Berny Sansome
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This professional is temporarily unavailable and will not be responding to enquiries until they return.
This professional is temporarily unavailable and will not be responding to enquiries until they return.
About me
About You
Have recent life events caused you distress or anxiety, or are your thoughts occupied by events from the past? Maybe you feel discontent, unhappy, or deeply sad, and you do not know why. It might be you feel disconnected from others and relationships may be difficult or troubling. Perhaps you feel quite lonely, anxious, or depressed. It might be you are struggling with anxiety, or coping with a bereavement, a relationship breakdown, stress at work or home, or past life events. It may be you are experiencing symptoms of the peri-menopause or menopause and you need a space to talk through the emotional, mental health, and physical changes.
If you are dealing with current or past relationship issues that have been abusive, I can assist you in regaining your confidence and independence, enabling you to lead the life you desire.
Life impacts us all uniquely, and recent events may be causing feelings of anxiety, stress, overwhelm, confusion, or sadness. Having a confidential and non-judgmental space to discuss what's burdening you can significantly improve your mental health and well-being.
My Experience
I have experience supporting clients dealing with bereavement and loss, including the death by suicide, loss of a child, partner, or parent, as well as miscarriage, abortion, and adoption. Additionally, I have worked with individuals facing work-related stress, general anxiety disorder, low self-esteem, childhood abuse, neglect, relationship issues, feelings of loneliness, and managing sadness. My clientele encompasses a diverse spectrum of backgrounds, careers, and cultural contexts.
I graduated as a Person-centred Counsellor from The University of Salford, where I was honored with the 'Student of the Year for Counselling Subjects' award. My private practice began in 2019, and since then, I have provided counselling to clients via the National Bereavement Service COVID-19 hub, Cruse Bereavement Service, Seasons Bereavement Service, Chadderton 6th Form College, and Stockport Women’s Centre. Additionally, I have assessed clients for the Health & Society Counselling Service at The University of Salford. Before my career in counselling, I held a leadership role in Human Resources within an educational institution, which offered me valuable insights into the pressures and challenges of working in education and leadership roles.
What I Can Offer You
You might choose to have your appointment indoors, outdoors, or through a video call. I provide in-person counselling and psychotherapy at accessible premises in Manchester's city centre, I also have a location in Blackburn. Remote counselling via Zoom or Teams is also an option. For those who prefer the outdoors, 'walk & talk' sessions are offered in Witton Park and Pleasington Playing Fields in Blackburn (postcode area BB2). Walking together in a natural, open space can sometimes facilitate easier conversation about difficult subjects.
As a person-centred counsellor, I acknowledge you as the expert on your own experiences of unhappiness or distress. I will listen attentively to your needs within the therapeutic relationship, offering understanding and withholding judgment. Your uniqueness is recognized, and you will remain the focal point of our therapeutic engagement.
Person-centred counselling is a form of talking therapy. In my role as your counsellor, I provide the time and space you need to explore your emotions, comprehend your experiences, and uncover the person you aspire to become. I will offer you a listening ear and understand you without passing judgment or offering criticism.
I provide a secure and private setting for you to address your concerns at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Take a look at my website - https://bernysansomecounselling.com
For an appointment, contact me via email: bsansometherapy@gmail.com, mobile (please leave a voicemail) 07539 141411 and I will respond to you with 24 hours.
Training, qualifications & experience
Experience
Since 2017 I have offered counselling and psychotherapy to adult clients and young people aged 16 and over.
I began private practice in 2019, during this time I have been privileged to offer counselling to clients on behalf of Stockport Women’s Centre. Additionally, between 2020 – 2022, I offered counselling via the National Bereavement Partnership – Covid-19 hub, to clients who experienced bereavement during covid.
In my private practice I work with clients struggling or making sense of their identity (cultural, spiritual, sexual), stress due to work or personal matters, anxiety, loss, depression, or health concerns.
Qualifications and Training
I qualified with a 1st class (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2019. Since that time alongside ongoing Continuous Professional Development, I continue to seek out learning to broaden and deepen my knowledge and understanding as a practitioner to deepen my understanding of life challenges and how these impact each of us as individuals. I have completed courses in group work, domestic abuse, and Walk and Talk Therapy.
- BSc (1st Class Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy: Professional Practice (2019)
- Award for Student of the Year for Counselling Studies 2019 (The University of Salford)
- Certificate of Practice in Counselling & Psychotherapy Supervision - July 2022
- Foundation Course in Domestic abuse Counselling - DACTARI Ltd - February 2024
- Certificate in Walk & Talk Therapy - March 2023
- Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling - Counselling Tutor - September 2020
- An Introduction to LGBTQ Awareness - June 2021
- Moving Your Practice Online - Online Therapy Institute - April 2020
- TA101 Transactional Analysis Certificate (2 day course) July 2017
- Minding the Gaps - Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness Conference - June 2019
- E-Learning Data Protection - 2019 - Oct 2019
- E-Learning Domestic Abuse - Oct 2019
- E-Learning Equality - Oct 2019
- E-Learning Introduction to Health and Safety - Oct 2019
- E-Learning Prevent in Stockport - Oct 2019
- E-Learning Safeguarding Adults - basic overview - Oct 2019
- E-Learning Safeguarding Children - basic overview - 17 Oct 2019
- Creative Therapies The University of Salford (1 day) November 2019
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Bereavement
Loss
Grief
Anxiety
covid-19
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
Free initial in-person or online session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Contact me for more information regarding fees.
My usual fee is £60 per session (50 minutes) though I have a limited number of reduced fee appointments available if you are struggling financially which I will discuss at the consultation should you ask.
I work quite flexibly with clients, and choose to not charge for cancellations in many circumstances.
When I work
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Hours
- Monday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Wednesday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Thursday: 08:00 - 20:00
- Friday: 08:00 - 13:00
My working hours are flexible and dependent on client need.
Further information
I am a certified Supervisor in the Helping Professions, utilising Hawkins & Shohet's 7-Eyed model of supervision. For further details, please reach out to me.
I maintain a private practice room in The Royal Exchange Building, St Ann's Square, Manchester, known for its tranquility and absence of distracting noises. Clients often remark on the room's safe and comfortable ambiance.
Additionally, I have a practice space on Preston Old Road, Blackburn, offering a quiet environment overlooking green space. This room is situated on the first floor and is reached by stairs.
I also provide 'Walk & Talk' counseling sessions in the areas of Witton Park and Pleasington Playing Fields in Blackburn.
As a person-centred psychotherapist, I view you as the authority on your own experience. It's not my place to dictate your feelings. Instead, it's your opportunity to express what you're able to, whenever you're ready, and I will accompany you with comprehension, empathy, and respect as you navigate your experiences and discover your own route to self-acceptance and transformation.
Take a look at my website:
https://bernysansomecounselling.com
