Bonnie Grotjahn
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
You might be in crisis: a relationship breakdown, sudden news of the death of a loved one or an illness, a work loss, or at an emotional or spiritual crossroads. Or you may generally have the feeling that your life isn't all you'd like it to be - you feel stuck, aren't living up to your potential or feeling as fulfilled or happy as you would like. Either way, you can be supported to navigate successfully through the very choppy waters of crisis - or the fog of confusion or uncertainty. You don't have to go it alone! You may well emerge from the other side a stronger and happier person - or couple - than you ever thought possible.
I bring to my sessions a spirit of curiosity, empathetic attention, wisdom, gentle humour, and a lack of shockability that comes from plenty of life experience as well as a deep psychotherapy training. I bring my skills and experience to enable you to explore your issues, see new perspectives, gain self-awareness and try out new behaviours to help you grow.
It's a courageous step to reach out for professional support, but it can be such a relief. I know how rewarding I have found my own personal therapy work - though yes it's been scary and painful at times! (As a family friend once said to me, 'Life's not for sissies, is it?') I'd be happy to hear from you about how you are doing and to see how I might help.
How I work
There is no one 'right way' to do therapy. Some people come to counselling or psychotherapy clear about what they want from it: this might be short-term help with specific issues, or more general self-development over time. Others arrive on the doorstep with a less clear sense of something not quite working in their lives, and first needing support to define the problem before working on it. You might have mixed feelings about starting to work with a therapist. However it’s possible to work with wherever your starting point is.
Usually we will speak briefly by phone before arranging an initial meeting. The first session is a chance for you to talk about the issues that concern you, and for each of us to see whether we think we can work well together.
Counselling sessions are a mix of conversations and occasionally exercises focused on supporting your growth and development so you can bring about the changes you want. Sometimes I share my own experiences, but only where I believe this is appropriate and will support your needs and aims in therapy.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a graduate of the Spectrum Training in Humanistic Psychotherapy, a leading centre for humanistic and integrative therapy in North London that was at that time registered with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).
Specialist training and experience:
- 4 years bereavement counselling with the Camden, City, Islington and Westminster Bereavement Service in London.
- Advanced Certificate in Couples Therapy with Juliet Grayson's Inter-action Training and Consultancy, a course approved by the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists.
- Certificate in Relational Supervision from Severn Talking Therapy.
Currently I am an Associate Member of the UK Association for Humanistic Psychology Practitioners (UKAHPP). I am in continuing professional and personal development at Spectrum, and regular supervision in Bristol supports and monitors my work with clients.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
- Living a full life with chronic illness
- Managing change
- Improving effectiveness of communication
- Working with the challenges of living abroad
- Supporting people to manage difficult family situations
Therapies offered
Fees
£60.00 - £80.00
Free initial telephone or online session
Additional information
Individuals £60
Couples £80
Supervision £60 per hour
When I work
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Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, from morning til early evening.
Further information
I also run ongoing action learning/peer coaching groups for anyone who is self-employed, freelance, or solopreneur. To enable you to try out this approach I fun regular low-cost, no-obligation taster sessions. Please contact me for details if you're interested.