Welcome. I understand that the decision to seek counselling can be daunting. I want you to know that together, we can create an environment where change can happen, and you can feel truly heard and supported.

COunselling and psychotherapy

I am an integrative counsellor with a Master's in Counselling and Psychotherapy and registration with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP). You can read more here, but in summary, it means I abide by a specific code of ethics and professional conduct and adhere to their standards and regulations. Integrative counselling means I combine different therapeutic techniques and theories and tailor them to your unique needs. Sometimes, I draw on creative processes and interventions focusing on your feelings and the world around you.

I understand that life can be overwhelming. Maybe you feel confused and isolated, weighed down by working life, complex thoughts or emotions, demotivated or experiencing low self-esteem from relationship and work pressures. You might find yourself repeating old patterns of behaviour or lost about the direction in your life. The connection between you, as the client, and your therapist serves as a window into your broader relationships and can offer insights into your life's connections. Still, it's crucial to recognise that you are not alone. I appreciate the significance of childhood experiences and their potential to remain hidden, only to resurface later in life.

My approach is firmly rooted in humanistic, psychodynamic and Gestalt principles. I aim to provide a compassionate and trauma informed environment, inviting you to delve into your feelings, emotions, and underlying issues without fear of criticism or judgment. Throughout the therapy, we can gain new insight into the dynamic interplay between your past and present, facilitating a deeper understanding of your current experiences and behaviours underpinned by empathy and offering you space to share your feelings and thoughts safely. This process strongly emphasises fostering a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship, always moving at a comfortable pace for you which has been proven to be integral to making positive change.

AboUT ME

My passion for the deep connections we build with each other is rooted in my life experiences. I have encountered the challenges of relational trauma and the impact this has on wellbeing.

Over the last twenty years, my career has been diverse, ranging from teaching abroad and in the UK, including young people and adults with emotional, behavioural, educational needs and physical disabilities, to mental health management and supporting young people and adults with complex and diverse mental health needs. I have experience in the NHS, Not-for-profit sector and FE and secondary education.

In addition to my professional background, I have experience with invisible illnesses and neurodiversity; therefore, I am committed to creating a safe, neurodiverse-affirming, inclusive, and authentic space that nurtures creativity and promotes personal growth and healing. These experiences have granted me unique insights into my development and hidden disabilities, significantly shaping my perspective on mental health and therapy.

Given my therapeutic journey and the positive impact of personal growth, transitioning into a relational therapist role felt like a natural progression for me.

Professional Membership and Ethics

• I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. ( MBACP ) and abide by their ethical framework
  
• I am fully insured and have ongoing clinical supervision as required by the BACP. I aim to work inclusively and my approach is rooted in LGBTQ+ affirming, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive frameworks.
  

Core Qualifications

• Master of Arts: Counselling and & Psychotherapy (Distinction)
  
• BA Hon Education and Creative Writing
  
• Level 2 NCFE and Level 3 CPCAB Counselling Certificates

Areas of Expertise

• Depression and anxiety
  
• Relationship issues and family dynamics
  
• Separation and relationship breakdown
  
• Bereavement, ambiguous loss and estrangement
  
• Adoption
• Neurodiversity
  
• Menopause and peri menopause
  
• Single parenthood and parenting
  
• LGBTQ+
  
• Low self esteem
  
• Young people
  
• Older people and isolation
  
• Loneliness
  
• Long-term chronic pain
  
• Trauma
  
• Abuse
• Work-related stress
  
• Suicidal ideation
  
• Social anxiety

20-minute initial consultation

Free of charge

Fees AND SERVICES

Online counselling

£60 per session

Telephone counselling

£60 per session

Bristol

in person

£65 per session

The Practice Rooms

Students

£45 per session

I make one session available each week, free of charge. Waiting list only.

Get In Touch

I understand that reaching out for support can be a big decision, and finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is essential. That's why I offer a free 20-minute consultation for new clients. The therapeutic relationship is key for you to make positive change, so talking ahead will give us a chance to see if we'd work well together. There is no obligation to make an immediate decision.

Please contact me directly to arrange an in-person session

Click here to book an online or telephone session

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What can I expect from the first session?

A. The initial session is a chance to get to know me. And an opportunity to find out what has brought you to therapy.

Q. How many sessions do I need?

A. Therapy is a time to focus on yourself, and the basis of integrative therapy is that you lead the pace. I offer short-term, long term and one-off sessions. You may need a session to offload or to reflect. Some people feel they need more time or feel empowered after a short period of time. I believe you are investing in your own psychological growth and healing and therapy tends to work when there is regularity in the sessions.

Q. What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

A. You are booking a time and reserving my time to be exclusively with you. I work on the condition that you will pay the full fee 48 hours in advance and pay for any session that is missed in full or cancelled less than 48 hours in advance.

© Miranda Lovelock, 2023