Geraldine Southgate

I work from home and offer counselling sessions during weekdays and with some  early evening availability. I would hope that we could find a mutually acceptable day and time to work together.

Frequency of sessions is very much open to discussion as not everyone wants or needs weekly sessions. 

I offer face-to-face sessions, online and telephone sessions

Arrangements for out- of-hours contact would be discussed individually.

Choosing a counsellor is a lot like shopping. You know you need something but you may not be sure quite what. You begin the process of ‘window shopping’, doing your research, comparing prices, location, choices available. You step into a shop or two, try a few things to get the best ‘fit’ for you, and then you make your choice.

I have  worked as a counsellor since 1984, in the charity sector (London Brook Advisory Centres), in primary health care (GP surgeries) and in education ( primary and secondary schools and a local college) - so pretty much with all age groups and with most problems, issues and concerns that we may encounter in our lives. I am not a specialist counsellor in any one field. I have indicated in the section ‘ how can I help?’ the range of issues I have explored with clients.

I am an accredited member of the BACP who has, over the years, developed a broad, eclectic way of working as I do not believe there is a one- size-fits-all therapy. Every client is unique, and will have a particular idea as to how many sessions they would like to have and a particular preference as to how they would like to work - conversationally, creatively, practically, plumbing the depths of their past, staying in the here- and- now, developing goals for the future.

Please do ring me to have a discussion about what you are looking for from counselling, and if what I know and how I work is a good ‘fit’ for you.

I also welcome enquiries from trainee counsellors who are looking for personal therapy or supervision.

I cut my counselling ‘teeth’ at London Brook where we made every session count, in case our clients only came the once.

My G.P. surgery clients were offered six to eight sessions, demonstrating how time-limited work can really focus the mind and move the therapy along, be enough in itself or be a stepping stone on to further therapy. 

My school counselling fitted within a twelve to fifteen session framework, although some students dipped in and out of counselling throughout their school life.

All this to say that I offer the skills and flexibility to work in a brief, time- limited or longer term way.

Although I trained as an Integrative counsellor I have become more eclectic over the years, absorbing elements from different approaches, and offering a counselling experience which is responsive to the unique needs and wishes of each client.

Goals are formulated and worked towards; regular reviews check how we are doing, keep us focused and on track; endings are planned for.

After an initial telephone conversation ( in which we will have discussed matters of frequency  and length of sessions and how they will be delivered; cost; privacy, confidentiality and safeguarding boundaries, etc ) our first session will be  an exploration… an experience of a counselling session with me… and the option to book further sessions, take some time to think things over, or perhaps to say it is not for you at this moment.

I am available for daytime or early evening session and would hope that we could find a mutually acceptable day and time. I offer 1-2 hour sessions according to need. Frequency of sessions would also be discussed as part of setting up a contract.

I work from home and I am happy to offer face-to- face sessions. I am also flexible to work online via Zoom/Teams or via telephone.

I would endeavour to give good notice regarding dates when I would be unavailable for sessions.

I have been an Integrative counsellor since 1984 (please see my Therapist profile for details ) and within the latter 20yrs I have provided in-house and external supervision for pre- and post- qualified counsellors, within numerous GP surgeries, primary and secondary schools, counselling organisations and private practice.

As with therapy, I have always regarded supervision as a relational, collaborative process which is respectful of the supervisee’s modality, and within which supervisees can explore and develop their own personal style and practise.

My supervision  is part supportive - offering a containing space in which to think, reflect and look at processes; part educational - sharing my knowledge and experience across a range of issues, problems and concerns; part monitoring - being conversant with and upholding the BACP code of ethics and practise.

I am delighted to be able to say that I can now offer clinical or top-up supervision, supported by a Diploma in Counselling Supervision, alongside my more than 20yrs of supervising experience.

If you are looking for a supervisor with a wealth of theoretical and practical knowledge and experience then please feel free to contact me for an initial discussion.

I strive to offer a non- judgemental supervision space based on mutual respect and openness,  which fosters curiosity, exploration and creativity, and which is adaptable and flexible to meet clinical need, and which allows the work to emerge in an uncritical way.

 I would hope to always be receptive to feedback, acknowledging and discussing difference and differences of thought and opinion, and resolving rifts or ruptures.

First and foremost, a first session is a conversation - to explore hopes and expectations and the ‘fit’ with what I can offer, and to see whether or not we feel sufficiently attuned that we can work together.

This would also be the time to discuss practicalities and fine-tune our contract for going forward.