Susan Blackburn

I work in Plymouth (PL1 3JX) on Mondays and Tuesdays and in Exeter (EX4 4JA) on Wednesdays.

I have current availability for adults (over 18 years) and young people aged 12-17.

I see clients for short and long-term work as an integrated counsellor and psychotherapist.

I trained initially as a counsellor working in a person-centred model, with gestalt and CBT. I have worked for many years in Higher and Further Education, and have post-qualifying training and experience working with over 12's in secondary schools as a counsellor.

I have since completed an MA in mindfulness-based psychotherapy which allows me to work with you in depth.

I feel it is important to find a therapist that you can open up to in a close relationship built on trust. So after an initial consultation where we meet to discuss what you are looking for from me, we contract for six sessions. This gives us both time to see whether the relationship is going to work, and for me to help you clarify what you are looking for. I will help you with referrals to other therapists if I feel that this is in your best interests.  

I work with adults and young people on a wide variety of issues and I find that as our relationship deepens the underlying issue emerges more clearly over time. I have taken a particular interest in early attachment and trauma. This has an impact on our ability to cope with losses and changes that are an inevitable part of being human. My training in mindfulness psychotherapy has deepened my own practice and I have a regular spiritual practice as a Quaker that informs my work.

I have worked with significant losses, especially bereavement, redundancy, and life-changing medical diagnoses and interventions. As a lone twin, I have found my own path following my sister's death when we were babies. 

I am particularly interested in helping people move forward and thrive after difficult experiences that may leave them unsure and alone. This involves working together, often creatively, to explore new ways of being. Ones that feel unique and lead to the right path for each person.

I offer in-person and online work. I prefer to be able to see someone in-person for some of the time, a way of working known as blended practice. We set aside a regular time and place to meet. I offer face-to-face appointments in Plymouth and Exeter near train and bus services.

I will take some details from you over the phone. If you are under 18 years old, then I also need to seek permission from your parent or carer before proceeding.

If it seems appropriate, I will book an initial consultation of about 30 minutes. It is a chance to meet in an online setting or face to face whether you are looking for in-person therapy, online, or blended practice. 

The initial consultation helps me understand what has been happening and whether I can offer what you need, but it is also about giving one another a chance to meet and get a feel for each other. I do not charge for this appointment and there is no obligation to proceed at this stage. 

If on reflection you would like to proceed and it seems right on my side, I would offer you a contract for six initial sessions giving more time for mutual consideration of what is needed. 

For some people, this is all they need to help them orientate, but in other cases, more open-ended work follows from our early sessions.