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Appointments are to be mutually agreed

Hello my full name is Karen Bernadette, however everyone calls me Bernadette and after 17 years of working as a counsellor within many organisations such as hospices, mental health organisations and specialist services, I can honestly say that nothing much can surprise or shock me anymore. When I meet clients I aim to provide a safe space for clients to explore their situation and process their emotions.

Over the time I have worked with a wide variety of issues and have gained many years of experience of working with clients who were either anxious, suffering with panic attacks; feeling sad / low mood or depression issues and sometimes struggling with suicidal thoughts.

I have also counselled clients who have experienced domestic violence, rape and sexual abuse. I have had years of experience supporting clients who finding their way to work through their grief after being bereaved under many different circumstances including sudden death, child loss, or spousal bereavement. I have gained a great level of experience supporting clients and their families on a one to one basis, who have received a terminal and / or a life limiting diagnosis.

Why should I choose Bernadette Counselling Service?

We all know that life can bring many challenges and generally we can manage them, however there are times when we can feel overwhelmed and would feel more comfortable talking to an independent and professional therapist.

I am a trained person-centred counsellor, which means that I put you at the heart of our sessions and explore your situation at your pace and in your own unique style. I do practice as a pluralistic counsellor this means I am able to incorporate other modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques, Solution Focused therapy or even being able to work more creatively, whichever resonates with you.

What does it feel like receive to counselling?

Counselling can feel different for each person and individuals can sometimes feel tired after a session, which is quite natural. However, I aim to provide a safe non-judgemental space - what I class as a professional virtual hug and reassurance and show a belief and confidence in your abilities often at a time when you maybe doubting yourself.

How can counselling help?

Counselling provides a safe space where you will not be judged and you can talk openly about your difficulties and be supported whilst encouraged to explore ways of not only understanding but managing the issues either past or present that are causing your current difficulties. 

How do I get started?

I offer individual counselling sessions and if you feel this is something for you and would like to discuss things further, you can contact me via email, WhatsApp, by phone or text, so you can either ask me any further questions or to arrange our first session. I do offer an initial free telephone consultation to discuss any questions you may have and to explore how counselling may help.

Our first session will give us the chance to not only discuss your situation further and talk about what you would like to get out of counselling, but also to explore how counselling sessions may help. If you're happy to continue then we can set up a second session, these sessions can be mutually agreed to meet your availability.