Fiona Hester

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she/her
FdA Counselling, MBACP, Outdoor/telephone/home visits
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

Bristol BS9 & BS8
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

I offer outdoor counselling whilst walking at Ashton Court in Bristol. Being listened to by someone who is objective, non-judgemental, compassionate and safe, can create a position for growth and change and offer a new perspective. Having the opportunity to experience this whilst walking outside gives an opportunity to connect with nature, benefitting from its positive effect on wellbeing. '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). My clients comment that the decreased amount of eye contact when walking side by side can lessen 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 have experience in working with clients who have been bereaved or are anticipating a loss. I also have a particular interest and experience in working with cancer diagnosis, relationships, family issues, divorce/separation, menopause, anxiety and depression, neurodiversity (ADHD, autism).

I have worked with many clients on the telephone and find it is a helpful option for those for whom mobility is a challenge or for the days when the weather is extreme or time is tight. It may be suitable for those who are nervous about starting therapy or struggling with anxiety. I also offer home visits which may be practical for many reasons.

I welcome people from all backgrounds, faiths, cultures, 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

Certificate in Counselling - Level 2 - City of Bristol College

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
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

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

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Fees

£50.00 per session
Free initial telephone session

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Keyworkers
  • OAPs
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors
  • Unemployed
  • Refugees

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!

Bristol, City of Bristol, BS9

Ashton Court, Bristol, BS8 3TX

Type of session

In person
Phone
Home visits

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Key details

I appreciate that working outside may not always be fully accessible, as an alternative I can offer home visits and can incorporate nature where possible if this is wanted.

Social

Fiona Hester
Fiona Hester