Hi, my name is Ginny, I'm a counsellor working in Bristol. I offer a warm, accepting and respectful space for you to begin to talk about the things that concern you.
I am an integrative humanistic counsellor which means that my approach is underpinned by person-centred values and philosophy, but I use skills from several different counselling models.
At our first session, we can discuss what you are hoping to get out of counselling and discuss the different ways that we might work together.
I am happy to work short or long-term. Some people like to plan sessions in blocks of six with a review in the sixth week.
It's difficult to talk about counselling without using a lot of counselling jargon. What I would like to do here is describe in simple terms how I work. For people who are more interested in theory, you can read more here.
Firstly, I respect everybody as an individual and try to avoid making assumptions about them, their problems, and what might help. My approach is grounded in person-centered values and philosophy. At the heart of person-centered theory is the belief that human beings are basically all alright - they are good. (That is not to say that their behaviour is all good). And that everyone has a tendency towards growth - just as plants and babies grow, so too do we continue to grow and develop given the right conditions. So, in counselling, I aim to create the right sort of relationship for growth: a warm, non-judgemental acceptance of you for who you are and where you are with things in your life right now. I will be myself with you within the boundaries of a professional, appropriate helping relationship. You may not feel like it right now, but I believe you are the expert in your own life. I have particular skills and knowledge about how to have conversations that will hopefully enable you to feel more skilled in living your life in the way you hope to.
At our first meeting I will listen to what you feel comfortable telling me at this stage, about what brings you to counselling; what is troubling you, and what you would like to get from counselling. The first meeting is a chance for you to get a sense of whether I am the right person to work with, so you may not want to share more than a broad outline of the issue. We can talk together about what you have been doing to try to sort things out, what has helped and what hasn't. We can discuss the different ways we might work together to address your concerns.
We can discuss any ideas you have for how long you might want to be in counselling and what approaches you prefer. For example, some people like to be given things to think about or do in between sessions. Other people are looking to learn new skills or techniques. Others have no idea whether counselling can help or what they need help with, but are prepared to give it a shot. Whichever is true of you we can talk this over and make a plan together about how to go forward. If you decide to continue to work with me, I will regularly check in with you on how you are finding the sessions and whether we are on track
Read more on my 'Counselling' page.
I am an integrative trained humanistic counsellor with a wealth of experience gained from working with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences over 30 years. I have extensive knowledge of working with loss, interpersonal relationships, depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, and anger gained during 23 years of qualifying experience; twelve of them working as a counsellor in the NHS and 10 years in private practice in Bristol. I am currently training in EMDR therapy.
I am a Senior Accredited Member of BACP; the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists with whom I am also registered.
My qualifications include an MSc with distinction in Counselling, a BSc Hons Psychology, a PG Diploma in Counselling in Primary Care and Health Settings, and a PG Diploma in Consultative Supervision. I am also qualified in Counselling for Depression; a NICE-approved counselling approach for treating depression. I have a I have a certificate in Narrative Therapy and a postgraduate Diploma in Psychodynamic approaches to counselling in schools. I have a certificate in Trauma Focused Therapy.
Read more on my 'Biography' page.
I offer a free initial 20m phone conversation. I also offer an introductory session at a reduced rate of £20, although if we decide to continue to meet, I charge the full fee. This is an opportunity for us to meet and discuss your reason for seeking counselling and to decide whether to work together.
For subsequent sessions, I operate a sliding scale of £65-75 I offer a limited number of reduced-cost spaces for students or those on low income for £45.
Feel free to contact me by email, text or call 07588584650 I offer a free twenty-minute call and then if you wish we can book an initial appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help..
I work from my comfortable therapy room in Enso, Cheltenham Road, Cotham, Bristol which is easily accessible from Bristol City Centre, a few minutes walk from Montpelier Station and Gloucester Road.
© Ginny Bates Counselling
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