Welcome
Hi! I'm Phoebe. I'm a qualified IFS trained counsellor and member of the BACP. I offer integrative counselling to adults in the Bath and Chippenham areas, and online. It can be hard taking the first steps towards counselling. Rest assured I will adapt my approach to suit you. Do get in touch to arrange a free initial
About Me
I believe counselling is for all. People come to counselling for many reasons. Maybe you are looking to address an issue such as anxiety and depression or challenging relationships. You may want a safe place to work through difficult life experiences or circumstances. Or perhaps you have a sense of wanting to explore your inner world. I enjoy adapting my approach to suit unique needs. Contact me to discuss what you are looking for.
I am fully qualified, holding a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and am a registered member of the BACP. I am also IFS trained. I have experience of working with a wide range of issues - reach out to discuss what I can offer you.
Before becoming a counsellor, I was a teacher for over a decade, learning a huge amount about relationships that nurture.
Outside of counselling, I love to be with my family, my dog and my friends and I find much joy in gardening, walking, singing and cooking.
My Approach
I believe counselling is a process in which we are supported to get curious about ourselves, providing the conditions for us to grow through the challenges we face. As counsellor, I see my role as being alongside you in that process. First, we will work on creating a safe space for you to explore whatever has brought you to counselling. What this means will differ from person to person - we'll find what's right for you. In time, a therapeutic relationship may form. Vital and nourishing things can be found in this connection - kindness, acceptance, empathy, challenge, creativity, compassion and awareness to name just a few. Ultimately, growing awareness changes our way of being in the world, as we learn to offer ourselves what we truly need - sometimes for the first time ever.
Contact me to find out more.
Training, Qualifications and Experience
Beyond any theory, I believe in the simple power of sitting with a trusted person, with a good listening ear, as a way to ease our suffering and become more connected with ourselves. This same environment so often provides the conditions for growth. My core training was integrative including studies in psychodynamic, attachment, person centred, and transpersonal approaches. I believe profoundly in the importance of our earliest relationships in shaping how we experience the present. I am trauma informed and interested in what an understanding of the brain, nervous system and whole body can bring as we seek to know ourselves.
I have an interest in working with the Internal Family Systems model. This model has deeply impacted the way I understand myself and humans. The model holds that we are all unique and complex systems, made up of ‘parts’ alongside our ‘self energy.’ Parts you might be familiar with include a perfectionist part, a caregiving part, a critical part, a doom scrolling part, or parts that feel unworthy or inadequate. There are usually many parts of us and they all have good intentions. Our self energy is something innate in us all. We can recognise it in ourselves when we experience qualities such as compassion, curiosity and calm. IFS therapy supports you to get to know your system, and allow your parts to experience your self energy, helping them to gently let go of any burdens they hold.
I am open to working in an integrative way, drawing on a variety of the modalities mentioned above, or in a more purely IFS way. Ultimately, I am pragmatic and open minded; what matters is finding a way forward for you.
I have worked at a local charitable counselling agency since June 2020 and in private practice since 2023, gaining experience of working with a diverse range of clients and their unique needs. I hold a CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and am a registered member of the BACP. Additionally, I have a CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Working Somatically with Trauma. Recently, I have completed the IFS Institute's Level 1 in working with Internal Family Systems. I am fully insured and use regular supervision as part of ensuring the safety and quality of my work. Contact me with any questions.
Fees and Location
I understand that choosing a counsellor can be a challenge. I want you to feel confident in your choice. I offer a free initial session to discuss what you are looking for, and get a sense of whether we are a good 'fit'. Beyond this, my fee is £55 for 50 mins.
I work in two locations, as well as online. I use a beautiful private studio with free off street parking in the BA2 area of Bath (see pics here). I also use a modern and warm therapy space in Chippenham. Alternatively, I'm happy to work online or in a blended way - it's all about what suits you best.
Get in touch to discuss your needs.