Amanda Burbidge

I am an integrative Counsellor and Supervisor for other Counselling professionals, with Person Centred Theory at the core of my work. I blend this with other therapeutic methods and techniques, building a therapy pathway with each client to support their individual needs and move through the process of counselling together.

These techniques and learnings include:

  • Person Centred Therapy (PCT)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
  • Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)
  • Behavioural Couples Therapy (BCT)
  • Mindfulness
  • Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)
  • Gestalt
  • Inner Child Work
  • Relaxation
  • Visualisation

Working Together

The first stage of our process focusses on relaxation, breathing techniques and creating a safe space together, so that you are able to safely process the life experiences that brought you to me.

Counselling can help you to address issues like low self-esteem, anxiety, stress, addictive behaviours, relationship difficulties, bereavement, loss, trauma, problematic behaviours, mood swings - there are many struggles that bring you to realising that you need some support. My role is to be that support, to give you a safe place to explore the root of those struggles, to identify the painful patterns and challenges, and to identify and take the steps that heal your pain, protect you from repeating traumatic experiences, and help you to build the best version of yourself and the future you deserve.

Person Centred Therapy means I work alongside my client, providing them the time to safely and confidently explore their personal thoughts and feelings.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy means working collaboratively with the client whilst they consider and explore their own thoughts, feelings/emotions and behaviour patterns.

Our first step will always be a free initial discovery call, a 10 minute conversation where you can raise and safely explore any worries and concerns that you may have, and ask any questions about counselling and what it means to you.

Often people choose to come and receive Counselling because for them the time to work through unresolved difficulties and problems is right, or they have reached a crisis point.

Counselling can empower you to identify the problems you are facing, to understand your reactions and behaviours, to process and move past issues that have held you back and been barriers to your happiness and wellbeing.

I have run a private Counselling practice in Dorset and Somerset for a number of years, and am always working on my professional development in order to support clients with any changes in current protocols and methods. In my career I have worked with Turning Point, Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service, South Somerset MIND, with Social Services, and I am registered with a number of professional bodies such as the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

The focus of all of this study, the professional standards and bodies I am registered with, the ongoing learning and professional development, is to ensure that I can provide the best and most professional support and care to every client who reaches out to me for help.

A crucial part of a client feeling safe and comfortable is where the Therapeutic Relationship is held.

To ensure I can devote the time and energy to you in a calm and very private environment, I offer sessions in person, or via WhatsApp video calls.

No matter which of these approaches you choose, I promise that my counselling services are safe, confidential, professional and personal.

Qualifications & Experience

  • (NCIP Accredited, Level 7) Advanced diploma in Counselling Supervision
  • FdSc Degree in Counselling (Distinction)
  • BACP Registered Member
  • CCETSW Social Care
  • Motivational Enhancement Therapy
  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
  • KUFs Working with Personality Disorder
  • South Somerset Drug & Alcohol Service Somerset Volunteer Counsellor
  • South Somerset MIND Counsellor, Young Carers Program
  • Accredited Provider for The Institute for Infant Loss Training
  • Accredited by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF)
  • Professional Certificate of Therapeutic Practice with Sexual Offenders (COSRT)
  • Accredited member of StopSo
  • Member of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity
  • Affiliate of the Association for Integrative Psychology

I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) this means I adhere to their Ethical Framework for Good Practice, by which you are protected. For further information please visit https://www.bacp.co.uk

My working hours are from 7.00am to 3.00pm Tuesday and Thursday in person at the Brighten Wellbeing Centre in Stoford (Click here for a Google Map link you can follow on your phone for directions).

I also offer virtual sessions from 7.00am to 6.00pm on Wednesdays.

I am aware that working hours for some people make it impossible to meet during these times so can, under some circumstances, arrange video sessions on Mondays or Fridays, or for evening sessions: please get in touch to discuss these possible adaptions.

Registered bodies and accreditations: