About me - Mary Bird MBACP (Accred)
I am a qualified Accredited Psychodynamic Counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). I hold a Diploma in Psychodynamic counselling and have worked for many years within the private and voluntary sectors. As part of my continuing professional development I also have training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focussed and Short Term therapy.

I offer confidential, professional one to one Psychodynamic Counselling to individuals wishing to make sense of themselves and/or their life. I work with clients in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental relationship. Within this counselling relationship an understanding and insight into such issues as anger, loss, conflict, guilt, anxiety, lack of confidence, low self esteem and depression may be achieved.

As a member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) I am bound by its Ethical Framework for Good Practice.

About counselling
What is counselling and how might it benefit?
Counselling can be described as a type of help based on listening. Sometimes just to have the opportunity to talk, and know that you are being heard by someone who is not going to jump in with advice or judge you, can make a difference.

Many of us can experience difficult times in our lives. Those seeking counselling may have personal and/or relationship difficulties, maybe a feeling of unhappiness and discontent, or a wish to resolve specific problems. Psychodynamic counselling can help you explore your thoughts and feelings, and perhaps make sense of where you are in life and how you got there. Looking at the issues that may concern you can give you understanding and insight. Psychodynamic counselling can be both challenging and painful, which means commitment is required as we re-experience past difficulties or memories, and perhaps look at uncomfortable feelings.

How long are the sessions and how many will be required?
Counselling sessions are weekly at the same regular time and of 50 minutes duration. You might come for a short and/or fixed number of sessions to look at a specific issue, or on an open-ended basis.