Welcome and thank you for visiting my page. My name is Susannah and I am an experienced and fully qualified psychodynamic counsellor/psychotherapist working 1:1 with adults. I offer open ended, face to face or online counselling sessions and have worked with people who have struggled with: anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma/PTSD, low mood, overwhelm, relationship/parenting/family issues, domestic violence, abuse, childhood sexual abuse, anger issues, work burnout, ex-boarders, bereavement/loss and more.

I have worked as a counsellor and assessor (on placement) for two mental health charities in South Bucks and Hertfordshire. I trained for five years and have a diploma and advanced diploma in psychodynamic counselling. Additionally, I trained for two years at The Tavistock clinic in London on non-clinical psychodynamic/systemic courses.

I currently offer counselling/psychotherapy from my private practice based in Westbury-On-Trym BS9 at The Practice Rooms (Bristol). I also work from locations in Clifton, Cotham and Southville.

Contact Me

Counselling/Psychotherapy for anxiety and depression in Westbury-On-Trym, Clifton, Cotham and Southville, Bristol BS3, BS6, BS8, BS9

How can counselling help me?

It may feel daunting looking around for the right therapist and to know who might be right for you. There is no obligation, but an initial consultation can be helpful when trying to decide who might be right for you and I would encourage you to take time to choose your therapist. A consultation can provide an opportunity where you can ask some questions to allay any fears you may have about starting and also get a feel of how things might work between us. It is natural to have mixed feelings about starting therapy but very important you feel safe with your therapist. I am a registered member of a professional body of therapists (BACP) and I am fully insured.

Book a consultation

If this is your first experience of counselling, it may feel like a big step to get started but one which I believe is worth taking. Counselling is a place where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, focus on yourself in a confidential, safe and non-judgemental space and feel supported through whatever difficulties you are facing. I aim to listen with compassion and genuine warmth and no problem is too big or too small.

man wearing gray T-shirt standing on forest

Finding a therapist

What is psychodynamic counselling/psychotherapy and is it right for me?

The psychodynamic model's central tenet is that we all have an unconscious where painful feelings are often fiercely defended against. Although these defences may have been important and necessary ways of coping in the past, they may now be serving as maladaptive responses which are no longer helpful. For counselling/psychotherapy to be helpful, I believe it is important to have an open mind and be willing to explore areas of your life that may have remained unquestioned. My aim is to help you unglue yourself from whatever is holding you back and to cultivate patience and self-compassion. Sessions would typically be led by you and can end when you no longer need them.

a man holds his head while sitting on a sofa

The type of counselling/psychotherapy I offer is psychodynamic which means we will think together about the underlying meaning of your emotions and where they have stemmed from. The psychodynamic approach seeks to understand influences from the past on present behaviour through the evolving therapeutic relationship. The difference between counselling and psychotherapy is that counselling may address one or two specific issues whereas psychotherapy is usually a longer, more open-ended and explorative process. Both counselling and psychotherapy can help you make sense of what you are currently feeling by providing a safe space for you to talk openly and freely without judgement.

Getting started, what next?

You can get in touch by filling out a few details below. In the first instance, I would invite you for an initial consultation where we can think more deeply together about what has brought you to counselling as well as discussing your expectations and previous experience of counselling. The main aim of the consultation is to see if we would be a good therapeutic fit and whether I would be the best person for your needs.

Taking the plunge

Ongoing counselling sessions will take place on the same day and time each week and last 50 minutes. I typically provide open ended therapy but it is possible to work in a more focused way either short term, or time limited.

kid jumping from a dock to body of water during daytime

Services

Adult Individual Counselling/ Psychotherapy

Online Counselling Sessions

grayscale photo of woman covering her face with her hands

Help with Anxiety and Depression

Initial consultation £60
Ongoing face to face and/or online sessions - £60.

Fees

Location

For face to face sessions, I work from professional consulting rooms in Bristol: Westbury-On-Trym BS9, Clifton, Cotham and Southville (All at The Practice Rooms). I also offer online sessions using Teams for those who need a little more flexibility and convenience around work. I offer daytime and some evening appointments.