How I Work

 

Walk and Talk

The combination of a safe emotional space combined with an open physical space offers an alternative to the traditional counselling setting. Walking outside gives the opportunity for reflection and connection with the natural world whilst exploring your emotions. Moving whilst talking can help unlock feelings of ‘stuckness’. Researchers at the University of Essex found that 90 percent of participants in the trial suffering from depression, felt a higher level of self-esteem after taking a walk through a country park, and almost 75 percent of the group felt less dispirited after the walk.* Ashton Court in Bristol provides a variety of settings to walk in, allowing you to choose open ground or woodland, hilly or flat and experience every kind of weather!

*What is ecotherapy? Benefits of walking in nature for anxiety | Psychologies

 
 

How I Support You

I am an integrative counsellor with a person centred foundation. This means that I am able to draw on different approaches to offer what suits you best. I will be there to facilitate the initial exploration of your presenting challenge and remain alongside you as work to resolve or accept it. Experiencing empathy, authenticity, and a non-judgemental space with time just for you to talk (or be silent*) can be remarkably powerful.

Telephone Counselling or Home Visits

Telephone counselling or home visits may be options for those for whom mobility is a challenge or for days when the weather is extreme. It may be suitable for those who are nervous about starting therapy or struggling with anxiety. It can offer flexibility if you are under time pressure or don’t live in Bristol.

 

*’Participants also reported that walking side by side made communication easier, and silence more comfortable.’

Newman E and Gabriel L ‘Investigating clients’ experience of walk and talk counselling'.’

‘Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.’ James Baldwin