Bernadette Sansome

Qualifications and Experience

I qualified in 2019 with a First Class (hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy. I engage in regular CPD that is sometimes determined by the client groups presenting concerns, but always with a view to learn and develop my knowledge and skills as a practitioner. I am happy to show evidence of my continued learning and qualifications if required.

I hold an Enhanced DBS if ever this is required, for example if I work with a client who may be identified as vulnerable.

Since qualifying I have run a successful private practice attracting clients from all walks of life, providing support for clients with a broad range of life experiences related to family, relationships, work, identity, loss and bereavement.

Manchester Location

I offer face to face counselling sessions in Manchester and Blackburn, as well as appointments via video call (Zoom or Teams).

As the space is in a Manchester City Centre it is easily accessible by public transport.

My room is located on floor four of the Royal Exchange Building, St Ann's Square, and is fully accessible via stairs or lifts with fully accessible toilet facilities. This is a beautiful building retaining much of its original features.

Appointment Information

Sessions are usually 50 minutes duration and held weekly dependent on your needs as a client. We will discuss this at the initial consultation and review once therapy has begun.

My Approach

My approach is collaborative and supportive. I adapt the therapy to suit you as an individual. I recognise coming into therapy is not an easy choice and often clients do not know what to expect. Confidentiality and respect are central to how I work with you. I offer a non-judgemental therapeutic relationship. My role is to walk beside you as you explore those experiences that cause you discomfort, discontent, confusion, or sadness. Together we journey towards understanding, validation, and acceptance which is the point that change can happen for you if this is what you seek.

Type of Therapy

Person-centred Counselling is a talking therapy that takes a journey to a way of being that allows you to really understand your feelings and emotions that are part of your way of being. You will be free to explore and express your experiences without fear of judgement. Sometimes therapy if the first place you feel not just listened to, but actually heard.

Recognising you have the capacity within to make the changes you wish to make so that you can be the best version of yourself is a powerful journey. You are the orchestrator of change in your life and experience. My role is to support you as you find the path you are seeking, and I will do this with respect, understanding, and honesty.

Clients

Clients come from a range of backgrounds and presenting concerns. I work with individuals according to their needs at the time. I am qualified to work with all adults and young people from the age of 16 and over. I also work with small businesses who wish to support their employees with therapy. 

Complementary, No Obligation, Consultation

Prior to commencing a therapeutic journey with me, I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation via telephone or zoom. This can also be face to face if you prefer subject to availability.

This session allows you to get a sense of me and how I work. You will have opportunity to ask any questions you may have. This session will enable me to understand your aims from counselling before we begin that work. This first session also gives us both an opportunity to know whether we can work together towards meeting your needs. Some of the consultation time is used to discuss the therapeutic contract and agree in principle the number and frequency of sessions you may initially seek.

I will share with you my practical aspects of our work together and what needs to happen before we begin working together. This means that your firs counselling session is just counselling – we will not need to complete any administration tasks.

What Next?

Once you confirm you would like to work with me, I will forward relevant communication (as discussed in the consultation) and your first appointment will be agreed. You have already begun your therapeutic journey at this point.

Office Hours in Blackburn

Monday:    08:00 - 20:00

Thursday:  08:00 - 20:00

I work flexibly between the hours stated above to meet client needs and availability. I see a maximum of five clients per day.

I also offer appointments via video (Zoom or Teams) for those clients who do not wish to travel or do not live in the area.

Qualifications and Experience

I qualified in 2019 with a First Class (hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy. I engage in regular CPD that is sometimes determined by the client groups presenting concerns, but always with a view to learn and develop my knowledge and skills as a practitioner. I am happy to show evidence of my continued learning and qualifications if required.

I hold an Enhanced DBS if ever this is required, for example if I work with a client who may be identified as vulnerable.

Since qualifying I have run a successful private practice attracting clients from all walks of life, providing support for clients with a broad range of life experiences related to family, relationships, work, identity, loss and bereavement.

Blackburn Location

The therapy space in Blackburn is located two minutes’ walk from Cherry Tree Train Station, and right by the Preston – Blackburn bus route.

My room is located on the first floor of a set of offices, benefits from natural light. Clients need to be able to use the stairs as there is no lift.

I also offer face to face appointments in Manchester - please see my Manchester Therapist profile. 

