Life can be messy, sometimes we can’t see the wood for the trees. However, I believe we all have the capacity within us to accept where we are, find the direction and pace we want to be moving in and an idea about where we want to go. Perhaps first, a space to slow down, stop and reflect in this busy world, is what you need right now. You may feel that the future is daunting and you are facing a steep climb ahead of you, or that issues from the past are drawing your attention back. You might feel stuck in the mud or trudging an arduous path day to day.

A safe space to talk, think, feel… can often be enough to find clarity and a way through life’s challenges.

My experience, qualifications and therapy practice:

In summary, I am an experienced, BACP registered, integrative and psychotherapeutic counsellor.  I have completed integrative, relational counselling training and further specialist therapy training (please see below).  I have been a therapist for 10 years.  I offer time-limited or long-term counselling.  This includes supporting people with stress, low mood, burn-out, trauma recovery, complex relationships, parenting/carer challenges, loss and bereavement, addiction recovery, self-discovery, life’s transitions, adjustment to diagnosis and long-term illness.

I have 15+ years’ experience working within psychology and healthcare teams in the NHS; with adults and older adults from all walks of life, many of whom were living with long-term neurological conditions – particularly dementia, and I also supported their carers/partners.  I have worked within charities and agencies specialising in end of life and bereavement support/therapy, and also addiction recovery (mainly alcohol); supporting those in recovery and family members/partners affected by someone else’s substance use (past or present).

My personal and work experiences have brought a great deal of diversity into my life; getting to know individuals and families all over Bristol – from a white, female, middle-class, gender-curious and neurodivergent perspective; I am grateful to have gained awareness of various cultures, beliefs, life stages, gender identities, sexual/relationship orientations, blended families and neurodiversities.

My Qualifications

Starting with the most recent:  IFS (Internal Family Systems) Level 1, Diploma in Professional Studies Counselling from University of West of England (UWE), Counselling Certificate from UWE, MSc in Neuropsychology from Bristol University and a BSc in Psychology from Swansea University.

My Approach

I draw mainly from Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, Gestalt and Trauma-informed approaches including IFS, whilst bringing a neuropsychological perspective to understanding the brain-mind-body relationship.  I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), abide by its Code of Ethics and attend regular supervision with a qualified supervisor to ensure my counselling work is both ethical and effective.

I work relationally and creatively.  I draw from a number of therapeutic tools that are available, in order to find the most appropriate to the individual for their own personal growth.  I love creativity and at the clients request I am happy to integrate elements of creative approaches to our work together.  I am also passionate about working therapeutically with nature and the outdoors, such as ‘walk and talk’, or bringing natural items or found objects which are meaningful to you, into an indoor space to work with creatively.

Research shows that the quality of the therapeutic relationship itself, is the most important element in creating an effective therapy process.  I aim to offer you a calm, curious and connected presence, and a chance to be yourself, find yourself, understand your relationships and life circumstances (past and present) and move towards healing old wounds.

This is all possible.

I offer 50 or 60 minute face-to-face counselling sessions or ‘Walk & Talk’ therapy (please see my website below). I can also offer online sessions when it is more feasible.

Fees: £60-65

What I can help with:

Abuse, Addictions, Anxiety, Bereavement, Child related issues, Cultural issues, Disability, Grief, Health related issues, Identity issues, LGBTQIA+ counselling, Loss, Low mood, Neurodiversity, Obsessions, Personal development, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and parenting related issues, Relationships, Self esteem, Service veterans, Sexual identity, Sexuality, Spirituality, Stress, Substance Dependency, Trauma, Work related issues

Contact: Tel: 07856364307

Email: elanorgibsoncounselling@gmail.com

Website: www.elanorgibsoncounselling.uk