Our Counsellors
Meet our small team of caring and qualified counsellors, all of whom are BACP or NCPS members and supported by experienced supervisors.
Ria Hickman
My name is Ria (she/her). I am a counsellor who values building meaningful relationships and who has a passion for supporting others as they navigate challenges, nurture their mental health and pursue personal growth. I genuinely care about how people are doing beneath the surface. I know how hard it can be to reach out for support, so I aim to make therapy feel approachable, collaborative and grounded in real connection.
Read more...
Areas of Experience:
I have experience of supporting adults facing a broad range of emotional and life challenges, including anxiety, depression, low self-confidence and significant transitions such as family conflict, separation, divorce and bereavement. I also work with individuals managing disability or chronic illness, helping them address the emotional and identity challenges that accompany long-term health issues.
A fundamental part of my work involves exploring how early experiences shape current behaviour. Many clients feel stuck in patterns rooted in unresolved childhood wounds. Using inner-child-focused work, I help them gain insight, shift long-standing patterns and build greater emotional clarity and freedom.
How I work:
My approach is person-centred, and I integrate other therapeutic perspectives when helpful. I work with empathy, without judgement, and alongside you as you move toward greater clarity and connection with yourself.
It is not essential that you know exactly why you are considering therapy. Perhaps you have a deep longing to be truly heard. What brings you to therapy is something that we explore together as you begin to feel supported by the therapeutic process and the feeling of trust and safety that is created between us in our therapeutic relationship.
I can offer you the time to pause, reflect and contemplate so that you can explore and find what is needed to live life to the full. When the right environment is provided and connections are formed, change can happen. We can do this together at your own pace. I am empathic, non-judgemental and here to support you in your journey.
Qualifications & Membership:
- Foundation Degree in Counselling (University of Plymouth)
- Degree in Psychology (University of Swansea, 2002 – 2005)
- I am an Accredited Member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) NCS24-04054
Becky Knee
Approaching or returning to counselling is a hugely positive step, and working with the right counsellor is key. My hope for you is that our work together can equip you with the insights, tools and reflections to enable you to work through trauma, loss, internal conflicts, identity struggles, life changes, anxiety, depression and more.
Read more...
I provide diligent, professional, empathic and compassionate counselling that will meet you where you need to be met in your individual situation and therapy goals.
I am an integrative counsellor using person-centred theory, gestalt, psychosynthesis and psychodynamic techniques to help clients explore and better understand themselves, their experiences and responses, and the origins of emotions and distress, in the quest for change, healing, serenity and self-acceptance.
I have experience of therapy’s profound transformational impact, both personally and for my clients.
I am inclusive, have an inherent understanding of neurodiversity, carers’ issues, SEND parenting, the toll of navigating the SEN system for parents, and multiple parenting. I have also supported clients with a wide range of issues, as below.
I welcome clients from all backgrounds, ages and personal circumstances. I offer a warm, secure, empathic space within which we can explore your feelings and responses to relationships, life events and the world.
I believe the key to successful therapy is an excellent client-therapist relationship. Above all, openness and understanding will enable you to benefit from the positive changes that can occur for you following work at relational depth.
Areas of experience:
Abuse, ADD / ADHD, AIDS/HIV, Anxiety, Autism spectrum, Bereavement, Cancer, Chronic fatigue syndrome / ME, Cultural issues, Depression, Disability, Health related issues, Identity issues, LGBTQ+ counselling, Loss, Menopause, Men’s issues, Mood disorder, Neurodiversity, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy related issues, Redundancy, Relationships, Self esteem, Sensory impairment, Sexual identity, Sexuality, Stress, Trauma, Women’s issues and Work-related issues.
Models used:
- Creative therapy
- Existential
- Gestalt
- Humanistic
- Integrative
- Person centred
- Psychoanalytic
- Psychodynamic
- Psychosynthesis
- Transpersonal
Qualifications:
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Emily Ferry Woodard
Welcome, my name is Emily, I’m a qualified Counsellor. I hold a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and a BA (Hons) degree in Creative Arts Therapies Studies with Fine Art. I offer a warm, compassionate approach where I listen with an open heart and hold what you bring to counselling with care, non-judgement and respect.
Read more...