Appointments also available via video call (Zoom or Teams).

Appointment Information

Sessions are usually 50 minutes duration and held weekly dependent on your needs as a client. We will discuss this at the initial consultation and review once therapy has begun.

My approach

My approach is collaborative and supportive. I adapt the therapy to suit you as an individual. I recognise coming into therapy is not an easy choice and often clients do not know what to expect. Confidentiality and respect are central to how I work with you. I offer a non-judgemental therapeutic relationship. My role is to walk beside you as you explore those experiences that cause you discomfort, discontent, confusion, or sadness. Together we journey towards understanding, validation, and acceptance which is the point that change can happen for you if this is what you seek.

Type of Therapy

Person-centred Counselling is a talking therapy that takes a journey to a way of being that allows you to really understand your feelings and emotions that are part of your way of being. You will be free to explore and express your experiences without fear of judgement. Sometimes therapy is the first place you feel not just listened to, but actually heard.

Recognising you have the capacity within to make the changes you wish to make so that you can be the best version of yourself is a powerful journey. You are the orchestrator of change in your life and experience. My role is to support you as you find the path you are seeking, and I will do this with respect, understanding, and honesty.

Clients

Clients come from a range of backgrounds and presenting concerns. I work with individuals according to their needs at the time. I am qualified to work with all adults and young people from the age of 16 and over. I also work with small businesses who wish to support their employees with therapy. 

Complimentary, No Obligation, Consultation

Prior to commencing a therapeutic journey with me, I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation via telephone or zoom. This can also be face to face if you prefer subject to availability.

This session allows you to get a sense of me and how I work. You will have opportunity to ask any questions you may have. This session will enable me to understand your aims from counselling before we begin that work. This first session also gives us both an opportunity to know whether we can work together towards meeting your needs. Some of the consultation time is used to discuss the therapeutic contract and agree in principle the number and frequency of sessions you may initially seek.

I will share with you my practical aspects of our work together and what needs to happen before we begin working together. This means that your firs counselling session is just counselling – we will not need to complete any administration tasks.

What Next?

Once you confirm you would like to work with me, I will forward relevant communication (as discussed in the consultation) and your first appointment will be agreed. You have already begun your therapeutic journey at this point.

I offer 'Walk & Talk therapy on Monays and Thursdays.

First appointment: 8am

Last appointment: 2pm during winter months, 4pm during summer months

I offer Walk & Talk therapy in Witton Park/Pleasington Playing Fields, Blackburn

I began working as a psychotherapist in 2018 and have run my own private practice since September 2019. Originally all my work was therapy room based working in-person/face to face with clients. When covid hit, I took on aditional training so that I could competently offer counselling remotely (usually via zoom).  In 2022 I undertook further training so that I could offer 'Walk & Talk' therapy. 

Sometimes it is easier fore some clients to talk as they walk. Being in a room, sat down or on a video call or phone does not suit all clients. However to be able to 'Walk & Talk', particularly in nature, is more appealing to some clients. 

I offer a free of charge consultation. This is usually via zoom.

The call time is approximately 30 minutes. It gives us an opportunity to get some understanding of each other. It allows you, the client to make a judgement on whether or not it feels 'OK' when you are talking to me. It is important you feel safe in the therapeutic space, and know that what you share will be held respectfully, without judgement, and empathically. 

In this first session I will share with you the principles of working together including,  my way of working,  matters around confidentiality, my ethical practice, and what we shoult expect from each other. I will also share with you my administration processes.

We will also discuss the requirements of a risk assessment for the purpose of Walk & Talk therapy - this is different from working via zoom or in-person. Because we will be in a public place for Walk & Talk appointments, there are factors areound confidentiality that are unique to that environment.

There will be an opportunity for you to share (what is safe for you at the time) what it is you are seeking therapy for and what you hope to achieve.

Through this time, we will get a sense of each other and be able to work out if I am the right therapist for you.

Working Hours

• • Monday: 08:00 – 20:00 (Blackburn office)
•  Tuesday: Midday – 20:00 (Manchester office)
• • Wednesday: Midday – 20:00 (Manchester office)
• • Thursday: 08:00 – 20:00 (Blackburn office)

My working hours are flexible, and I offer a choice of in-person or video call (Zoom or Teams) appointments to supervisees. I hold a maximum of five appointments per working day so this means we can usually find a mutually convenient time to meet.

