About me
Hello and Welcome!
I'm Julie and I have 20+ years experience working within the field of mental health both as an occupational therapist and, more recently, as an integrative counsellor. My private practice, Natural Being Counselling and Well-being Services is located in Yatton, North Somerset (just a short walk from the main line rail station between Weston-Super-Mare and Bristol).
With the complexities of modern life, we can all experience challenges and difficult situations at times. This can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where or how to begin to resolve these. However, whether you're dealing with a recent emotional challenge or have been struggling for some time, I'm here to offer a listening ear and an opportunity to work together towards finding a resolution that feels 'right' for you.
How counselling can help
Counselling offers a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space in which to explore any confusing thoughts, uncomfortable feelings and behaviours that may be troubling you. Whilst my practice is grounded in person-centred psychotherapy, I also adopt an integrative approach, drawing on a variety of other psychotherapeutic theories and techniques in order to meet each individual's specific needs and situation.
This way of working stems from my belief that each person's experiencing of life is as unique and individual as the person themselves and so there is no one definitive way of working that suits everyone. Indeed, it is this personalised approach that can support you to identify your own inner resources and potential to find your own unique way forward.
Based on mutual trust and understanding, my aim is to build a therapeutic relationship which serves to provide you with the opportunity to gain deeper insight into any difficult situations you are facing. This may include developing greater self-awareness, considering alternative perspectives, increasing understanding and identifying possible ways forward in order to make the 'right' choice for you.
Training, qualifications & experience
In addition to my private practice, I also work for a charitable organisation offering a low-cost counselling service to adults and young people in North Somerset.
I've worked with people who are struggling with a variety of challenges including anxiety, stress, low mood, loss and grief, relationship issues, social isolation and trauma. I also have experience of working with people with cognitive limitations including dementia, both pre and post diagnosis, as well as supporting their carers, family and friends.
I hold the following qualifications
- Foundation Degree in Person-Centred Counselling (Distinction - Bath Spa)
- Bachelor of Science with Honours Degree in Occupational Therapy (First Class Honours - University of Essex)
- NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Counselling
- Nature-Based Practitioner (Natural Academy - Bristol)
- ASI-Wise - Sensory Integration in Mental Health
- Mental Health First Aider - MHFA England
- Safeguarding Training -Adults & Children
- Registered Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Enhanced DBS
- Full Insurance
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
Fees
£50.00 - £60.00
Additional information
Telephone Consultation
I offer a complimentary 20-minute telephone consultation to help you determine if you feel comfortable working with me and that my approach feels right for you.
First Session
If you choose to continue, we'll schedule your first session (50-minutes duration) where you can share your reasons for seeking counselling, talk about the challenges you've been experiencing, explore potential ways we can work together, and clarify your goals for counselling, as part of your assessment.
When I work
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Further information
Additional areas of counselling:
Nature-Based Counselling
In addition to traditional counselling, I also offer nature-based therapy. This is a therapeutic approach that uses natural environments to support mental, emotional and physical well-being. By increasing connection with the natural world, this aims to reduce stress, anxiety and low mood, while also boosting mood, self-esteem and a sense of calm and grounding. Sessions may involve walking and talking or, if preferred, sitting in a chosen spot, to observe and reflect.
Carer Support
Being an unpaid carer for a loved one can bring many challenges in the form of changing relationships, roles, routines and responsibilities, together with a rollercoaster of difficult emotions and thoughts. Talking openly and honestly with a trusted counsellor can help navigate the changes and develop strategies that not only help you as the care-giver but can also enhance your relationships and redefine meaning and purpose in life
Creative Well-being Workshops
As well as integrating creative interventions within one-to-one counselling sessions, I also facilitate creative well-being workshops within the local community. These small groups explore a range of different activities and include the use of a variety of materials, e.g., art, crafts, natural resources etc, with the aim of supporting emotional expression and promoting increase self-awareness. No specific creative/artistic skills are necessary - just a curious mind and a sense of fun required!
