Welcome to
Where you are
is not who you are
Where you are
is not who you are
I work with adult clients who are anxious, depressed, bereaved, autistic, have a history of adverse childhood experiences, low self-esteem or have a sense of lack of well-being.
I work with adult clients who are anxious, depressed, bereaved, autistic, have a history of adverse childhood experiences, low self-esteem or have a sense of lack of well-being.
Sometimes we feel anxious, depressed, have low self-confidence, low self-esteem, feel sad, have panic attacks or social anxiety.
Sometimes we feel anxious, depressed, have low self-confidence, low self-esteem, feel sad, have panic attacks or social anxiety.
My name is Susan, a qualified counsellor, member of the British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists. My core approach to counselling is Person Centred, I am also qualified by the British Mindfulness Academy to incorporate Mindfulness and Breathwork, where appropriate, into counselling sessions, which some clients find helpful and calming. Counselling offers a neutral space to tell of your experience, in your own words, to be listened to without judgement, a time to talk, a time to think, a time to process how you feel.
It is so easy to run down our reserves in the pursuit of 'doing' as opposed to 'being'. We are human beings, not human doings.
It is so easy to run down our reserves in the pursuit of 'doing' as opposed to 'being'. We are human beings, not human doings.
We want something better, a sense of peace, safety, harmony, clarity, warmth, joy, fun, positivity, triumph, curiosity and happiness.
Make choices for yourself that are based on self-compassion, not self-survival.
Make choices for yourself that are based on self-compassion, not self-survival.
Counselling can help to shine a light of understanding and insight into the past and present, to help inform and guide a pathway into the possibility of future self-enhancement, self-worth and self-care. At some point in our lives most of us experience times of challenge, adjustment, loss, uncertainty. Reaching out can be a hard step, maybe a courageous step. The bravest thing you can be is yourself.
With my training, experience and life journey I am here to support and connect with you, when you feel ready to do so.
Mind and Body
Mind and Body
Emotions are the transmitters of our feelings, feelings are the barometer of our thoughts. Our bodies are sensitive to even the smallest of emotions, acting as an early warning detection system. The human brain processes approximately 60,000 thoughts per day, 90% of these thoughts are the same thoughts we had the day before. Neuroscience research suggests we are only conscious of approximately 5% of our thoughts, 95% of brain activity is beyond our conscious awareness - our decisions, actions, emotions and behaviours.
Mindful, caring, compassionate, supportive counselling can help bring some understanding and awareness of your thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Bereavement
Bereavement
Your grief is unique to you, nobody has ever grieved like you are doing now, even members of your own family are going through a different grief. (1)
There are aspects of grief that most people go through, but there can be no method that meets the unique needs of your grief, in my bereavement work every person I meet I work with in a different way, my core approach is empathy, acceptance and unconditional positive regard, to gently go at the pace that suits you, in a way that suits you.
Your grief may be because someone close to you has died or because you are going through other losses. Loss of a relationship, a job, health, friendship or because your pet has died, some people grieve the loss of a pet just as they would a human friend.
(1) Ref Dr. John Wilson
Autism
Autism
It is estimated there are 700,000 people in the UK on the Autistic Spectrum, this means that Autism is part of every day life for 2.8 million people in the UK
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. Autistic people are unique, they have their own personalities, characteristics and needs.
It affects each individual in different ways, but common factors can include or affect:
Social communication and social interaction
Repetitive or restrictive behaviours
Over or under sensitivity to light, sound, taste or touch
Highly focused interests or hobbies
Extreme anxiety
Meltdowns or shutdowns
Counselling for people on the autistic spectrum needs to be delivered by someone who is sensitive and understands the nature of autism and can see life through a different lens. Likewise for parents, having counselling delivered by someone who is professional and experienced in what it is like bringing up a child with autism or supporting an adult family member and the loss, adjustment and altered family dynamics this brings can be helpful and empowering.
My personal experience means I can offer an empathic, non-judgemental space for you to offload, to explore what it means to live life fully, to be your autonomous self and to celebrate neuro-diversity.
About me
About me
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Member of the British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists and adhere to their Ethical Framework
- Certificate in Mindfulness for Professionals
- Registered with the ICO for Data Protection,
- Fully insured
- DBS checked
- Online & Telephone Counselling Certificate
- CPD Understanding and Supporting Autistic Clients
- CPD Training for Bereavement Counselling
- Experience of Bereavement support with Families in Grief Charity
- Experience of working in care sector and lived experience of family carer role.
- Contributor to research project by Lincoln University/NAS/Dogs for Good Charity investigating why dogs affect autistic children and impact on the family, research results published Feb 2016
- I have over twenty years lived experience of Autism and deliver counselling that is sympathetic and empathic to living life through a different lens, for autistic adults or their parents/carers. I have over four years of bereavement support experience, working creatively with each individual.
