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

I am an Accredited Counsellor & Psychotherapist who has been working with individuals and couples since 2005. In the same year, I gained certification as a Trainer in Nonviolent Communication (NVC). I have since worked in a Hospice as a Bereavement Counsellor and the NHS as a Psychotherapist. I also worked for Social Services out-of-hours Emergency Duty Team for 12 years, supporting families in crisis, through conflict resolution and mediation.

I have over 30 years’ experience in Mindfulness. My training started in my mid-20s as a Theravada Buddhist Monk, through to my early 30s. Nowadays, it enables me to work with a subtle body-based awareness of what’s happening, moment-to-moment, in the therapeutic relationship. I endeavour to live and work in an embodied-relational way using a synthesis of approaches I have learnt and been trained in. Initially, this was to heal my own trauma, but subsequently, these have become an integrated part of me and my therapeutic work.

I work in an embodied-relational way, offering a safe and empathic presence in which 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 emotional work, nor what you may want from any session. Over time, I support you to develop self-awareness tools and skills to help you manage life experiences.

Experiencing at a 'felt sense' or bodily level, what has hitherto been avoided is the key to resolving trauma. It is often the gateway to understanding and insight as well. I aim to stay present to your needs as they emerge, which allows you to connect to them more fully and so explore how best to meet them. I am commited to meeting you and your issues with empathy, understanding and compassion.

My Specialisms Include:

• Anxiety
  
• Depression
  
• Trauma
  
• Anger Issues
  
• Relationship Issues
  
• Couples
  
• Loss & Bereavement
  
• Confidence & Self-Esteem
  
• Mindfulness
  
• Embodied Movement

• 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) (2001-05, Centre for Nonviolent Communication)
  
• Certificate in Focusing Skills (2001 - British Focusing Association)
  
• Foundation in Core Process Psychotherapy (1998-99, Karuna Institute)

• 30+ 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)
  
• Psychotherapist 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 adhere to their ethical framework.  BACP has a formal route through which complaints can be heard if they cannot be resolved, in the first instance, by talking to me - more information is available on BACP's website.

In addition to continuing professional development, I am in on-going supervision for all my therapeutic work.