Hi, I'm Ceri. I'm a BACP Accredited Counsellor and qualified Clinical Supervisor based in the Neath Valley, South Wales.  I have worked with adults, children, young people and families for over 20 years across counselling, education and support services. Throughout that time, one thing I have continually been reminded of is just how individual we all are. We each bring our own experiences, relationships, strengths and challenges to the way we understand ourselves and the world around us.

My approach is warm, friendly and down-to-earth. I don't expect you to arrive at counselling knowing exactly what you want to say or having everything worked out. My role is to meet you where you are and provide a space where you can begin exploring whatever feels important to you.  My own experiences of counselling also contributed to my decision to become a counsellor. Having experienced what it is like to sit in the client's chair is something I continue to value within my practice.

I also have lived experience of disability and understand some of the challenges that can come with navigating a world that isn't always designed around individual needs. This has contributed to my particular interest in disability, chronic health conditions, identity, difference and the impact these experiences can have on our emotional wellbeing and relationships.  Outside of my professional work, creativity is an important part of my life. I enjoy art and creative activities and recognise the value creativity can have in helping us express ourselves, connect with our experiences and support our wellbeing.

Most importantly, I believe counselling should provide a space where you feel able to be yourself.

Ceri

I work from a Humanistic Integrative approach, which means I don't believe that one way of counselling will suit everyone. At the heart of my work is the relationship we build together. I aim to offer empathy, acceptance and honesty, creating a space where you can explore your experiences without feeling judged or pressured.

Being an Integrative Counsellor allows me to draw upon different therapeutic approaches depending on you, what you bring to counselling and what we discover together.

My Person-Centred values remain at the core of my practice, while I may also draw upon Gestalt, Psychodynamic approaches, CBT, Transactional Analysis, Existential ideas and mindfulness where these may be helpful.  You don't need to understand any of these theories to come to counselling. They simply give me different ways of helping us explore and understand your experiences.

Counselling remains collaborative. I'm not here to tell you how you should live your life or provide all the answers. Instead, we can explore things together, helping you develop greater understanding of yourself, your relationships and the patterns that may be influencing your life.