Bev Hale

Whilst I work with a range of issues/problems, my specialist subject is working with individuals who have, or who are close to someone who has a life-shortening illness. My experience within a medical setting, and personal family events, have demonstrated how such a life changing and critical diagnosis can alter everything for all those involved. It creates a need for a massive re-evaluation of what is (now) important and what needs focusing on. This 'shift' in the meaning of life and death might be called an existential crisis. I can offer a therapeutic space, where we can explore the changes to your life, including looking closely at how to cope with the constraints of the situation.

It is sometimes easier to talk to somebody who is impartial rather than a friend or family member. My aim is to help you to explore difficulties in a safe, understanding and confidential space. Either to deal with a particular crisis or trauma, or help with more general or historic issues, offering both short and long term counselling.

Sand tray therapy (see photos below), forms part of my practice, and is helpful for clients who struggle to find the right words to express themselves. Essentially, if you can't tell me, you can show me! Sand trays are great for discussing difficult decisions, boundaries, and relationships. Working creatively like this, and in other ways is popular with clients who struggle to articulate their feelings. 

My private practice is in Weston-super-Mare working with young people and adults,  although since Covid19, there has been an increase in requests for online counselling and so this expands my area considerably.

As an integrated counsellor, I use different models and theories to help individuals work through their issues in order to become more self-aware, confident, and ultimately to move forward with life. I tend to look at life through and existential 'lens', and find that many of life's problems can be due to a persons perception of existential freedom, the meaning and purpose of life, and the prospect of unfulfilled mortality.

Another top theory for me is Gestalt. This looks at the person as a whole entity, and considers the context of their environment and how they relate to it. The idea that we can get stuck in an unhappy emotional place, through lack of closure and a struggle to relate to others authentically, holds endless possibilities for personal growth and relational well being.

I adhere strictly to the BACP professional code of ethics within my practice and I am fully covered by professional indemnity insurance.

Training, qualifications & experience

Teaching and Training: I lectured in counselling for 15 years at Weston College delivering Further Education level 1, 2 and 3 courses, as well as supporting the  Higher Education cohorts and delivering workshops on grief and loss, Mental Health Awareness and sand tray workshops. Many locally qualified counsellors will recall being in my classroom, I hope with good memories.

Counselling:

My Counselling experience includes a variety of settings including GP surgeries, and a number of charities.

I have recently qualified to work with children and young people. I feel concerned about modern problems young people are dealing with currently. Suicidal ideation both passive and real, in teenage life has become a scary phenomenon. Many of my clients have been teenagers struggling to find their way.

Some of my early work involved setting up and developing a charity domestic abuse counselling service, which I'm proud to say achieved lottery funding status. Now in its second decade it helps both men and women to rebuild their lives after being in a toxic relationship.

Pet bereavement

Clinical supervision

Trauma

Adolescents

Critical illness

Domestic abuse

Childhood sexual abuse

Initial Assessment & Meeting £25

Counselling £50 per session

Counselling Supervision £50 per hour £70 per hour and a half.

Concessions are negotiable for students who need fortnightly supervision.

If you think you would like to arrange an initial meeting to see whether you feel that counselling with myself would be right for you then call or message me and we can arrange a suitable time. At this meeting I will explain to you the counselling process and if we both feel it will be beneficial we can arrange regular sessions.