Andrea Rickman

Profile

Counselling is a confidential, therapeutic relationship, a unique space where you can feel safe to discuss, explore and work through feelings and issues that are negatively affecting your life.

Knowledge of psychological theories and recognised communication skills, modified with experience, intuition and empathy allow me, as your counsellor, to provide a safe, containing environment in which you can share your intimate concerns, problems or aspirations. The task of counselling is to explore, discover and clarify ways of living more satisfyingly and resourcefully, in the here and now.

There are many reasons why people seek counselling, you may be in the midst of painful relationship difficulties or dealing with feelings of loss and grief. It could be that you were abused during your childhood and are still struggling with the after effects. Sexual problems or issues around your sexuality could be causing you concern. Maybe you have low self esteem, lack confidence and carry a feeling within you that you are not ‘good enough’. Difficult, unmanageable feelings of anger, sadness, emptiness or fear could be making you feel overwhelmed.

Whatever is troubling you, sharing your difficulties and feelings with a counsellor, someone unbiased, who will listen to you without judgement, is therapeutic. I shall support you as you try to establish and understand your needs and find ways of meeting them, rather than giving advice or offering solutions. Therapy can be reparative and transformative, a healing of hurts, traumas and psychological wounds. The counselling process can enable you to work through your feelings, move on from painful issues, become empowered and make positive changes to lead a more fulfilled, happier and healthier life.

I am based in central Bournemouth, Dorset. You can contact me by telephone and we can discuss your counselling needs. You can also visit my website or email me to ask any questions you may have. If you then feel you would like to take the next step we can arrange an initial assessment session. This first session will give you a feel of counselling and help us both decide whether or not I am the right counsellor for you.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

I began counselling training in 1999, initially at Bournemouth & Poole College and then at Salisbury College where I gained my Advanced Diploma in Psychodynamic counselling in 2003.

I gained another Advanced Diploma module in Helping Children and Young People at Salisbury College in 2006.

I did my counselling placement whilst training at Southampton Counselling and Therapy Centre, which offers low cost short term psychodynamic counselling to men and women.

My Advanced Diploma is Psychodynamic but I have also studied Humanistc/Existential theory and work integratively. I have worked as a counsellor since 2003, seeing clients with a diversity of issues in Hampshire and Dorset. I have worked extensively with adult Survivors of childhood sexual abuse, co-ordinating a self-help/support group in Christchurch in 2001/02 and now on a one to one basis. I see clients in private practice in Bournemouth, Dorset. I also do counselling work with the LGBT community in Bournemouth.

Areas of counselling I deal with

Fees

I charge £30 a session for individual counselling and £45 for couples.

I do have some day time spaces available for those on Income support, Job Seekers Allowance or for students who are on a low income and can negotiate a lower fee in these circumstances.

Member Organisation(s)