WELCOME
I know from experience that reaching out for counselling can be daunting .. so be rest assured that if you have made it here the tough first step is done....
As a relational counsellor, I believe at the heart of effective therapy is the relationship we create together. I strive to provide one where you feel comfortable and supported to share your story. To discuss elements of your life that are causing you pain or suffering, where you can feel safe to express yourself freely away from judgment or advice. All of you is welcome....
About Me
Welcome! I'm Gabi a Bristol based Therapist also working online throughout the UK. I am trained at Masters level and am a registered member of the BACP.
I have many years experience working in women's health, bereavement, miscarriage, trauma and addiction services in both the NHS and Charity sectors. I have had the privilege of witnessing first hand the beautifully transformative effects of the therapeutic relationship.
Having trained in 'Integrative' counselling and Psychotherapy I'm able to offer you with a holistic approach to therapy, putting your individual needs and ways of being at the core of our relationship. For some this may be through pure talking therapy, for others this may involve, where relevant incorporating creative or mindfulness practices.
I am calm, friendly and warm and approach therapy as a two way conversation, you offering your story and I in turn providing you with gentle challenges and curiosity to help deepen reflection.
"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am , then I can change"
Carl Rogers
You maybe coming to therapy looking for answers, ways to ease your suffering or help you through tough times. This can be for one of many reasons maybe you have faced a bereavement, trauma or a relationship breakdown, maybe you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed and are not quite sure why. This is where I can help...
It is my deep belief that we all contain within us an 'authentic self' that has all the tools and knowledge required to propel us forward. This authentic self can quite often get blurred by layers of social, family, and cultural expectations or left doubting itself after a traumatic life event.
Through talking therapy we can explore these feelings and begin to gently unravel the defences that have kept you safe but also stopped you living life to its fullest... to give a voice to the authentic self and hear what it has to say. To re-find our clarity and awareness.
Counselling or Psychotherapy: which is right for me?
Counselling is generally short term and can help you navigate through various life challenges such as work stress, relationship issues, bereavement, anxiety and depression. Sometimes we just need to hear our story without judgment.
Psychotherapy is a longer-term approach where together we gently unravel past experiences looking for the roots of negative beliefs or coping strategies. This type of therapy often involves exploring childhood and early adult experiences and suppressed emotions. Together we can safely and slowly give these parts a voice, leading towards gaining a deeper sense of awareness, self acceptance and ultimately empowerment
Ways I can Help....
Counselling for Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety can be overwhelming and affect all areas of life. Together, we can work to understand the root of your anxiety and develop strategies to manage it. Whether it's through talk therapy, mindfulness techniques, or other methods, I can support you in finding relief from your symptoms.
Depression can leave you feeling hopeless and stuck. I provide a non-judgmental and supportive space for you to explore your feelings and find a way forward. Within our sessions we can work together to identify the sources of your depression and give space to your experiences and emotions that lie underneath.
Counselling for ADHD and Autism
Whether you have a diagnosis, are contemplating seeking one or are happy with out one, I can provide a safe and non-judgemental space to discuss how ADHD and/or Autism are affecting your life.... both positively and maybe the tougher aspects we face going though in day to day life!
Maybe you are new to the realisation that you fit within the community and would like to discuss this revelation and your feelings surrounding this.
I am here to listen and offer a non-judgemental space to voice your thoughts and feelings and help you find clarity and the ways in which you shine!
Relationship Counselling
Relationships can be a source of joy and fulfillment, but they can also be a source of stress and conflict. Whether you are struggling with communication issues, trust, or other difficulties, I can help you work through these challenges.
It maybe that your relationship has faced an affair, or you are thinking of leaving a relationship and are needing a space to talk things through. I am here
Addiction Counselling
I have worked in both NHS and Charity sector addiction services and truly believe we are so much more than our coping strategies...
I offer a warm, non-judgemental space to those whose lives have been affected by either their own or a loved ones addiction problems.
We can look at the impact on you and your self esteem and uncover the reasons behind it.
I am not going to pressure you to change but will offer you a supportive ear to hear YOUR story and help you find clarity of your situation
Trauma Counselling
Trauma can have a lasting impact on your life, but with the right support, healing is possible.
I have experience working with a range of trauma survivors from Sexual and Domestic abuse and neglect, serious illness, emotional abuse, and emergency services/ front line staff
I provide a safe and compassionate space for you to process your trauma and find a way forward. Through therapy, we can work together to find a way forward with a greater sense of empowerment
It can be hard to appreciate the heartbreak and all too often isolating experience of pregnancy loss unless you have been through it.
Having worked for many years in pregnancy loss services I have supported many women and partners through Pregnancy loss through miscarriage, recurrent miscarriage, ectopic, molar pregnancy, termination and TFMR.
I understand the complex emotions that come with each loss, and I'm here to help you navigate the healing process. I can help you begin to process how the losses have affected your dreams, your relationships with friends and family and equally as important ... with yourself!