Bernadette Sansome

Availability

Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 08:00 - 20:00 from my private practice location:  Preston Old Road, Blackburn.

I can also offer Walk & Talk therapy for Blackburn clients - contact me for more information.

Experience

Since 2017, I have provided counselling and psychotherapy services to adult clients and individuals aged 16 and above. My professional experience includes working with organisations such as Cruse Bereavement Service, National Bereavement Partnership - Covid-19 Bereavement Hub, Stockport Women’s Centre, and Victim Support. I support clients navigating issues related to identity (including cultural, spiritual, and sexual), workplace and personal stress, anxiety, loss, depression, relationship matters, health concerns, domestic abuse, and bereavement.

Qualifications

I hold a First Class Honours degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy, obtained in 2019. In addition to ongoing Continuous Professional Development, I am committed to broadening and deepening my knowledge as a practitioner. I have completed specialist training in group work, domestic abuse, and Walk and Talk Therapy, which enhances my ability to address a range of life challenges faced by clients.

Appointment Information

Sessions typically last 50 minutes and are held on a weekly basis initially. Alternative session durations and frequencies can be arranged according to client needs. These details will be discussed during the initial consultation and reviewed periodically throughout therapy.

My Approach

My therapeutic approach is collaborative and supportive, tailored to each individual client. I recognise that entering therapy can be a significant decision and may bring uncertainty about what to expect. 

Confidentiality and respect are foundational to my practice. I offer a non-judgemental, therapeutic relationship and aim to provide guidance as you explore experiences that may cause discomfort, discontent, confusion, or sadness. 

Counselling and psychotherapy is a collaborative process, and together, we can work towards understanding, validation, and acceptance, laying the groundwork for meaningful change if that is your goal.

Type of Therapy

Person-centred Counselling is a form of talk therapy focused on fostering an understanding of individual feelings and emotions. This approach provides an environment where clients can share their experiences without judgement. For some, therapy may be the first setting where they feel genuinely listened to.

This method acknowledges each person's ability to make desired changes in their life. The client directs the process of change, while the therapist's role is to offer support through respect, understanding, and honesty.

Clients

My practice serves clients from diverse backgrounds and with various presenting concerns. I provide tailored support to individuals based on their specific needs at any given time. I am qualified to work with adults and young people aged 16 and above. Additionally, I collaborate with small businesses seeking to offer therapeutic support to their employees.

Complimentary, No Obligation, Consultation

Before beginning our therapeutic work together, I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation, which can be conducted via telephone, Zoom, or in person subject to availability. This initial meeting provides you with the opportunity to learn more about my approach and ask any questions you may have. It also allows me to gain an understanding of your objectives for counselling before we proceed.

During this session, we will both have the chance to determine our suitability for working collaboratively to meet your needs. Part of the consultation will involve discussing the therapeutic contract and agreeing, in principle, on the number and frequency of sessions you may initially require.

I will outline the practical aspects of our work together and clarify any necessary steps prior to commencing therapy. As a result, your first counselling session will be dedicated solely to your therapeutic needs, without administrative interruptions

What Next?

After you confirm your interest in engaging my services, I will send the necessary communications as outlined during the consultation, and arrange your initial appointment. This marks the commencement of your therapeutic process.

Working Hours

Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9am - 8pm

I can be flexible with appointment times between these hours and days. 

How I work

My core modality in counselling is as a person-centred psychotherapist. My training in Supervision was through the Macclesfield Counselling and Training Centre where I studied and have since practiced Hawkins and Shohets 7 Eyed Model of Supervision. This model lends itself to supervise those who practice Person Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy and those who do not.

Who I work With

I work with trainee and qualified counsellors and psychotherapists as well as those professionals working in other helping professions. 

Why Supervision

Supervision is a key element in supporting ethical practice. It is a place to look at the therapeutic work objectively to examine relationship dynamics and unearth blocks to successful outcomes. Clients' are always at the centre of the work.

I attend regular individual supervision as well as peer supervision. Both experiences bring learning opportunities to me in my practice which ultimately benefit my clients.

As a supervisor, I recognise the roles we both have in safeguarding, ethical practice, and client progress.

Your client and their wellbeing will always be at the heart of the work of supervision.

Professional Approach

My primary counselling modality is person-centred psychotherapy. I completed my Supervision training at the Macclesfield Counselling and Training Centre, specialising in the Hawkins and Shohet 7 Eyed Model of Supervision. This framework effectively supports both practitioners of Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy as well as those from other approaches.

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I provide supervision to both trainee and qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, and professionals from various helping professions. My supervisory style is supportive, collaborative, and constructively challenging.

Rates

£70 per 90 minute supervision appointment

£50 per 50 minute supervision appointment

Supervision Model

I obtained my Certificate in Supervision from Macclesfield Counselling & Training Centre in July 2022. My supervision practice is informed by Hawkins & Shohet’s 7-eyed model, which integrates both relational and systemic perspectives. This approach examines the interactions among client, therapist, and supervisor, considering the broader context and dynamics of these relationships along with cultural, social experinces.

The wellbeing of clients remains central to all supervision processes. Supervision is designed to support the professional development of therapists, providing a reflective space where open and honest discussion about clinical work is encouraged and safeguarded.

The Importance of Supervision

Supervision plays an essential role in promoting ethical practice. It offers an objective space to reflect on therapeutic work, explore relationship dynamics, and identify barriers to positive client outcomes. Clients remain central to the supervision process.

I engage regularly in both individual and peer supervision, which continually enhances my professional development and benefits those I work with. As a supervisor, I am committed to upholding safeguarding responsibilities, ethical standards, and the ongoing progress of clients.

The wellbeing of your client will consistently be prioritised throughout the supervisory process.

Blackburn Location

In-person supervision takes place at my Blackburn therapy space which is situated on Preston Old Road, just a two-minute walk from Cherry Tree Train Station, and conveniently located along the Preston–Blackburn bus route.  There is ample free parking available in the locality.

The therapy room is positioned on the first floor within a suite of offices and benefits from ample natural light. Please note that clients will need to use stairs, as there is no lift available.

For clients who prefer not to travel or have time constraints, I also offer supervision sessions via zoom

The First Time We Meet

Before starting a supervision relationship, a complimentary appointment is offered either via video call or in person. This allows both parties to learn more about each other and determine suitability for working together. The administrative processes involved in the Supervisor and Supervisee relationship will also be addressed during this meeting. 

Establishing the ability to work together effectively is a necessary step.