Counselling in Radstock

Counselling provides you with a confidential space within which to talk about issues that are troubling you so that you can explore your thoughts and feelings about them. This can offer you the opportunity to reflect on the past to gain an understanding of your current situation, so that together, we can find new solutions or more helpful coping strategies to help you reach your goals. I can offer you a confidential space to talk and explore the issues with which you are seeking support. By focusing on your goals, we can work together to help you find your way and reach your goals.

I am an accredited Cognitive Behavioural psychotherapist of 25years. I have worked in community Adult Mental Health Services and CAMHS services in the NHS and in private settings. I also offer CBT clinical supervision to peers. I have extensive experience working closely with clients and their families to help people identify what they want to achieve from therapy and help them achieve their therapy targets.

Do you sometimes feel lost or unsure about what your purpose is? Why you are here? Why life has happened as it did so far? Are you struggling to get through a tough life transition, loss or grief? Are you at times not sure what you have to offer to the world; what you are meant to do or what you really want? Do you find it difficult to trust others or are wondering how to improve your relationships with others? I offer a safe, unbiased space to talk that is removed from your direct family and friends. This freedom to speak openly can be helpful when trying to talk through tricky and uncomfortable feelings.

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.

Do you feel like it is difficult to reach your partner emotionally, are you being stone walled, afraid of conflict or are you people pleasing for a quiet life? Do you have a pattern of being submissive, passive aggressive or unable to effectively communicate your wants and needs? Do you feel like you and your partner don’t understand each other or feel as if you have married your mother or father? Couples therapy aims to uncover reactionary aspects of yourself that lead to discontent and a loss of connection and intimacy in your relationship. We will examine unhelpful dynamics and behavioural patterns and explore where you are stuck

Internal Family Systems therapy is the fundamental psychotherapeutic approach that helps people deal with the legacy of trauma. We will work collaboratively, understanding what is being brought to the room and making sense of it together in an environment of safety and respect. In our work together you are encouraged to develop a self awareness and a capacity for a fuller sense of you. This will improve your relationship/connection to Self, deepening your understanding and compassion-perspectives can broaden- loosening the bolts on personal narratives or beliefs and creating room and opportunities for a different experience.

When we feel stuck, experience difficult emotions, or the challenges we have are distressing, finding a space to work through and move beyond what has led you to experience those difficulties can feel overwhelming in itself. By working together we look to create a space where you can explore and make sense of the distress, address challenges and build psychological well-being, while supporting you to feel confident to successfully move forward.

Men are pretty bad when it comes to seeking help for health (physical or mental), preferring to sort the problems out themselves. I work within a specific 'man-friendly' approach to counselling, meaning we focus on how and where you want to be in the future and go from there, only looking back when the past blocks to you from moving on. I help you to find the best solution that fits your life circumstances, works for you and, enables you to develop the skills to cope with what life throws at you in the future. If you want a counsellor who believes in the power of conversation, humour and looking forward, let's chat.

What do you need? It is sometimes helpful to ask yourself - "What are my main goals as I go for counselling? What is important to me right now? How would I like to change?" Often all someone needs is some quality time and space to be able to be themselves, and be heard - not feeling judged no matter what they say, and feel some compassion from somebody who cares. In the busy world in which we live, I provide that space for you to unwind, off-load and rediscover who you are, as well as deal with the problems you are experiencing - and change.

I aim to provide my client’s with a safe, caring and professional atmosphere in which to explore their diverse problems at their own pace and depth. I am a well travelled, life experienced integrative counsellor which means I believe in tapping into various models and approaches to assist my clients with the unique and personal problems they are experiencing founded upon my deep experience of what life expects of us as we journey through it. I am experienced in dealing with depression, anxiety and stress and can assist you to explore deeper experiences that may be contributing to your struggles. I am here to hear.