Together we will create a space for you to tend to your heart, land in your body and feel held. I’m an integrative counselor, my work is rooted in a person-centred approach. I welcome you to reach out and connect. My aim is to create an environment for you to feel comfortable and supported from the beginning.
My experience informs my way of working to be client led and trauma informed. We collaboratively establish a safe space as a foundation to building a trusting therapeutic relationship. I bring curiosity to the process, supporting you to make sense of what you are feeling, and what it means to you. My approach is gentle and patient, giving the time and space you need to process your experiences. I trust in the intelligence that emerges from the body and it’s emotional landscape. I endeavor to work in a way that empowers you, that acknowledges and appreciates your unique qualities and ways of moving through life.
Areas of experience:
During my career, I’ve built experience of working with Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP), Sensory Processing Sensitivities, Chronic health conditions, Chronic Fatigue / ME / Long-covid, Disability, Neurodivergence, Trauma, Stress and Overwhelm, Relationships, Sexuality, Menstrual cycle awareness, Pregnancy related issues, LGBTQI+, Anxiety, Depression, Life transitions, Low self-esteem, Abuse, Addiction.
Models used:
The models of care I integrate into my practice are:
- Compassion Focussed Therapy
- Focussing
- Emotion Focussed Therapy
- Therapeutic Creative Expression
- Embodied Therapy
- Eco-Somatics / Eco Therapy
Qualifications:
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling – CPCAB
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies – CPCAB
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills – City of Bristol College
- BA Honours Degree in Creative Arts Therapy Studies with Fine Art – University of Plymouth with City of Bristol College
Jake Voelcker
My journey into therapy started over ten years ago when I was struggling with my own anxiety and depression. I found counselling helpful and life-changing, so I decided to train as a counsellor. And even more important than training is who I am at heart – a caring, empathic, real person who ‘gets it’ and is on your side.
Read more...
Am I the right therapist for you?
Perhaps you have a clear story to tell, or perhaps you’re feeling confused, unsure or conflicted? At your pace we can uncover the thoughts and feelings underneath, and make sense of the themes that emerge. I work with clients who want to go deeper and discover the root cause of the issues they are facing.
How will we work together?
You might come to me because of relationship issues, anxiety, work challenges, low self-esteem, bereavement or past traumas – these can feel like daunting problems, but I’ve helped people get to grips with them all. I’m an integrative counsellor – which means I’m trained in multiple types of therapy, and together we can find the style which suits you best.
Above all, it works because of the relationship we build. By creating a safe, supportive space to uncover and process emotions without judgement or criticism, we can work our way through them and reduce their impact on your life.
I have experience of working with people from varied cultural and social backgrounds, neurodivergent people and LGBTQ+ people, and I’m proud to call myself an ally. I believe in empowering you to be yourself, to grow and develop, to live as who you truly are. After working with me, clients say they feel seen, heard, connected, released, clearer, stronger and more confident in themselves.
Qualifications & Membership:
- Counselling FdA (University of Plymouth)
- Counselling Certificate (City of Bristol College)
- ASIST suicide intervention trained
- Certificate of Competence in Rewind Trauma Therapy
- Trained in mindfulness and grounding techniques
- I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP 414599)
- I am fully insured, I have regular professional supervision, and I undertake ongoing CPD
Chloe Cozzolino
Hi, my name is Chloe. I am a qualified therapist with a First-Class BSc (Hons) degree in Counselling. I specialise in trauma stabilisation, addiction issues, identity exploration, and relational difficulties. I offer a warm, compassionate, and non-judgemental space where you can explore your emotions, thoughts and experiences safely.
Read more...
My belief is that therapy is a collaborative and relational process, meaning we work together to deepen your self-awareness, build healthy boundaries, and strengthen your inner resilience. My aim is to support you in developing practical tools for managing life’s challenges while fostering self-compassion and emotional stability.
Areas of experience:
During my career I have worked with a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, confidence issues, the impact of ADHD, and other forms of neurodiversity. I have also supported clients living with cancer, and other chronic illnesses, as well as their families, helping them navigate the emotional, relational, and identity-based impact of long-term health conditions. Alongside this, I have specialist experience in addiction and trauma work, supporting clients as they move toward achieving a greater sense of wholeness and stability from within.
