Welcome and thank you for visiting my page. My name is Susannah and I am an experienced and fully qualified psychodynamic counsellor/psychotherapist working 1:1 with adults and older teenagers. I offer open ended, face to face or online counselling sessions and have worked with people who have struggled with: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma/PTSD, low mood, overwhelm, relationship/parenting/family issues, domestic violence, abuse, childhood sexual abuse, anger issues, work burnout, boarders, bereavement/loss and more.
I have worked as a counsellor and assessor for two mental health charities in South Bucks and Hertfordshire as well as offering counselling privately in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. I currently work with survivors of domestic violence/abuse with the Counselling Foundation and my private practice is based in Westbury-On-Trym BS9 at The Practice Rooms (Bristol), also The Old Rectory Clinic BS37 (Iron Acton near Yate) and Bristol Counselling and Psychotherapy (Southville).
Counselling/Psychotherapy for anxiety and depression in Westbury-On-Trym, Bristol BS9 and Yate BS37
How can counselling help me?
It may feel daunting looking around for the right therapist and to know who might be right for you. Therefore, I offer a free 15 minute phone call to see if I might be someone you would feel comfortable working with. There is no obligation but it can provide an opportunity where you can ask some questions to allay any fears you may have about starting. I am here for as long as you need, to try and support you through whatever it is you are facing. I am a registered member of a professional body of therapists (MBACP) and am fully insured.
If this is your first experience of counselling, it may feel like a big step to get started but one which I believe is worth taking. Counselling is a place where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, focus on yourself in a confidential, safe and non-judgemental space and feel supported through whatever difficulties you are facing. I aim to listen with compassion and genuine warmth and no problem is too big or too small.
Finding a therapist
What is psychodynamic counselling/psychotherapy and is it right for me?
The psychodynamic model's central tenet is that we all have an unconscious where painful feelings are often fiercely defended against. Although these defences may have been important and necessary ways of coping in the past, they may now be serving as maladaptive responses which are no longer helpful. My aim is to help you unglue yourself from whatever is holding you back and to cultivate patience and self-compassion. Sessions would typically be led by you and can end when you no longer need them.
The type of counselling/psychotherapy I offer is psychodynamic which means we will think together about the underlying meaning of your emotions and where they have stemmed from. The psychodynamic approach seeks to understand influences from the past on present behaviour through the evolving therapeutic relationship. The difference between counselling and psychotherapy is that counselling may address one or two specific issues whereas psychotherapy is usually a longer, more open-ended and explorative process. Both counselling and psychotherapy can help you make sense of what you are currently feeling by providing a safe space for you to talk openly and freely without judgement.
Getting started, what next?
I offer an initial free 15 minute phone call to briefly find out a little bit about why you are seeking counselling. If we both feel happy to proceed after this, we would arrange a consultation which lasts for 50 minutes. This is a chance to think more deeply about what has brought you to counselling as well as discussing your expectations and previous experience of counselling.
Taking the plunge
Ongoing counselling sessions will take place on the same day and time each week and last 50 minutes. I typically provide open ended therapy but it is possible to work in a more focused way either short term, or time limited.
Services
Adult Individual Counselling/ Psychotherapy
Online Counselling Sessions
Help with Anxiety and Depression
Initial consultation £60
Ongoing face to face and online sessions - £60.
Fees
Location
For face to face sessions I work from two professional consulting rooms in Bristol (Westbury-On-Trym BS9 (The Practice Rooms) and South Gloucestershire ( the beautiful Old Rectory Clinic in Iron Acton BS37). I also offer online sessions using Teams for those who need a little more flexibility and convenience around work. I also work for Bristol Counselling and Psychotherapy in Southville.