Bernie Mills

You may know that something isn't quite right, without really knowing why. Perhaps you're overthinking, feeling anxious or low, being hard on yourself, or finding yourself caught in the same patterns again and again.

You might know what you should do, or tell yourself there's no reason to feel this way – but knowing that doesn't always change how you feel.

You don't need to have the right words or know exactly what you want from counselling. Sometimes all you know is that something doesn't feel right anymore. We can start there.

I have been a counsellor for over 15 years and work online with adults. My approach is warm, down-to-earth and collaborative. I'm interested not only in what you're struggling with, but in understanding what may be happening underneath it.

Our experiences, both past and present, can shape how we feel about ourselves, our relationships and how we respond when life becomes difficult. Sometimes it is important to explore the past and understand how it may still be affecting you; at other times our work may focus much more on what is happening in your life now.

I work in a person-centred, trauma-informed way and draw on parts work, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), and an understanding of the nervous system.

Parts work recognises that we can have different sides to ourselves. One part may desperately want something to change while another seems to pull us back. Becoming curious about these different parts can help us understand reactions and patterns that previously felt confusing.

I also pay attention to how our bodies respond to stress and difficult experiences. Where helpful, we may use simple grounding and body awareness alongside talking.

There isn't one way of working that suits everybody. We can work together to understand what's happening for you and what might help things begin to feel different

Counselling with me is a conversation. I will listen carefully to what is happening for you and, together, we can begin to understand feelings, patterns or reactions that may be causing you difficulty.

Some sessions may involve exploring past experiences; others may focus on something happening in your life right now. We may also use parts work, grounding or body awareness where these feel helpful.

The relationship between us is an important part of counselling. I hope you will feel able to be yourself with me, including when you don't quite know what you feel or what you want to say.

I have over 15 years' counselling experience and have worked with people experiencing a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, bereavement, anger, addiction and the effects of trauma and sexual abuse.

My previous experience includes counselling for Somerset & Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (SARSAS), providing counselling and crisis support within a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, working with Women's Aid's national helpline and supporting victims of crime.

Alongside my core counselling training, I have undertaken further training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and in areas including trauma, rape and sexual abuse, domestic abuse, self-harm, addiction and shame.

I currently offer online counselling.

I offer a free initial telephone or online consultation before we decide whether to work together.

This gives you a chance to tell me a little about what has brought you to counselling and what you would like help with, as well as ask any questions you may have. It's also an opportunity for us to get a sense of whether I might be the right counsellor for you.

If we decide to work together, sessions are usually weekly and last 50 minutes, although we can discuss what works best for you.

Hello.

I have been a counsellor for 15 years. I work online and help people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, anger issues, addictions, low self esteem, bereavement, relationship difficulties, or who have experienced trauma/sexual abuse.

I believe the key to healing is understanding what has happened - your story - and helping you to change how your mind and body remembers it. This includes bringing to consciousness how the patterns you have established are negatively impacting on your life. I then support you to heal, change and grow.

How I Work:-

I use a range of counselling techniques depending on what I feel is best for you as a person and the outcome you hope for, with a particular emphasis on the (IFS) model. I have found IFS has benefited many clients who present with a range of problems.

I work with clients to provide relief and support with:

- On-going feelings of sadness or hopelessness

- Overwhelming feelings of anger or aggression

- Relationship difficulties

- Bereavement

- Panic attacks, flashbacks, PTSD symptoms

- Sexual Abuse

- Misuse of alcohol/drugs/food

- Decreased physical or mental energy or fatigue

- Increase in feelings of fear or worry

- Extremely high and low moods

What to expect: -

You can contact me by email or call/message me on my phone (contact details at the top of this page). I will aim to get back to you within 24 hours and set up a free initial consultation. During this time we can discuss your reasons for wanting counselling, the concerns you have, your goals for therapy and any questions about me, counselling and how I work.

If we both feel we can work together, we would schedule your first therapy session and agree how often we are going to meet. This is usually weekly for 50 minutes but is flexible.

In subsequent sessions I will listen carefully to the story you present of your life, paying careful attention to what you believe is and isn't working for you, and help you to better understand your feelings and emotions. I would then support you to heal, change, grow and learn in a deep sustainable way.

Through the relationship we develop, you will increase your understanding and compassion for yourself.

Training and Experience:-

Previously I have worked as a counsellor for Somerset & Avon Rape and Sexual Assault (SARSAS). I have provided counselling and crisis support for a Sexual Assault Referral Centre , worked on the National Violence Helpline (Women's Aid) and supported victims of crime.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed

I am trained on the impact of trauma, rape, sexual abuse, self harm, domestic violence, addiction and shame.