Models used:
My practice is integrative, meaning I draw from a number of therapeutic models, tailored to your individual needs. My foundations lie within humanistic principles, but I can incorporate solution-focused models, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), compassion-focused work, inner child work and cognitive behavioural skills (CBT). By blending my approach, means we can work together in a way that is safe, supportive and empowering, whilst helping you remain grounded and present as you grow.
I know reaching out for support can be daunting, but you do not have to face life’s difficulties alone.
Lauren Williams
My name is Lauren Williams, and I have a passion for using my skills to help people to make changes for themselves. I have lots of experience in providing help, support and interventions for people who are struggling with the obstacles that life can bring.
Read more...
My focus as a counsellor is on creating a supportive, compassionate space where you feel accepted and safe. I practice with a Person-Centred Approach and use techniques from other modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy where helpful. My practice is neurodivergent-informed. I will take the time to understand what works for you to build our therapeutic relationship.
Simon Stansfield
Hi, my name is Simon and I’m a qualified pluralistic counsellor with a Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling. I work with clients using a variety of techniques that suit your unique needs, at a pace that you choose, in a direction that works for you. I am a believer in the person-centred approach, that you know yourself and my role is to try to help you understand yourself better.
Read more...
We will work together in a collaborative way. I offer a non-judgmental, empathic, respectful and warm environment.
Areas of experience:
I have experience in working with Depression, Anxiety, Self-worth, Suicidal Ideation, Childhood Trauma, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Divorce, Adult Trauma, Coercive Control and Sexual Abuse.
Christina Garven
Hello, I’m Christina Garven. I am a qualified counsellor with a Chrysalis Level 3 Diploma in Hypnotherapy and Level 4 & 5 Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling. I believe that every one of us is born with a light, something innate, good, and deeply our own. Over time, life’s experiences and relationships can dim that light, and at times it may feel as though we’re standing in a darkened room with no idea how to find our way back to ourselves.
Read more...
I work in a pluralistic way, valuing the uniqueness of each person. In our first session, I take the time to understand your needs, and together we choose the approaches that best support your own way of healing.
I also work spiritually and holistically, teaching wellness, mindfulness, and the importance of self-care. One of my favourite metaphors is how we care for a car:
If we never service it, never change the oil, and expect it to take us on a long journey without filling the tank, it simply won’t get very far.
Many of us try to keep going while running on empty. When we are nourished and grounded, we can go the distance, and even invite others along. As a foster parent, this belief guides the way I live and support those around me: we must become the people we hope our children will grow into.
My counselling style is warm, empathetic, and grounded in the person-centred belief, echoed by Carl Rogers — that every person has an inner core of goodness and potential. I hold that same trust in everyone I work with.
Whether you feel lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, you don’t have to find your way alone. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you as you step back toward your light.
Natalie McEntee
Hi, my name is Natalie McEntee, I qualified as a counsellor in 2015. I have been working in mental health since then, often focusing on addiction recovery. I take a person-centred approach to my work. As an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and education, I want to make mental health support a safe space for all.
Chris Harris
Hi, I’m Chris Harris, a registered Integrative Counsellor with NCPS and qualified mental health nurse. I’m known for being empathetic, compassionate, and non-judgmental, offering a safe space where your needs come first. Using a person-centred foundation, I blend various therapeutic approaches to suit your unique journey, whether you prefer a non-directive style or structured methods.
Read more...
Together, we may explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours as they relate to your personal circumstances. We will always work in alignment with your comfort and goals. My role is to support your self-exploration, awareness, healing, and transformation.
Integrative counselling is about co-creating a therapeutic relationship that’s uniquely tailored to your needs. This approach allows us to draw from a variety of therapeutic methods to best support your individual circumstances. By working together in this flexible and personalised way, we can safely explore your experience and challenges.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if my approach resonates with you, I would love to hear from you.
Main Specialties & Expertise:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Men’s Issues
- ADHD
- Substance Use
- Processing Trauma
Models used:
- Person Centred
- Transactional Analysis
- CBT
- Creative Therapy
- Internal Family Systems
Qualifications:
- Fda: Integrative Counselling, University of Plymouth 2024
- Degree: Mental Health Nursing, UWE 2014
- Degree: Creative Music Technology, Bath Spa University 2009
Contact us
If you would like to take the next step towards your counselling journey, we'd be delighted to hear from you. Please reach out to us by email, our Contact form or by WhatsApp, text or call on 07597 302810.