About Me

I believe passionately in the counselling process but I also believe that the timing is as important as the therapy itself. I will make every effort to see all new clients within 5 working days of initial contact. I work with almost all types of issues accepting the client wherever they may be, with whatever they may bring and being there for them. My approach is very person centred although I may use Creative Therapies, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and some Psycho-dynamic theory to enhance the process. I do believe that nobody knows us more than we know ourselves and therefore respect each individual and their uniqueness above all. 

I began counselling in 2004 working with clients face to face and on a national helpline. I have trained and mentored counselling students and co-founded a local counselling charity.

In addition to generic counselling I have a particular interest in pregnancy loss and pregnancy related issues including infertility, antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety. I recognise the complicated grief experienced through the loss of a child, or inability to conceive: the invisible suffering, the pain of never having known that child, the physical ache, those empty arms, those unfulfilled expectations. I have produced and deliver a training programme for counsellors and counselling students who work with men and women affected by these issues, focusing specifically on pregnancy loss and the complicated grief of abortion.

My personal interests are reading, the sea...whether walking by it, swimming in it, or falling off a surf board into it. I also enjoy tennis and eating  (in or out).

I continue to develop my skills by attending regular workshops and seminars and receive monthly clinical supervision. 

I hold an enhanced D.B.S certificate.

I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists; therefore I abide by its code of ethics. 

email:counselling@bernadettepadfield.co.uk

   call:  07787001171