Yasmin Skervin

Maybe you are considering therapy in a time of crisis, wanting to make sense of what is happening in your life, or perhaps you want to explore and improve your relationships? Whatever you choose to bring to the work, my aim is to help you gain more control and mastery over your life.

I believe that everyone deserves the chance to put the past where it belongs and free themselves to be the person they were born and want to be. Using the Person Centred approach of Carl Rogers as a core model, I integrate other skills and techniques in response to my client and individual needs. It is the “working alliance” and “therapeutic relationship” provided by the Person Centred approach that provides the trusting contact for the individual to safely explore their strategies and decisions about life.

It is always a privilege for me to be present whilst an individual pursues their process into becoming who they are. Being experienced as a therapist and an individual who has pursued her own personal healing process, I provide a warm and compassionate approach that embraces both the unacknowledged wonder of an individual as well as the darker aspects of their experience.

Growth is about embracing life and does not always have to be angst ridden and fearful!At the core of working with you I place great importance on working collaboratively and understanding your style. I’m always mindful that it is YOU who is the expert in your life – whether it is working in the here-and-now or examining and addressing past experiences and how they might affect you today.

I am a qualified integrative counsellor and have been in private practice since 2016.

As an integrative Counsellor I draw on elements of different theories and approaches this provides a unique therapy which can be adapted to suit a client's needs. By working with you I use the insights and techniques of Humanistic Counselling and Psychodynamic Therapy, this may give you the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of your concerns and work towards a new and happier sense of self.

Below is a very brief description of the approaches I use, you may find these present in our therapy sessions together. These approaches build a strong foundation for your therapeutic relationship to grow in a safe and supporting environment.

Humanistic Counselling offers a non-judgemental relationship between the therapist and client; this enables the client to explore what they need and want in the ‘here and now,’ and how they can reach this goal. Gestalt Therapy in particular focuses on the development of the client’s holistic awareness of themselves, their circumstances and how they live in those circumstances. During this therapy various therapeutic tools and creative mediums maybe used.

Psychodynamic Therapy focuses on unconscious thought processes which manifest themselves in a client's behaviour. The approach seeks to increase a client's self-awareness and understanding of how the past has influenced present thoughts and behaviours, by exploring their unconscious patterns. Clients are encouraged to explore unresolved issues and conflicts, and to talk about important people and relationships in their life.

Starting therapy can be a daunting process and I offer an initial assessment lasting 20 minutes costing £20. The aim of an initial assessment, is to provide the opportunity for us both to meet, for you to see how I work and to get a sense of what therapy is like. It’s also a space for you to ask any questions you may have about therapy.

Sessions thereafter will be £60

For myself, the assessment provides a place where I can gather just a little more information about yourself, what brings you to therapy, and what assistance you are looking for.

I have experience in working with Domestic abuse, Anxiety, Loss and Bereavement, Depression, Health related issues, Identity problems, Obsessions, Personal development, Post-traumatic stress, Relationships, Self esteem, Sexual and gender identity, Mental Health, Eating Disorders, Self-Harm, Race & Culture, Homelessness, Family Dynamics and working with issues surrounding Disabilities.

Spirituality

Spirituality involves experiences of a deeper sense of meaning and purpose, and a sense of belonging and a connection with the universe. Spirituality can help to achieve inner peace and happiness. It relates to the human spirit, and discovering the ‘true self’.For some, spirituality does not relate to any kind of belief, but relates more to how they live their life, and their outlook on the world. It can be a path that will lead them towards a higher state of awareness of the self, and having a better way of life. Some see spirituality as a life source that flows. For others, spirituality helps them feel more connected to a higher being, God, or the universe, and connected to everything and everyone around them.Issues around identity, and purpose of being.

Working with dreams and nightmares.

Transcultural/ Multicultural Counselling

When working therapeutically with clients, I am also aware that clients from multi cultural and diverse communities are a diverse community within itself. Multicultural therapy is a form of talk therapy that aims to address the concerns of clients whose race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, income, disability status, or other social factor (s) falls outside of the majority or outside the dominant social group.

As someone who has grown up within the African diaspora and Carribbean community, this gives me the understanding and compassion for the difficulties that these particular groups experience in their day to day life. I am experienced in working cross-culturally, I work with a diverse range of clients across all ages, ethnicities, religions, cultures and sexualities.

• Initial 20 Minute assessment £20
• I offer counselling in Bristol with sessions starting from £60

Sessions are 50 minutes.

Cancellations: Please give 48 hours notice of any cancellations.