Sue Cook

As a therapist and supervisor I feel my approach is integrative. This allows me to blend my various training courses and CPD into a model that offers the Core Conditions to my clients and supervisees whilst also having a framework to explore the issues they bring. I work creatively when it feels appropriate with my clients and supervisees. This can really enhance the work providing it is offered within a safe and trusting space. However, I only do this if the client/supervisee is comfortable with this approach.

I use the Supervisory Alliance model developed by Proctor who referred to it as a “cooperative enterprise between colleagues.” It focuses on three distinct areas, or lenses, by which to view the work: Formative which relates to educating the supervisee, Normative which relates to monitoring standards and working safely and ethically and Restorative which relates to what she calls ‘refreshing’ the supervisee and attending to their well-being.

I understand how vulnerable supervisees can feel when they present their work to their supervisor and this quote really resonates with me and how I want to be as a supervisor:

“Yeats’ famous line ‘Tread softly because you tread on my dreams’, is very applicable to supervision; “Tread lightly, you tread on my work, and how I see it, and how I view myself.” Our talking places our lives in the hands of others. It is essential that we choose carefully into whose hands, and control, we place our dreams and our work.” Michael Carroll

I live and work in Bishops Cleeve, north of Cheltenham. There are plenty of opportunities to walk and talk if that appeals to you.  

If you feel you would like to have a 30 minute preliminary meeting, free of charge, to see if you feel I’m the right supervisor for you please call, email, text or use the contact page and I will get back to you as soon as I can. At our preliminary meeting we will:

Get to know each other as human beings. Do we connect? Are we likely to be able to form a genuine and trusting relationship? Are we able to share something of ourselves and our lives in order to build this relationship?

We will talk about the client work you are doing and the setting you work in.

We will explore what it is you want and need from supervision and whether I am able to provide this for you. How we will ensure that you are getting what you need from supervision if you decide to work with me. How we will review and evaluate our work.

I am currently unable to offer any evening appointments. Please contact me by email initially and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you so much.

The counselling approach that I’m trained in is called Person Centred and as the name suggests it places great importance on the client being the expert in their own life. It means that I will work with you to understand what might be the cause of whatever difficulties you are experiencing and to bring about the changes that you would like to see.

There is no fixed process. Everyone is different and I use my experience and knowledge to find a way that will work for you and to address your particular needs. I understand that the pain you are going through is more often than not the result of an unfortunate set of life experiences. I never judge you. My role is to help you move forward.

Whilst I enjoy working with adults I'm also passionate about helping young people and have specialist training in this area. There are so many pressures on children and young people in the society that we live in and this is having a huge impact on their mental health. Early intervention is really important. I have lots of creative ways of engaging young clients. I have extensive experience of working with young people.I really enjoy being alongside them and helping them to make sense of their world.

I live and work in Bishops Cleeve, noth of Cheltenham.   I have a comfortable and welcoming room. Weather permitting I am happy to do 'walk and talk' therapy in the surrounding countryside. 

I no longer offer sessions via Zoom as I prefer to be in a room with my clients.

I appreciate that you may feel uncomfortable about contacting me and I want to make it as easy as possible. When you are going through a tough time picking up the phone can be the last thing you want to do.

You can call me if you wish, but you can also text or email me. Be sure to indicate which is your preferred way for me to contact you.

I will then contact you using your chosen method and either arrange a free introductory session (30 minutes) or book an appointment for your first counselling session.

I look forward to hearing from you.