About me
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed or exhausted from holding everything together? Perhaps something is stopping you from moving forward, your reactions do not seem to match the situation, or you are unsure how much longer you can carry on as you are.
Hi, I’m Fayola, a warm, empathetic, neurodivergent and disabled counsellor. I welcome people from all backgrounds, including those coming to counselling for the first time and people of Black, African, Asian and Caribbean heritage.
You do not need a diagnosis, the right words or a clear explanation of what is wrong to begin. You are welcome as you are.
Tired of being the version of you that others find easier?
Many of us develop a version of ourselves that helps us get through the day: the polite one, the easy one, the one who is always fine.
For some, this started early, perhaps in a home where it felt safer to be no trouble. It can be exhausting, even when masking is not the reason you first consider counselling.
You may recognise yourself in some of these experiences:
- Performing or editing yourself, even with people who love you
- Reading a room for safety before you can settle
- Adapting to others until you are unsure which version is really you
- Appearing to cope on the outside while feeling hollow underneat
None of this means there is something wrong with you. These may be ways you learned to stay safe, belong or meet other people’s expectations, and they can cost a great deal to maintain.
You do not have to mask here. All parts of you are welcome.
New to counselling?
I love working with people coming to counselling for the first time. You might be:
- Worried about being judged or misunderstood
- Unsure whether your experiences are “bad enough” for therapy
- Anxious because talking about personal matters feels culturally unfamiliar or taboo
- Wondering whether counselling will help, while also thinking, “What have I got to lose?”
You do not need to arrive knowing what to say. We can begin with whatever feels most present and take it from there.
I have sat where you are sitting. Talking and releasing what I was carrying changed my life. We may laugh, cry and experience everything in between. You are so welcome here.
Looking for a Black empathetic approach?
I am trained in a Black Empathetic Approach to Therapeutic Practice and work with people affected by racial abuse and racial trauma.
You may be:
- Experiencing microaggressions, unintentional racism or overt racism
- Changing how you speak or how much of yourself you show depending on the room
- Exhausted from always having to stay strong or be twice as good
- Exploring your identity and asking, “Who am I really?”
You will not have to explain racism to me or manage how I feel while you tell me. I will walk alongside you, and you are not alone. This is your space to stand in your truth. I am part of this community myself.
Your culture, family, faith and community may shape how you understand what you are carrying. I will remain curious and will not assume what any part of your identity means for you.
These experiences do not always sit in separate boxes. Masking, racism, disability, family expectations and past trauma can overlap, and we can make room for all of them.
Neurodivergent or disabled?
You might feel:
- Exhausted from masking or being told you are too much or not trying hard enough
- Worn down by systems that were not designed with you in mind
- Frustrated by having to explain yourself repeatedly to receive basic support
- Worried that your pain, energy, focus or experiences will not be believed
Perhaps previous therapy helped you appear to cope on the outside while nothing changed underneath.
We will go at your pace and work in a way that suits you. You are welcome to ask for pauses, more structure, additional processing time or a different way of communicating.
In our first session, we can talk about what you need to make counselling work for you. We will keep talking about it because your needs may change. I am neurodivergent and disabled myself.
What I offer:
I offer room to say what is actually on your mind without editing it first. Together, we can gently explore what is happening, notice patterns, find ways of coping that fit you and consider what you want your life to look like.
People come to me when they are anxious, low, overwhelmed or no longer feel like themselves. You may be experiencing relationship or family difficulties, carrying something that happened in the past, or feeling unable to move forward.
My approach is person-centred at its core. I also draw on psychodynamic therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), weaving these approaches together to meet your needs and goals. One approach does not fit everyone.
You set the pace and decide what we explore and when.
How to contact me:
Choosing a therapist can feel daunting, so I offer a free 20-minute introductory call. There is no pressure, just an opportunity to meet, ask questions and see how it feels.
You can phone or email me to ask about availability. If I do not feel I am the right fit for you, I will be honest and, where possible, help you find someone more suitable.
I look forward to hearing from you. Come as you are; all parts of you are welcome here.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications:
- Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
- Clinical supervision training through an anti-oppressive lens
- Certificate in Dealing with Distress: Working with Suicide and Self-Harm
- Certificate in a Black Empathetic Approach to Therapeutic Practice
My approach
I am trained in creating anti-oppressive, disability-justice-informed, queer-affirming, intercultural and trauma-informed therapeutic spaces.
My work is person-centred at its core. I also draw upon psychodynamic therapy and CBT, adapting and interweaving these approaches according to your needs and goals.
Experience:
I have experience supporting people affected by:
- Anxiety, low mood, depression and overwhelm
- Trauma, guilt, shame, fear and low self-esteem
- Relationship breakdown and family difficulties
- Anger, suicidal thoughts and self-harm
- Dyslexia, disability, masking and neurodivergence
- Perfectionism, identity, purpose and questions about the meaning of life
I have worked extensively within Global Majority communities and with people of Black, African and Caribbean heritage.
In 2020, I created a peer-support group for Global Majority women in response to needs within the community. The group offered space for healing and support around experiences and flashbacks connected with racial trauma.
I know what it can be like to be misread by systems that were not built with you in mind, to be seen as difficult, distracted or not trying hard enough when something else is happening underneath.
Trauma-informed experience:
I have years of experience supporting people who have experienced sexual violence, abuse or assault. I previously worked in a rape crisis centre, providing trauma-informed support to victims and survivors.
You will not be expected to disclose everything at once. You set the pace, and you decide what we open and when.
Membership of Professional Bodies:
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) MNCPS (Acc.)
Black, African & Asian Therapy Network (BAATN)
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
I am trained in a black empathetic approach to therapeutic practice, holding disability justice, queer affirming and intercultural safe spaces.
Feel free to contact me for a free 20 minute introductory call by phone, email or click the book intro call tab to be directed to the calendar for availability.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£70.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Each session is 50 minutes, and offered on a weekly basis.
Concessions considered based on individual need, please contact me to discuss further.
When I work
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I offer in-person sessions, from north Bristol including online and telephone appointments.
Monday - In-Person
Tuesday - Online & Phone
Wednesday - Online & Phone
Thursday - Online & Phone
