.  

I work in an embodied-relational way, offering a safe and empathic presence so you can explore the challenges and difficulties you may be facing. I make no assumptions about what skills, abilities and knowledge you already have for this kind of work. Neither do I assume what you may want or need from any particular session. Over time, I support you to develop self-awareness skills and tools so you can navigate life with a little more ease.

I recognise early life experiences and relationships may have shaped how you see the world. They can also have a profound impact upon your sense of self. You may have needed to disconnect from your experience at times just to survive emotional pain. This is a natural way of coping for a time but if left in place permanently, can reduce your ability to be spontaneous and fully engage in life.

I have compassion for others who are struggling as I've had a deep therapeutic journey myself. I recognise it's important to develop inner resources before working with the strong emotions that can arise in therapy. My presence can help you to meet your own emotions. Any resources and skills you develop whilst with me, add to your on-going inner resilience.

I can support you to integrate challenging life experiences by helping you connect to your 'felt sense' or bodily sensations. Safely meeting what has otherwise been avoided is the key to resolving many things, including traumatic events. It can also be a gateway to greater understanding and insight. I am commited to meeting you and your issues with empathy, understanding and compassion.

My Specialisms Include:

• Anxiety
  
• Depression
  
• Trauma
  
• Anger Issues
  
• Relationships & Relational Dynamics
  
• Couples Work
  
• Loss & Bereavement
  
• Confidence & Self-Esteem
  
• Mindfulness

• Advanced Diploma in Relational Supervision (2021-2022, Severn Talking Therapy)
  
• Certificate in Relational Therapy (2020 - Relational School of Therapy)
  
• Embodied Dance Journey Facilitator (2015-17, The Dancing Heart Path School, CZ)
  
• Advanced Diploma in Integrative & Humanistic Counselling (2009-11, Dartmoor Centre for Counselling & Psychotherapy)
  
• Certified Trainer in Non-Violent Communication (NVC) (2001-2005, Centre for Nonviolent Communication)
  
• Certificate in Focusing Skills (2001 - British Focusing Association)
  
• Foundation Training - Core Process Psychotherapy (1998-99, Karuna Institute)

• 35 Years' Mindfulness Practice, Mindfulness Facilitator
  
• Trainer in Nonviolent Communication (NVC), working with individuals and groups 
  
• 12 Years' Social Services Emergency Duty Team, providing mediation and crisis support to families and supporting individuals with mental health issues (2002-14)
  
• Hospice Bereavement Counsellor (2010-13)
  
• Counsellor NHS Trust (2009-11)
  
• Co-Facilitator of Trauma Skills Training for Counsellors (2005-07 Sri Lanka)
  
• Co-Founder of Floatation & Complementary Health Centre (1996-98)​
  
• Buddhist Monk, Thai Forrest Tradition, Mindfulness Training (1988-95)

I am an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and work to their ethical framework.  They have a formal process for hearing complaints if they cannot be resolved by talking to me. I am continually growing and developing as a professional and have supervision for all my therapeutic work.