About me
Supportive Counselling Services for Life’s Challenges
Understanding Your Experience
Have you found that recent life events have left you feeling distressed or anxious? Perhaps your mind is preoccupied with past events, or you are experiencing a sense of discontent, unhappiness, or deep sadness without a clear reason. It may be that you feel disconnected from others, making relationships difficult or troubling. Alternatively, you might be facing feelings of loneliness, anxiety, or depression. Challenges such as coping with anxiety, bereavement, the breakdown of a relationship, stress at work or home, or unresolved issues from the past can be overwhelming.
If you are navigating the emotional, mental, and physical changes associated with peri-menopause or menopause, you may be seeking a supportive space to discuss these experiences. Similarly, if you are confronting current or past relationship issues that have been abusive, I can support you in rebuilding your confidence and independence, empowering you to live the life you wish for.
Each person experiences life’s challenges in their own unique way. Recent events may be causing you to feel anxious, stressed, overwhelmed, confused, or sad. Having access to a confidential and non-judgmental space to talk through your concerns can make a significant difference to your mental health and well-being.
My Professional Experience
I have substantial experience supporting individuals through bereavement and loss, including the death of a loved one by suicide, the loss of a child, partner, or parent, as well as experiences of miscarriage, abortion, and adoption. My work has also involved helping clients with work-related stress, generalised anxiety disorder, low self-esteem, childhood abuse and neglect, relationship difficulties, loneliness, and managing feelings of sadness. I work with a diverse range of clients from various backgrounds, careers, and cultural contexts.
I hold a qualification in Person-centred Counselling from The University of Salford, where I was honoured as 'Student of the Year for Counselling Subjects.' Since establishing my private practice in 2019, I have provided counselling through the National Bereavement Service COVID-19 hub, Cruse Bereavement Service, Seasons Bereavement Service, Chadderton 6th Form College, and Stockport Women’s Centre. I have also assessed clients for the Health & Society Counselling Service at The University of Salford and supported individuals through Victim Support who have experienced bereavement as a result of homicide.
Counselling Services Offered
You can choose to have your appointment indoors, outdoors, or via video call. I offer in-person counselling and psychotherapy at my practice in Blackburn, as well as remote sessions via video call. For those who prefer being outdoors, I provide 'walk & talk' sessions at Witton Park and Pleasington Playing Fields in Blackburn (postcode area BB2). Walking together in a natural setting can sometimes make it easier to discuss difficult topics.
As a person-centred counsellor, I see you as the expert on your own experiences of unhappiness or distress. I will listen closely to your needs within our therapeutic relationship, offering understanding and withholding judgement. Your individuality is always recognised, and you will remain central to our work together.
Person-centred counselling is a talking therapy that provides the time and space you need to explore your emotions, make sense of your experiences, and discover the person you want to become. I am here to offer a listening ear and to understand you without judgement or criticism.
I am committed to providing a safe and private environment where you can address your concerns at a pace that feels right for you.
Contact Information
For further information, please visit my website: https://bernysansomecounselling.com
If you would like to arrange an appointment, you can contact me via email here or by mobile on 07539 141411 (please leave a voicemail). I will respond to your enquiry within 24 hours.
Training, qualifications & experience
Experience
I work with young people and adults facing life challenges that may feel overwhelming currently. It may be bereavement, loss, or grief that is current or long standing. There may be a change in personal or work circumstances that has triggered stress or anxiety. Some clients may be working through questions of identity or life changes affected by changing family dynamics, relationship roles, gender, neurodiversity, illness, age, finance, culture, religion, social pressures, or profession. Clients may be affected by world events and news, and need a space to explore the feelings and concerns arising from this. I work with people who are approaching different stages of life, maybe 'empty nest' feelings, retirement, relocation. Having a space to both understand and process emotions surrounding any change or challenge is empowering and life changing.
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
I engage in regular CPD covering a variety of counselling topics. I am happy to share further details with any enquirer.
- 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
£60.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Fee
Contact me for more information regarding fees.
My usual fee is £60 per session (50 minutes).
I have a limited number of reduced fee appointments available if you are struggling financially which we will discuss at the consultation should you ask.
I work quite flexibly with clients, and choose to not charge for cancellations in many circumstances.
Introductory Calls
Contact me directly for an no obligation, no fee introductory call - usually over Microsoft Teams.
Contact Details
bsansometherapy@gmail.com
07539 141411
When I work
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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
