Kerry Barnes

Whether at the start of a therapeutic journey or for personal development or support, I work collaboratively to help people make sense of how they feel. Our patterns of response develop as resourceful ways of coping with situations, but over time things change and patterns can become stuck and unhelpful. Understanding this can help to free us from feelings of inadequacy or helplessness, we become more self-accepting and able to make choices that nurture us and build resilience. As a counsellor I bear witness to how experiences have impacted people and I provide a safe, confidential atmosphere which facilitates this sensitive exploration. I continue to work on developing awareness of my privilege and bias.

Issues that I work with include anxiety; depression; loss; bereavement; health problems; parenting concerns; trauma and abuse; self harm; work stress and relationship problems. I work with people who have experience of trauma,  distress related to pregancy and birth, and people in front line roles and emergency services.

I am a senior accredited member of BACP and abide by its ethical framework. I have 30 years experience of working as a counsellor in higher education, the NHS, workplace counselling, school counselling and private work. I have also supervised counsellors on placement and in working towards accreditation. My counselling qualifications include: Diploma in Counselling; Masters in Counselling; Certification of Supervision of counsellors; I have trained in trauma therapy and I have a diploma in hypnobirthing. 

I currently offer telephone and video counselling, but not face to face work.

Before a first session I recommend a telephone conversation so that we can establish whether I might be suitable for your needs, and you can ask me questions about my practice and experience.