Counselling in Paignton

I am passionately committed to finding out what feels safe for each client, in order to offer a safe, therapeutic space, with empathy, warmth and unconditional positive regard. I work in a holistic way, bringing awareness to mind, body, emotions & soul (aka "true self", “authentic self”). I deeply believe that authentic, human relationships are a powerful tool towards positive change. I believe in the uniqueness of each human being and appreciate that "one size doesn't fit all". This is why my continuous commitment to training over the years has enriched my skills & knowledge and allows me to adjust my approach to client needs.

I am a qualified counsellor and teacher, I have studied Counselling and Substance Misuse at FdSc level and have a Diploma in Social Work, as well as having a wide range of work and life experience. My down to earth nature empowers me to be accessible, approachable and non-judgmental which is an essential part of a successful working therapeutic relationship. Aiding people to work through their own life challenges is my absolute passion and driving force behind Brighter Pathways Counselling.

Feeling safety in a complex world is no mean feet. Childhood, historic, or current experiences, interacting/reacting with the complexities brought about by the pandemic, can exhaust any capacity for resilience. maybe you're a parent/carer of children transitioning from the intensity of lockdown to the uncertainty of the easing of restrictions? Is this further complicated by returning to education settings for children with Autism, ADHD, FASD, SPD, trauma and attachment? Maybe you are a foster care or adoptive parent wondering how to rebalance the attachment bond after the intensity of lockdown, recalibrating interfamilial dynamics?

As a clinical psychologist I work with adults, children, adolescents, and families to address a variety of psychological difficulties. With over 25 years experience, I am skilled in a variety of psychological interventions, drawing on different approaches as appropriate. I work with adults experiencing a variety of difficulties from depression and anxiety to loss and relationship issues. I am particularly interested in working with children and adolescents: whether working with anxiety, self harm, poor self esteem or family conflict, I aim to help parents and children feel supported, and to foster loving family relationships.

If you have experienced trauma as a result of your past and you find that is affecting you and your relationships in the present, I can help you gently explore these difficulties and support you to make the changes you need to make. Through childhood experiences and life events we try to fit into the world we live in. From very early on we tend to adapt ourselves to meet the needs of others, to be loved, liked and accepted. We twist and manage ourselves into expected ways of being and mask what is really going on for us. In doing this we lose the sense of who we are before we ever know.

I'm Bandna and I'm the Clinical Director of Questa. We're a small, specialist practice offering gold standard psychological services for children, teenagers, adults and families across Hampshire and Surrey. Our clinicians and support team are here to help you through; whether you want an assessment/diagnosis for autism, ADHD, family support, psychological therapy or supportive psychological coaching (SPC) we can help - and if we can't we'll do our utmost to help you find someone who can. Call or email us today to discuss how we may be able to help you.

‘How are you?’ How often do you reply truthfully to others and to yourself? Therapy is a journey of change, in a supportive, confidential, non-judgemental environment, empowering you to find your own voice, confidence, knowledge and awareness. Reconnecting with these enables you to move forward. Allow yourself regular time in a peaceful space away from the demands of life to talk in private with someone who is objective and impartial. As an integrative psychotherapist you are the complete focus, I use a flexible approach to fit your needs. I work with all ages & specialise in Trauma work ( past or present, complex or PTSD).

I am very passionate about my work and what I love most is seeing my clients progress. Observing their changes and seeing how good they feel within themselves is a wonderful journey to share. I offer support with all kinds of issues. You may be suffering with an anxiety disorder, depression perhaps, an issue within a relationship, an addiction or something else. Whatever your issue is, my aim is to spend time getting to know you, finding the root cause to your problem and any other factors that may have to be taken into consideration. Then, together we can work towards a solid plan for you to more you forward as an individual.