Counselling and Supervision
in a private woodland
Hi, my name is Shauna Hope and I've developed Bristol Counselling Outdoors, for adults and young people (16+) who feel talking in a natural space (private woodland) could be helpful.
My Counselling Approach
It's often difficult to appreciate our uniqueness. Our life experience can cause us pain and complicate how we feel about ourselves, other people and life in general. It can also create punishing expectations. I remain open to hearing what is important to you and I won’t make judgements or assumptions. I also believe that given the right circumstances, everyone has the capacity to feel happier and more fulfilled in their lives.
My counselling approach is underpinned by person-centred values of empathy, acceptance and authenticity. I use mindfulness, and enjoy working creatively. My counselling work outdoors has been influenced by Martin Jordan and Nick Totton. I feel very positive about the impact that counselling can have and I'm passionate about making it accessible and inclusive.
I am especially interested and experienced in work around:
Loss and Bereavement;
Work Related Stress;
Perfectionism and Self-Criticism;
Sense of Belonging and Inclusion:
Meaning and Purpose in life
Change, Uncertainty and Transitions.
I also have years of experience working with:
Depression and Low Mood
Stress and Anxiety
Confidence and Self-worth
Relationship issues
Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion
Why have Counselling Outdoors?
When life feels complicated, counselling in a natural setting can feel simpler and more grounded. Each week the woodland changes and offers many opportunities to see, hear, smell and feel nature. The changing weather patterns can mirror our changing mood and might bring a different perspective to our self-judgement?
Research has long pointed to the positive psychological effects of nature on wellbeing. In 1984, Roger Ulrich’s study of patients recovery rates at hospital, after similar surgery, confirmed those with a window view of trees instead of a blank wall recovered sooner. (Science 224, 420-421) Later research explains the healing effects of nature by ‘The Biophilia Hypothesis’, ‘Attention Restoration Therory’ and the ‘Psychoevolutionary theory of stress reduction’.
What is the woodland like?
Bristol Counselling Outdoors is based in the former Victorian Pleasure Garden of Leigh Court Mansion. It offers many indigenous plants and ‘exotic flora’.
Shelter
It provides a parachute for cover from the rain and a log circle around a fire pit offers simple seating. Despite the lack of walls, it can feel quite cosy and the distance away from other people means you can talk safely without being overheard.
Walk and Talk
The woodland also offers opportunities for walk and talk in an area which is used purely by Bristol Counselling Outdoors.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold the following relevant qualifications:
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Certificate in Counselling Supervision
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PG Diploma in Integrative Counselling at the University of Bristol
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Foundation in Health Promotion
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Foundation in Dance Movement Therapy
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BSc Hons Sociology and Applied Social Studies ( including a CQSW with a focus on community development)
I have practised meditation since 2007 and regularly attend various retreats in Buddhist and secular traditions.
Accredited counsellor of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy since 2011. This informs my commitment to ethical practice and ongoing training and professional development.
I am especially interested and experienced in work around:
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Loss and Bereavement
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Perfectionism and Self-Criticism;
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Existential Crisis and Spirituality
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Bullying, Discrimination and Harassment:
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Change, Uncertainty and Transitions,
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Work Related Stress
I also have lots of experience working with:
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Depression and Low Mood
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Stress and Anxiety
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Confidence and Self-worth
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Relationship issues, current and historical.
I have over 20 years of experience in offering counselling, supervision and counselling training in many different settings, including health centres, mental health charities, local authority employee assistance and student counselling services.
“On days when the sky is grey, the sun has not disappeared forever”
Desjardins
Contact
Finding the right counsellor can sometimes feel daunting. It might be helpful to contact a number of counsellors to see how you connect with them?
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I offer a free 15 min phone call to discuss what support you require and give you a sense of me.
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If you want to consider having counselling with me, we will then need to book an initial appointment, usually on zoom, for both of us to look at working together in more detail. We can also look at which setting would be best suited for you including: the woodland; The Centre for Whole Health, by Zoom or phone.
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Woodland Counselling sessions cost £50 per session and last 60 minutes, sessions in a therapy room last 50 minutes and cost £45.
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Counselling and Consultative Supervision is £55 a session for a 60 minute appointment or £70 for a 90 minute appointment. This is offered in the woodland, at The Centre for Whole Health, via Zoom or by phone.
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I have a limited number of discounted rate spaces for those on low incomes, students and counselling students in training.