Virginia Brailsford

About me

I am a qualified, accredited and experienced Integrative therapist and supervisor. I have a passion for helping individuals recognise their potential and bring out the best of themselves. I thoroughly enjoy helping to empower my clients and facilitate their personal and professional growth. Raising self esteem, developing confidence and reducing anxiety is a specialism of mine.

I offer both short term and long term counselling and always work with individuals in deciding what is most appropriate for them.

How I work:

Its vital that you feel comfortable and safe in your therapy sessions, so choosing the right therapist is incredibly important. As such, I offer a free phone consultation so you can decide whether you feel I'm the best fit for you. This will help you get an understanding of how I may be able to help and whether my approach suits what you're looking for.

As an integrative therapist, I draw upon the following theories to inform the way I work:

• CBT (Cognitive behavioural Therapy)
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing)
• Person-centred approach
• Attachment theory

My Experience:

I have experience working with and supporting individuals in various settings. My work in prison settings with offenders has helped cement the importance of working non-judgmentally. Working as part of employee service's has highlighted how day to day stresses of work life can have a negative impact  in all areas of your life.

Many of the individuals I have worked with have had experiences of rape, sexual abuse and domestic violence so I am acutely aware of the importance of helping to build resilience, autonomy and confidence.

I have worked with different voluntary organisations across Derbyshire, offering counselling to individuals living with the impact of rape, childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence. I also have experience working with the difficulties that eating disorders present.

Areas I specialise in:

• Trauma, PTSD
• Distress
• Anxiety and anxiety disorders
• Sexual and physical abuse and violence, in particular working with the impact of childhood abuse and emotional neglect
• Low self esteem and confidence
• Depression
• Work related Stress

My Counselling Approach:

I always work in collaboration with my clients as it is my belief that the client knows what's best for them. I help by validating their emotions and challenging their thought patterns with the idea that through their empowerment they can move themselves to a more positive place.

I believe that present day difficulties, whether that be problems in relationships, negative thinking or behaviours are linked to unresolved issues or experiences of the past. By raising your self awareness and understanding on how and why you deal with issues in certain ways, you can then make an informed decision on whether you would like to change your negative thoughts or behaviour.

Individual Psychotherapy £60.00 (50 minute session)

EMDR £100 (90 minute Session)

Couples or Relationship Counselling £70.00 (50 minute session)

Individual Supervision £60.00 (60 minute session) £90.00 (90 minute session).

I am willing to offer reduced fees for psychotherapists and counsellors in training.

Please be aware that in the case of cancellation or missed appointments less than 48 hours before the time of the booked session, an alternative appointment can be arranged if possible, however, if this is not possible, the full fee will be required.