Counselling in GL12

I work with a wide range of issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, insomnia, OCD, addictions, PTSD and phobias. I invite clients to shape and express their goals (these often change or are added to!) and we work together to reach them. Sometimes problems have gone on for years; sometimes they are new and acute. In both cases they can be resolved: people can move towards a life that is fulfilling, meaningful and happy.

I am an open-minded counsellor/ therapist. I can help support you on your journey of self healing, in a safe, calm environment. My goal is to enhance your understanding of your own needs and how you can meet them. We can work together in a way that helps you to feel comfortable and fulfilled in your own life. My life experience, my counselling training, and my extensive work with diverse groups of people, informs my therapeutic approach. I have worked successfully with children, young people and adults from various backgrounds and am happy to meet face to face, online or on the telephone.

I am an experienced counsellor working in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire. You might be seeking counselling for the first time or returning to therapy. We all experience disconcerting feelings and upsetting concerns at some point in our lives. The best way to begin therapy is to arrange an introductory session to find out why you need counselling and how we can work together. There is no charge for the first session. As the relationship of trust and respect develops between client and counsellor, you will become empowered to explore daunting emotions through a non-judgemental, client-centred approach.

Choosing a counsellor with whom to connect and build a trusting therapeutic relationship can feel daunting, even risky, yet also empowering and hopeful. What does it feel like to take off masks, shedding protective layers that keep the authentic, vulnerable self safe while navigating through challenging or traumatic times? Together we can explore what you feel ready and safe to share - whether these are current, buried or almost forgotten experiences. I will be at your side to listen; endeavouring to relate to your unique circumstances and way of being; facilitative of your change and growth process.

Hello and welcome We can be prompted to seek help from a therapist for many different reasons. You may be struggling with an issue that you can’t seem to resolve alone. Or maybe you are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, or somehow stuck in life. Is there something that is interfering with your ability to live a meaningful and rewarding life? If this is the case for you, it could be helpful to explore how you are feeling with someone who is professionally trained. Together we can work to help you achieve a greater sense of peace in your life, a greater sense of personal freedom.

If you are looking at this website, my guess is that there is an aspect of your life that needs attention. There are countless reasons why this might be the case. There may be a particular issue in the present day that you wish to address, such as your relationships, bereavement, addictions or depression. Or, you might feel haunted by unresolved issues from your past such as trauma, abuse or childhood experiences. Perhaps it is hard to name what is troubling you, yet you feel overwhelmed, or that your life is lacking meaning and purpose and it is hard to find any enjoyment.

I aim to create a warm environment and a genuine therapeutic relationship for you to feel safe, supported and free to explore whatever difficulties you may be facing. I listen empathically so that I can understand you and what you are experiencing, without imposing my views on you or telling you what to do. I will encourage you to reconnect with yourself and your own resources. My role is to be with you as you make sense of your feelings, thoughts and behaviours and to support you in moving forward so that you can realise your full potential.

I am the Service Lead for Third Wave Psychologist, an online clinical psychology & counselling practice. My professional areas of expertise include long-term physical health conditions ( incl. long covid, pain, fatigue, IBS, diabetes, obesity & neurological conditions- stroke, MS, Parkinsons) & perinatal mental health (before, during & after birth). We also specialise in staff wellbeing (healthcare & non-healthcare staff), supporting people experiencing stress, low mood, anger, adjustment, anxiety, trauma, bereavement & grief & self-esteem/confidence issues.

I assist adults and older adults to reduce distress, improve awareness, connection, functioning and QoL through face-to-face and online counselling and psychological therapy. You can explore and address your concerns safely with session materials to take away for future reference. I offer evidenced approaches. Since 1998 I have worked with many people in their recovery from a range of emotional, behavioural, personality and mental health issues across various settings to Consultant level. Hopefully, I maybe of assistance to you also. Dr Maria Thompson BSc (Hons) MSc Post-MSc DCounsPsych CPsychol AFBPsS. Desideratum P&C Services Ltd.