Fiona Hester
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
About me
Do you enjoy walking in nature but would also like to talk to a counsellor? Outdoor counselling combines both of these.
As an outdoor counsellor, I believe in the powerful connection between our emotions and nature and the outdoors. Sessions take place at Ashton Court in Bristol offering an alternative to traditional therapy rooms. The combination of fresh air, movement, and therapeutic conversation helps facilitate emotional release, offering a new perspective and creating a position for growth and change. 'Being in nature helps you to feel connected to the present when you’re spending a lot of time thinking about the past.' (Cruse Bereavement Support). The benefits of being in nature to our mental wellbeing is well documented; the mental health charity MIND offers ways in which to bring nature into your life: How nature benefits mental health - Mind.
My clients comment that the decreased amount of eye contact when walking side by side lessens the intensity which may be experienced during a counselling session. We can walk and work at whatever pace suits you. Long and short term work is possible.
I work from a person-centred perspective, which means that you are at the heart of our sessions. My role is to listen, support, and guide you, empowering you to find your own solutions. I also incorporate elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and other evidence-based techniques tailored to your unique needs.
How I Can Help:
- Provide a safe, confidential space to share your thoughts and feelings
- Equip you with coping mechanisms and tools to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional distress
- Help you gain clarity on relationships and life transitions
- Empower you to live more authentically, embracing your strengths and uniqueness
With experience in supporting clients across a range of challenges—including bereavement, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, cancer, menopause, chronic illness and family matters—I offer a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your feelings and discover ways to cope, move forward, and thrive.
I have supported numerous clients over the phone, which can be a helpful option for individuals facing mobility challenges, dealing with extreme weather, or when time is limited. This approach may also work well for those feeling anxious or hesitant about beginning therapy. Additionally, I offer home visits, which can be a convenient solution for various situations.
I welcome people from all backgrounds, faiths, cultures, nationalities, genders and sexual orientation.
Please contact me for a free 20 minute telephone consultation and visit my website for further details. www.fionasimpsoncounselling.co.uk
Training, qualifications & experience
Foundation Degree in Counselling (Distinction) - City of Bristol College and University of Plymouth
TA101 Certificate - Introduction to Transactional Analysis
Certificate in Counselling - Level 2 - City of Bristol College
Adult First Aid/CPR AED
I have worked with many clients living with a diagnosis of cancer and also those who experience grief and loss as one of the many transitions faced in life. I am also interested in women’s experience of the menopause and how counselling can support them during this time. Anxiety, depression, family issues, loneliness, relationships, ADHD, autism, divorce/separation are other areas of my experience and interest.
I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) meaning that I follow their ‘Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions’ and ‘Professional Conduct Procedure’. I receive regular supervision as part of my commitment to maintaining professional standards.
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
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£60.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Fees are payable 24 hours prior to sessions and full payment is expected if less than 48 hours notice is given for cancellation.
I offer a free 20 minute telephone consultation which gives you the opportunity to ask me any questions about the way in which we would work together.
I have some concessionary appointments available, please contact me if you think you may be eligible.
When I work
I am happy to work fortnightly or monthly if that makes counselling more affordable/accessible for you. There may be more flexibility around days and times for home visits.
Further information
Whether you are seeking counselling for anxiety, depression, grief, the menopause or just for your own exploration I would urge you to find the right person for you. If at first you don't succeed, please do try again!
