Susan Aston

My availability is Monday to Friday 10am 8pm

• Compassionate, caring, supportive, mindful.
• I work with adults who are Anxious, Depressed, Bereaved, Autistic, have a history of Adverse Childhood Experiences. Abuse, Social anxiety, Confidence or Self -Esteem issues, Stress, Menopause
• Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
• Member of the BACP and adhere to their Ethical Framework
• TQUK Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF)
• Mental Health First Aid Trainer
• Certificate in Mindfulness for Professionals
• Registered with the ICO for Data Protection
• Fully Insured
• DBS Checked
• Online & Telephone Counselling Certificate
• CPD Understanding and supporting Autistic clients
  
• CPD Training for Bereavement Counselling
• Experience of Bereavement support with Families in Grief Charity
  
• Contributor to research project by Lincoln University/NAS/Dogs for Good charity investigating why dogs affect autistic children and the impact on the family, research results published Feb 2016
  
• I have twenty five years of lived experience of Autism and am sympathetic and empathic to seeing life through a different lens, delivering counselling suitable for autistic adults or parents/carers of autistic family members. I have over four years experience of working with bereavement in the charity sector, working creatively, respecting the uniqueness of each journey of grief and loss.

Sometimes we can feel anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, helpless, hopeless, lost. We want something better, a sense of peace, safety, harmony, clarity, warmth, joy, fun, positivity, triumph, curiosity and happiness. 

I will walk alongside you, to share your journey, to acknowledge your pain and hurt, your grief and sorrow, your stress and anxiety. Together we can share the burden, to find some respite, a time to reflect and explore, be curious of self, in an environment of safety and non-judgement.

At some point in our lives most of us experience times of challenge, adjustment, loss and uncertainty. Reaching out for counselling can be the hardest step, maybe the most courageous step you may undertake, you are not alone.

I work in an integrative person centred way, which means you are at the heart of our sessions together, in an atmosphere that is empathic, non-judgemental and genuine, that allows you to tell your story, in your own words, to be heard and acknowledged. I am also trained and qualified by the British Mindfulness Academy, to incorporate Mindfulness and Breathwork safely and ethically into my counselling sessions, where appropriate and some clients find this additional aspect to sessions helpful and calming.

I have undertaken additional training in working with bereavement, underpinned by my experience of volunteering with Families in Grief charity. 

My experience also involves twenty five years lived experience of Autism within the family. Alongside additional professional development in counselling for those with Autism.

I am also a qualified Mental Health Instructor delivering mental health training to organisations such as RABI, JLR and others through Red Umbrella

The relationship with a counsellor is personal and individual for all of us. Our first session together is a time to get to know each other and when I also take administration details and go through the Counselling Agreement, so that you are clear on what I offer as a counsellor. This initial session is free of charge, without obligation, please allow 45 - 60 minutes for this.

Sessions can be face to face, online or telephone.

My fees are £50 per hour.