Aviva Counselling in Bristol

Have you always felt different or had trouble fitting in? Perhaps you're thinking that you might have Autism/ASD, ADHD or Tics/Tourette’s or possibly a learning disability. Would you like an assessment for yourself or your child to confirm this? Or maybe you have been newly diagnosed or have traits of ASD, ADHD or Tourette’s and are looking for further information and support. I offer diagnostic assessments (in conjunction with a colleague) for adults and children with Autism/ASD, ADHD, Tourette's/Tics and cognitive assessments (IQ tests) / learning disability assessments.

You are welcome to bring a wide variety of life stories and events into or time together . I hear and work with adults who have difficult childhood experiences, complex issues, traumas, and behaviours which cause them distress. I have worked with addictions, eating disorders and OCD. I work with couples and relationships. It is a supportive space which helps to clarify the problems and reduces the anxiety and depression. . I work via a Cliniko video system for medical and counselling services, Whatsapp video, Skype, telephone and via text or e-mails

I am an integrative therapist specialising in using eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to treat a wide range of psychological issues. I am highly trained in psychotherapy, neuroscience and trauma and believe that our current issues can often be traced back to early adverse experiences in childhood. Compared to standard talking therapy EMDR generally takes a shorter amount of time to get to the root cause of the issue. Rather than just dealing with symptom management (like CBT), EMDR therapy works directly with the cause of your distress.

I work with people experiencing difficulties such as comple trauma/PTSD, anger, anxiety, low self-esteem, inner self critics, stress/burnout & depression; including Veterans. These symptoms can be associated with traumatic events in childhood/adulthood; sexual abuse, personal injury, loss & bereavement, abuse, bullying & domestic violence, active service. I aim to help people recover from the effects of these stressful events on personal functioning & relationships. I also help adjustment to life challenges including health conditions & life transitions; adolescence, parenting, relationship beginning/ending & divorce, & retirement.

I work with both individuals and couples. As an individual, some sudden event may have thrown you into crisis and challenged your ability to cope. This might include, a difficulty in a relationship; a loss/bereavement of some kind; or a change that has resulted in stress/anxiety and a feeling of being destabilised. Alternatively you may be suffering from a more general, on-going struggle to see any direction or purpose. A feeling of being disconnected from yourself and others and of there being very little enjoyment in your life.

I am a fully registered and insured Practitioner Psychologist and Chartered Psychologist, specialising in treatment and counselling for a variety of biological, psychological and social difficulties. I have over 15 years’ experience of supporting people to develop strategies to live with mental health issues (anxiety and depression, stress, worry or panic, health-related anxiety and depression), long-term conditions (e.g. thyroid disorders, pain, fatigue, COPD, PMDD and cancer) and challenging life circumstances.

I believe in the power of opening up, and while I will draw on theory and knowledge to support each individual client, I am led by the client and their individual needs. An ideal client is someone who wishes to build a therapeutic space alongside me, allowing me to facilitate safety and build trust. I am experienced at working with complex mental health needs, therefore I begin by creating a formulation of the problem with the client, and collaboratively establish their needs and personal goals. i am interested in helping others to learn about themselves through relational dynamics they experience.

I have a strong belief that people are intrinsically resilient & resourceful & that under the right therapeutic conditions, emotional suffering can be reduced & fulfilling lives, lived out. My intention is to provide a safe, hopeful space for people to explore how they would like to be in the wider world & practical ways to achieve this. Since 2014 I have worked in a variety of NHS settings, using talking therapies to support adults, children & families to navigate a range of emotional & physical health difficulties. These include: anxiety, low mood, trauma, chronic-illnesses, relationship and employment issues.

Welcome. What has brought you here today? Maybe you are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, depression or stress, perhaps you simply have a sense of life not being quite as you would like it to be. Whatever your reason for seeking counselling I am hopeful I can help you find a way through the difficulties you are experiencing. I offer each and every one of my clients a safe space within which they can explore their concerns, within this space I respond with compassion and curiosity and without judgement.

Life can be stressful and full of uncertainty, so as a Counselling Psychologist I will use a variety of theories from my years of training and beyond to treat you as a whole person who is more than just their struggles, insecurities and pain. Therapy can help you deeply explore your past or give you tools to cope better in the present. It can allow someone else to understand you so that eventually you can understand yourself. I am a relatable and down to earth person and my aim is to make you feel safe, listened to, valued and understood so that you can build self-awareness, self-compassion and self-acceptance.

Deborah Creed is a UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) and AFT (Association of Family Therapy) accredited systemic psychotherapist with over ten years experience working with children, adolescents, and adults.

She has a wealth of experience working with problems such as anxiety, behaviour, eating disorders, sleep, social anxiety, bullying, or school-related problems. Deborah has worked with many clients affected by separation, divorce, trauma, or couples wanting to reconnect. Deborah offers a bespoke service to meet the needs of the client. This is a private practice. It is a highly successful and discreet place to talk

CBT is an ideal treatment for clients who are looking to change, whether that be to make some changes in the way in which they think about things, or some changes in the way in which they go about day to day life. Some of this change may involve learning new skills, for example, assertiveness. In addition to helping clients feel confident and autonomous throughout treatment, CBT can also help clients come to an understanding of 'why', E.G. what is it about you, your experiences and vulnerabilities which perhaps help explain why you struggle with X (E.G. Anxiety). This is often validating and helpful rather than self blaming.

Counselling is a place to explore our thoughts, feelings and emotions. A chance to explore our life direction. An opportunity to pause and understand where we are and what is happening in our lives right now. It is a place to explore past and present events or traumas and a space to speak out loud thoughts that had previously been unspeakable.

Are you looking for change? Do you want to move beyond the pain of your current situation or past traumas? Are you experiencing relationship difficulties and don't know how to go beyond the current situation? Whatever the issues you are facing, I will work with you to help you move towards the place you (both) want to be. I have extensive knowledge of working with clients with a range of mental health difficulties, including people in emotional crisis. I believe that every person has the potential for recovery and growth, with as an individual or within relationship with another person. Transformation is always possible.

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?

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.

My professional areas of expertise are healthcare staff wellbeing, long-term physical health conditions ( incl. pain, fatigue, IBS, diabetes, obesity & neurological conditions- stroke, MS, Parkinson's) & ante/post-natal health. I specialise in providing clinical psychology support (supervision, consultation & therapy) to aspiring & qualified psychologists, counsellors & healthcare staff. I also work with private clients who are struggling with the above conditions, as well as stress, low mood, self-esteem/confidence issues, anxiety, trauma, bereavement & grief.

I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2004 and have worked in NHS adult psychological therapies services since that time. I have worked as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Lead Clinician for an NHS service in West London before re-locating to the South-West and working in private practice.

I have experience of working with clients experiencing a range of emotional difficulties. I have a special interest in clinical health psychology and in supporting individuals who are experiencing health related emotional difficulties, such as adjusting to living with a diagnosis or physical symptoms, anxiety, low mood or treatment related trauma. I am experienced in working with trauma, adjustment to major life events, loss and bereavement. I draw flexibly upon a range of evidence based approaches tailored to the individual and their needs.