Christine Bonsmann MBACP, MSc Counselling Psychology, PG Diploma

Christine Bonsmann
Stoke On Trent
Staffordshire
ST4
Christine Bonsmann
tel: 0795 006 4086 / Christine Bonsmann
web: http://www.christinebonsmann.counselling.co.uk/
Click here to Email me

Profile

Based in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire and also covering Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire offering general counselling and counselling for relationship problems, depression, anxiety, stress, eating problems and loss and bereavement. Do you need someone to talk to? I am a qualified Counsellor and member of the BACP. If you would like to know more about counselling why not ring me to see if therapy could help you? If you prefer, you could come and meet me to decide if you would like to work with me and there is no charge for this.

Why Counselling?

People decide to try counselling for a number of reasons.

Are you feeling low? Are you struggling with your relationships? Are you feeling stressed and working too hard? Maybe you are recently bereaved or are experiencing depressed or anxious feelings? It may be that past experiences are troubling you or that you feel angry or worried. Maybe you just feel disappointed with how life is turning out?

Counselling may help you to feel better and may help you to understand yourself. After counselling people often find that they are able to make changes in their lives or to accept how things are.

You may be unsure about whether counselling can help? In fact research has shown that counselling is helpful for many people (see Cooper, 2008). The importance of the therapeutic relationship in counselling and psychotherapy is well documented and it is important to find a Counsellor that you feel you can work with. I offer a free initial meeting to help you to decide if you would like to work with me and to ask any questions.

Counselling is not just for resolving problems. Counselling can also help you to realise your potential and can be used for personal development, for example to improve career prospects or to explore your goals. It may help you decide what you want out of life.

Why Me?

Prior to training to be a Counsellor I worked as a Financial Controller in the City. I have always been interested in counselling and psychotherapy and following some major life changes I decided to train to become a Counsellor. I have undertaken therapy as part of my training and I remember how difficult I found this and how anxious I felt about making that first call. This experience has informed my practice and I try to create a safe place for you to talk about your concerns and worries.

Following my Counsellor training, I have undertaken further training in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) skills which I will use if you think this approach may help you. I am experienced in working with a wide range of presenting problems including relationship problems, work stress, anxiety and depression, eating disorders and bereavement. I work with clients over 18 years of age.

Why Not?

If you are reading this it is likely that you are considering seeking professional help. Why not ring or email me now so that you can see whether you would like to work with me. There is no obligation to continue with counselling after this free initial meeting. I do offer concessions and special rates for students and will discuss this with you.

My practice is easily accessible from the centre of Stoke on Trent and the M6 and A500.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

MSc in Counselling Psychology (Distinction) (Keele University)
PG Diploma in Counselling Psychology (Achieved Distinction Level) (Keele University)*
Certificate in Counselling (Keele University)
PG Certificate in Advanced Practice Interventions in Mental Health (Achieved Distinction Level) (University of Manchester)*
Advanced Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Skills and Studies (Achieved Distinction Level) (University of Derby)*
MBA (University of Strathclyde)

I currently work as a practitioner in Psychological Therapies in the NHS.

I have previously worked at The O'Conor Addiction Centre, Noth Staffs MIND, The Dove Service (charity specialising in bereavement and loss counselling) and The North West Centre for Eating Disorders. Previous experience includes specialising in relationship problems, depression, anxiety, addiction, bereavement and eating disorders.

I am a member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to its Code of Ethics. See http://www.bacp.co.uk/

I am also a Graduate Member of The British Psychological Society (BPS) and a member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).


* Keele University , University of Manchester and University of Derby do not award a distinction for the PG Certificates, PG Diploma and the Advanced Diploma I have studied and this is common across many universities. I did, however, achieve a distinction level for these courses. Transcripts available.

Areas of counselling I deal with

  • Abuse
  • Addiction(s)
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety
  • Bereavement
  • Bullying
  • Career Counselling
  • Child Related Issues
  • Depression
  • Eating Disorders
  • Low Self-Confidence
  • Low Self-Esteem
  • Postnatal Depression
  • Relationship Issues
  • Stress
  • Termination/Abortion/Miscarriage
  • Trauma
  • Work Related Issues
  • Other areas of counselling I deal with

    I have special interests in making therapy accessible to those in need.

    My research interests are concerned with how clients experience counselling and psychotherapy. The findings of my research inform my counselling practice. I have been invited to present my research at the Annual British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Research Conference in May 2010.

    Thank you for your interest and please contact me if you have any questions. If you are not ready to try counselling I am happy to suggest some books and ideas which may be helpful.

    Fees

    £30.00p per hour
    Concessions available.

    Further Information

    Other Training

    Autism and Aspergers Awareness
    Working with Children and Families
    Personality Disorder
    Positive Parenting
    Self Harm
    Expressive Therapies
    Narrative in Therapy
    Integrating Process Work with Counselling Practice
    Stress Management Course
    Brief Solution Focussed Therapy
    Mental Health Issues
    Managing Risk

    Member Organisation(s)

    BACP

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