Jemma Dugdale

Name: Jemma Dugdale
Telephone: +447923150624
Price range: £60.00 - £80.00

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Cardiff CF5

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About me

I’m a Counsellor offering one hour in person and Walk & Talk sessions in Cardiff, as well as UK wide online and phone sessions. I also offer Couples and Relationship Therapy. This can be romantic, friendship, family or work. All types of relationships can go through difficult times. I can help you find different ways of communicating, so everyone feels they are being heard and understood.

We all need purpose and meaning in life and sometimes we lose ours, particularly when going through change or loss. When this happens, it can feel like we've lost who we are and what we want. In these times they can also put a strain on relationships, and it can be difficult to see others perspective or even have tolerance for others. My approach is about helping you unpick and understand what is going on for you.

Walk & Talk sessions also known as Outdoor Therapy. This can be a lovely way to experience Counselling if you enjoy being in nature. It can also take the intensity out of traditional style Counselling if you find eye contact uncomfortable, or sitting in a room or online awkward. I have a few walks we can go on depending on your ability, or we can sit on a park bench. Sometimes being outside can help you feel more relaxed and be able to open up. I also have a Sprocker Spaniel who can join us on the session, if you feel that would benefit you. Clients have felt she can lift their mood and connect them more with nature.

I have a lot experience working with anxiety, depression, low self-worth / low self-esteem, trauma and grief. I understand we all experience these differently, even down to each day. Some days can feel manageable and some days can feel heavy. I can offer coping mechanisms while we work on what is going on for you. Trauma is what happens inside you, because of the traumatic experience. It’s about reconnecting with yourself.

My approach is Humanistic Existential. As part of this approach I won't give you advice, but I can give different perspectives, enabling opportunities for reflection.

Everyone is unique and sees the world differently, so I won't make assumptions about your experiences or how you're feeling. Instead, I will ask questions to see things from your point of view, so I can understand you more.

I understand that deciding you’re ready for Counselling can take a lot of courage, so we will create a therapeutic relationship, where you feel heard and safe to explore what’s going on for you. In a non-judgemental safe place. I offer one off sessions and longer term work.

If this sounds like it's the style of Counselling for you. I offer a free initial 30 minute consultation online or over the phone. This is a space for us to talk to see if I am the right Counsellor for you. You can tell me a bit about what’s going on for you or if you already know what you would like from Counselling. I can tell you a bit about my approach and answer any questions you have.

There's no pressure to commit to having a session after the consultation. If you'd prefer to arrange a first session straight away we can discuss availability including whether you'd prefer in-person, Walk & Talk, online or phone sessions.

Couples and Relationship Therapy

Relationship Therapy offers a safe space to talk things over and consider how to bring about change or acceptance in your relationships. This can be a romantic relationship, friendship, family or work. All types of relationships can go through difficult times. A lot of the time people come in crisis so we need to slow things down and look at the roots of the issues. Giving everyone their space to be heard. I aim to work alongside clients to help them gain self-acceptance and hope, whilst also being with them through painful and difficult moments.

Sometimes I can work around Attachment Theory. It can give an understanding of why someone responds in certain ways, how likely they are to open up about their feelings and an understanding of where this comes from. If you have a different attachment type this can give insight to each person about the other’s behaviour. And why the other can’t understand where the reaction came from or why it is so hard to open up about feelings. I think Attachment Theory can explain quite a lot of ways of relating and why certain things trigger people.

I understand how people can click on their similarities and that’s what can create connections. But sometimes it’s the differences that can keep relationships feeling alive. Also, the differences are what can cause the conflict. So, understanding these differences can be important to know whether they can comprise or whether it’s something that they don’t want to change, as it is engrained in who they are. For instance, I like to do work around values with my clients. It can help to understand what is important to you.

Knowing who someone is and how they may respond in certain situations compared to yourself is very important. That’s when you can use your differences as strengths and become a team. You can learn more about yourself through recognising the difference in your relationship.

In my relationship work some of the approaches I use are The imago therapy of Communication and Gottman’s Trust Revival Method. I also offer individual sessions during our relationship work, both parties will have the same amount of individual sessions.

Hopefully that gives you an idea of how I work. But please feel free to get in touch to ask any questions.

Training, qualifications & experience

Counselling experience

Counsellor at Cardiff Mind, Counsellor at Cardiff Council (ARC) and the Counselling Coordinator for the ARC Counselling Service (Cardiff Council). Family Practitioner for Place2Be (Children's Mental Health Charity).

As well as my Private Practice.

Other roles

I have worked with Children and Young People for 10+ years. My background includes roles in Youth Clubs in Sunderland, Therapeutic Children's Homes in Oxfordshire and South Wales, ARC Edge of Care service in Cardiff Council and Vale of Glamorgan Council.

I work with parents/carers and families as a whole, including parents together and separated. I have a lot of experience doing rehabilitation home interventions for Young People in care. Working with them and their parents/carers to come back home.

Qualifications