Stafford Wilson

My practice hours are:

Mon 9.30 - 7

Tue 12.00 - 7

Wed 9.30 - 7

Thur 9.30 - 11

I am a qualified integrative counsellor practising in Bristol since 2013. I currently practice from my home in Southville. I work with a wide range of issues and specialise in addiction, shame-based issues, trauma and related mental health. I have also helped clients with depression and anxiety. I focus on the quality of the client-counsellor relationship in order to create a therapeutic partnership of trust and compassion. My approach is mainly person-centred and also informed by psycho-dynamic, Gestalt and Jungian theory.

My background is in support work and mental health services. I have over 15 years experience of working with very vulnerable clients (mainly ex-homeless) with common problems such as addiction, depression, personality disorders, anger issues, OCD, PTSD, sexual abuse, etc...

My own personal history and experience of facing shame related issues has also significantly influenced my counselling approach. I have great respect for your autonomy and the coping skills that may serve an essential role in protecting something inside from being overwhelmed. I believe you are the expert on yourself!

I am also a qualified holistic masseur and have always been interested in the relationship between mind, body, spirit and soul. I do not incorporate any physical touch in my counselling practice but I encourage connection to the body to help work through difficult emotions.

Counselling is a safe space where you can talk about problems and share difficult emotions without shame or judgement. We often feel that we should be able to deal with our problems without others help. But it is often through sharing and opening up to others, that we can find the way to heal ourselves. Trauma, mental or emotional problems, disconnect us from ourselves and others. Sharing our pain and our story (in a relationship where it can be held safely) can allow us to value, respect and have compassion for all parts of ourselves (especially the parts that are hurting). This re-integration unblocks our creative/healing potential and our sense of purpose and meaning. Allowing us to accept where we our right now in our lives and transcend stuck or painful patterns of behaviour, emotions and beliefs.

I offer an initial 50 minute consultation (preferably in-person) at a reduced fee of £25. This is an opportunity for us to meet, to discuss what you are bringing to therapy, your goals and my approach. If you decide to go ahead, we can then begin weekly sessions from the following week.