I have over 20 years experience as a Counsellor and in that time I have worked with some amazing organisations.
I worked for Cruse Bereavement Care for a few years as a counsellor in Bristol, where I was able to support clients’ with the loss of someone close. As a result of my time at Cruse I was aware of the lack of support for people who had lost pets, so I now offer pet bereavement. Pets can represent so many relationships to us- son, daughter, partner and friend.
I then went to work for a Drug and Alcohol agency, where I was able to continue and deepen my experiences and knowledge of working with loss. Addiction can take away relationships, jobs, homes and control and I found my work here extremely rewarding. I also learnt new approaches such as solution focused, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and brief therapy.
For several years I have been involved with several menopause charities and The Bristol Menopause Clinic as I feel there has been a lack of information around the impact of menopause not only on our physical health but our mental health. Many clients are using anti depressants when actually it can be an hormonal inbalance causing the anxiety and/or depression. I feel it is important to explore this during my assessment.
I have also worked with Survive; a charity focusing on domestic violence, offering some of their clients’ a safe place to express their feelings and concerns. I am passionate about supporting victims of abuse and consequently I am driven to gain more knowledge and understanding. This experience has also enhanced my work as a couples Counsellor.
I am also very proud to have worked with the NHS as a staff counsellor in Bristol for 5 years.
I work as a counsellor supporting Bristol City Council staff.
Although a lot of my work can be long term I am also able to work short term. Through my work with EAPS (Employee Assisted Programmes) I am able to offer clients’ brief therapy, CBT and solution focused ways of working, enabling them to feel more supported in the workplace.
I have experience of being a boss, wife, mother, daughter and friend, but alongside my life experiences I have worked in counselling with the following issues:-
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loss and Grief – including pet bereavement
- Trauma
- Abuse: sexual, psychological, physical
- Anger
- Self esteem
- Transitions and change
- Relationships
- Addictions
- Marriage issues
- Work related issues
- Stress
- Menopause
- Dissociation
- Menopause
- Pregnancy related issues
There are many truths of which the full meaning cannot be realized until personal experience has brought it home.
A quote by John Stuart Mill