Sam Brightwell

Verified Professional Verified Professional
Verified Professional

Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.

they/them
MNCPS Acc. BA (Hons) English

About me

I work with people who are dealing with issues around identity, personal boundaries and their relationships with others. This might show up as social anxiety or depression, feeling isolated or disconnected from others, or generally feeling like you're not thriving in life. You might have issues with sleeping, eating, or internet addiction: there's really no one way that these problems show up but the feeling of restlessness or unease underneath them is common to many. 

Sometimes my clients have had experiences of bullying, relational trauma with family and early caregivers, domestic violence or sexual abuse. Sometimes they feel like they are the problem, unable to maintain good, healthy relationships or struggling to deal with triggers and a state of fear that sits with them all of the time. 

Counselling can be the bridge that helps them find a way to establish a more solid, stable ground within themselves. It can help them find answers they've been seeking for a long time and to feel more confidence in being themselves. The main thing about counselling is that it's about having a strong desire for change and realising that the power to change lies within yourself. 

It takes courage to reach out and start therapy, especially if you're used to hiding important parts of yourself. You do not need to have anything worked out yet. You can come as you are and bring any emotions to sessions. We will go at your pace. I invite you to get in touch to explore whether working together feels like the next right step for you. 

Training, qualifications & experience

I have a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, which is supported by continuing professional development in Somatic Trauma Theory and Skills, Transgender Awareness and Working with Sexual Abuse. 

I completed the Level 2 and 3 Certificates in Counselling Studies in 2016, then worked as a life coach until commencing Level 4 in 2023. 

During my professional training, I worked in placements with YMCA Bournemouth and Weymouth College, counselling a wide range of clients, particularly people with Neurodivergence. 

I am an Accredited Registrant of NCPS. 

I have an Enhanced DBS to work with adults and children.

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
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.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Fees

£50.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors
  • Unemployed

Additional information

I provide a free 15-minute initial conversation via phone or video call. Then if you would like to take things further we can schedule a full assessment via video/phone call for £30. Sessions would then commence at £50 for online or face-to-face, held in Westbourne, Poole. 

I offer a discount for counselling students and the unemployed (in receipt of Universal Credit or PIP). 

Please book an enquiry via the link if you would like an initial chat. 

Further information

My premises in Westbourne is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. There is one staircase from the street level. I recommend online sessions if you are unable to manage stairs. 

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Online platforms

Discord
Microsoft Teams
Zoom
FaceTime
Whatsapp
Sam Brightwell
Sam Brightwell