About me
Starting counselling can feel like a big step, particularly when you are not sure what to expect or whether you will feel comfortable talking to someone new. You do not need to arrive knowing exactly what to say or where to begin. Finding the right counsellor matters, and the first priority is creating a space where you can feel comfortable, understood and able to be yourself.
My name is Rhonda and I run Bridge of Allan Counselling, a well-established counselling practice in the heart of Bridge of Allan.
My approach focuses on person-centred counselling and emotion-focused therapy. Research consistently highlights the importance of a trusting therapeutic relationship, and this is at the heart of how I work. Counselling offers a confidential, respectful and non-judgemental space where you can take your time, talk openly and explore whatever feels important to you.
Person-centred counselling recognises that you bring your own experiences, strengths and inner resources. Rather than being told what you should do, you are supported to develop a deeper understanding of yourself, your emotions and the experiences that may be influencing how you feel today.
Emotion-focused therapy can help us explore emotions more deeply, understand what they may be communicating and recognise patterns that can sometimes be difficult to see when you are in the middle of them. Together, we can begin to make sense of what is happening and explore what you may need moving forward.
Counselling develops at a pace that feels right for you. There is no right way to begin, and you will not be expected to share anything before you feel ready. As our work progresses, we can regularly reflect on what is changing, what feels important and what you would like to focus on next.
If you are considering counselling, you are very welcome to get in touch. There is no pressure to commit; an initial email or telephone conversation can simply give you the opportunity to ask questions, get a sense of how I work and decide whether it feels right for you.
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile.
Landline: 01786 834 221 or email me
A few client testimonials
“I had been to a few therapists before and thought that maybe it just wasn't for me. When I started going to Rhonda it seemed like I had finally found the right fit. Through her sessions I feel like I've finally started down the path to getting better instead of just surviving. It's been difficult, but I've been pushed to confront my problems, and I feel a lot stronger and a lot more capable of coping. The techniques I've been taught to control and ease my issues have made it feel like I can finally live my life according to me instead of through my problems. The phototherapy element is wonderful at showing how far I've come in this time and feels a lot more personal than it's been with therapists in the past.” (I.H.)
"Calling Bridge of Allan Counselling is one of the best things I have done. The feelings of anger and resentment had become almost overwhelming when I first contacted Bridge of Allan Counselling. I didn’t actually know where to turn, but I knew that these emotions were defining me and starting to take over my life when a friend suggested that I make an appointment to meet with a counsellor.
“When I first started therapy I was regularly feeling depressed. The problem I had was that I didn’t understand why I was feeling the way I was and I didn’t know how to get out of it. By going to therapy I was able to learn more about how I’ve become the person I am today and how to like that person more. I am now armed with the tools to improve things going forward. I’m not perfect but I know with the right level of discipline, structure and accountability (while being a little bit selfish) I can get myself into a much better situation and I won’t ever be back to some of the lows that I’ve had in previous years.” (C.W.)
“I was feeling very anxious and needed to talk to someone outside of my family. I suffered from constant worry, I worried about everything and even things that never happened. Along side my worrying I had experienced a few very difficult bereavements that I could not come to terms with. Counselling saved my life, I was suicidal and not in a good place at all. It has taken me a bit of time but I am thinking more clearly. I can go out and enjoy myself now, I understand other people better and have rebuilt my confidence. I would, and do recommend Rhonda to anyone I know who is suffering.” (P.L.)
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Training, qualifications & experience
- Master of Science in Counselling, Strathclyde University, Glasgow
- Emotion Focused Therapy for Couples, York University, Toronto
- Post Graduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling, Strathclyde University, Glasgow
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Neuroscience for Therapists, Peter Afford, London
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Emotion Focused Therapy, Strathclyde University, Glasgow
- Therapeutic Photography, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen
- Contemporary Developments, Napier University, Edinburgh
- Young People & Families Assessment Program, Napier University, Edinburgh
- Cosca Certificate in Counselling Skills, Simpson House, Edinburgh
- Photographic Techniques Diploma, Humber College, Toronto
It is required by UKCP and BACP standards that, I am in regular personal supervision with a senior therapist who oversees and supports my clinical work. I also keep up to date with new and exciting findings in psychotherapy with continuous personal and professional development.
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Emotion Focused Therapy
Phototherapy
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 - £125.00
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Free initial consultation by email to answer any further questions you may have.
£50 per hour for student counselling, £85 per hour for individual counselling, £125 per hour for couples counselling
Cost per session can be discussed depending on you financial situation.
When I work
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Further information
Getting Here
Bridge of Allan Counselling is conveniently located in the heart of Bridge of Allan, making it easy to reach from Stirling and the surrounding area.
Dedicated parking is available at the rear of the building, and Bridge of Allan train station is only a short walk away, with regular connections to Stirling, Glasgow and Edinburgh. We are also close to the University of Stirling and only a short distance from Stirling city centre.
Bridge of Allan is a lovely place to spend a little time before or after your session. The village has welcoming cafés, independent shops, peaceful walks and green spaces where you can take a moment to pause, reflect or simply decompress.
The aim is to make attending your appointment feel as straightforward and comfortable as possible, from the journey there to the time you give yourself afterwards.
