My Approach
I believe, that regardless of where you've come from, what you've experienced, or what direction you wish to go, initiating the process of therapy could be the gift you give yourself that helps you to live your best life.
Finding the right therapist can be difficult and confusing so I hope this page brings all the information you need to help you with the process.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
I am a fully qualified Person-Centred Integrative therapist Using an integrative model of therapy means I draw upon different therapeutic approaches, depending on your needs and goals. I work from a humanistic base, placing great emphasis on building a deep understanding, trusting, empathic and warm relationship with my clients.
I like to regularly check in with my clients using the Irvin Yalom approach of the Here and Now technique.
Part of my work as a therapist is to undertake ongoing personal and professional development which includes supervision.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have achieved a BACP accredited Advanced Diploma in Person-Centred/Integrative Counselling, Compassionate Inquiry online short course with Gabor Maté and Cruse Bereavement Care Support Foundation Certificate.
I'm also a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which means that I work within their Ethical Framework for Good Practice.
I have lots of experience in working with bereavement and suicide from volunteering at Cruse for two years as a bereavement counsellor.
As well as heading up the therapy service at the charity Talk Club I am also one of the clinical supervisors that support the therapists.
Here is a list of the areas of counselling I can work with:
Abortion / Abuse / Addiction(s) / Affairs and betrayals / Anger Management / Anxiety / Bereavement / Bullying / Cancer / Carer support / Child-related issues / Depression /Disabilities / Dissociation / Domestic violence / Emotional abuse / Family issues / Feeling sad / Grief and loss / Learning difficulties / Loneliness / Low self-confidence / Low self-esteem / Miscarriage / Panic attacks / Phobias / Physical abuse / Pregnancy and birth / Redundancy / Relationship problems / Self-harm / Separation and divorce / Sexuality / Sexual abuse / Spirituality / Stress / Suicidal thoughts and ideation / Trauma / Work-related stress
As well as running a growing private practice in Bristol, I am also the Co-founder/ Co-CEO of the men’s mental health charity Talk Club
Please note that I am fully insured by Towergate Insurance.
Testimonials
Mr L
Gavin is the only counsellor I have returned to twice and if I felt the need to seek therapy again for a "tune-up" I would contact him without hesitation. He was able to provide me with what I needed; the space and time to talk, cry and feel my emotions. Gavin has a warmth about him that is reassuring and has a nuanced strength that holds and understands you. Coming from a related professional background I know his approach is underpinned by a well-versed understanding and I am grateful and honoured to have worked with him.
Miss. S
I was anxious at first hearing my counsellor would be a male, I wasn’t sure I’d be comfortable. However, from the very first session, Gavin was so easy to talk to and I felt the most comfortable I have ever felt with a counsellor. It truly felt different and from the very beginning, he gave me confidence he could help me and I could tell his heart and soul were in helping people. This made a huge difference, he was sincere, calming and very connected. Gavin knew I struggled to release my emotions so encouraged me to write my feelings down in-between sessions. This technique was amazing, it helped me to identify what I was really sad and anxious about. Each week he gave me time to talk through anything that came to light. He listened intently and what amazed me was, that he always remembered where we left off. I totally trusted Gavin, we talked through so much, and he helped me work through so many feelings and realise ‘It’s ok to not be ok’. Nothing is too much for an amazing person who has invested their time in listening and talking to me. I will end with saying ’Simply Superb’.
Mr J
I attended counselling with trepidation, never thought I would be in a situation of needing counselling, but after losing my mum I felt incredibly low. Gavin was great at understanding me and throughout each session, I felt more and more supported to the point where I felt comfortable very quickly. Eventually, I opened up and talked about many different issues I found myself in and the effects they had on me. Grief is something that takes a long time to get through and through Gavin's support, I feel more equipped in this process.
Mr E
I felt the space was our own, which hadn’t been the case for me in previous other counselling sessions.
I felt no judgement and quickly felt a connection with Gavin. It was a very comfortable and calm space. Where I could open up and throw shit at the wall, whatever it might’ve been.
I’d often discussed my hatred for my current employment and Gavin quickly helped me realise you can achieve more than you think you can, sometimes we all need a person to help us see that. To believe in you sometimes we need help and that’s the main thing Gavin did for me.