How I work

My core modality in counselling is as a person-centred psychotherapist. My training in Supervision was through the Macclesfield Counselling and Training Centre where I studied and have since practices Hawkins and Shohets 7 Eyed Model of Supervision. This model lends itself to supervise those who practice Person Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy and those who do not.

Who I work With

I work with qualified counsellors and psychotherapists as well as those professionals working in other helping professions. My style is supportive, collaborative, but also appropriately challenging.

Why Supervision

Supervision is a key element in supporting ethical practice. It is a place to look at the therapeutic work objectively to examine relationship dynamics and unearth blocks to successful outcomes. Clients' are always at the centre of the work.

I attend regular individual supervision as well as peer supervision. Both experiences bring learning opportunities to me in my practice which ultimately benefit my clients.

As a supervisor, I recognise the roles we both have in safeguarding, ethical practice, and client progress.

Your client and their wellbeing will always be at the heart of the work of supervision.

Supervision Model

I gained my Certificate in Supervision through Macclesfield Counselling & I gained my Certificate in Supervision through Macclesfield Counselling & Training Centre in July 2022. I offer Hawkins & Shohet’s 7-eyed model of supervision. This is both a relational and systemic model of supervision. The relationships between client, therapist, and supervisor are explored in relation to the context and interplay of each of those relationships.

Clients’ and their wellbeing are always at the centre of supervision work. Supervision is about the therapist’s professional development and is a place of reflection where it is safe to be open and honest about the work.

Manchester Location

My Manchester therapy suite is based in the Royal Exchange (St Ann's Square) in Manchester. This location is easily accessible for those who live and work in the Town Centre and those who live beyond the city centre as there are many options for public transport links including buses, trams, and trains.

The building is wheelchair accessible with two lifts, as well as the stairs to Floor 4 where my office is based.

The building is secure with 24-hour security on site.

My room is quiet, not overlooked, and not interrupted by sound from neighbouring offices or the corridors.

Other Locations

I also offer in-person Supervision from my therapy room in Blackburn, please see my Blackburn Supervisor profile.

Alternatively, if you do not want to travel or if time is limited for you, I also offer Supervision via video call (Zoom or Teams).

The First Time We Meet

Before commencing a supervision relationship, I offer a complimentary appointment via video call or in-person. This gives an opportunity for us to find out a bit more about each other and an opportunity to decide if we can work together well.

I will explain my admin processes as this is all part of our relationship as Supervisor and Supervisee.

It is important for us both to know we can work together.

Working Hours

• Monday:        08:00 – 20:00 (Blackburn office)
• Tuesday:        Midday – 20:00 (Manchester office)
• Wednesday: Midday – 20:00 (Manchester office)
• Thursday:      08:00 – 20:00 (Blackburn office)

My working hours are flexible, and I offer a choice of in-person or video call (Zoom or Teams) appointments to supervisees. I hold a maximum of five appointments per working day so this means we can usually find a mutually convenient time to meet

How I work

My core modality in counselling is as a person-centred psychotherapist. My training in Supervision was through the Macclesfield Counselling and Training Centre where I studied and have since practiced Hawkins and Shohets 7 Eyed Model of Supervision. This model lends itself to supervise those who practice Person Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy and those who do not.

Who I work With

I work with qualified counsellors and psychotherapists as well as those professionals working in other helping professions. My style is supportive, collaborative, but also appropriately challenging.

Why Supervision

Supervision is a key element in supporting ethical practice. It is a place to look at the therapeutic work objectively to examine relationship dynamics and unearth blocks to successful outcomes. Clients' are always at the centre of the work.

I attend regular individual supervision as well as peer supervision. Both experiences bring learning opportunities to me in my practice which ultimately benefit my clients.

As a supervisor, I recognise the roles we both have in safeguarding, ethical practice, and client progress.

Your client and their wellbeing will always be at the heart of the work of supervision.

Supervision Model

I gained my Certificate in Supervision through Macclesfield Counselling & I gained my Certificate in Supervision through Macclesfield Counselling & Training Centre in July 2022. I offer Hawkins & Shohet’s 7-eyed model of supervision. This is both a relational and systemic model of supervision. The relationships between client, therapist, and supervisor are explored in relation to the context and interplay of each of those relationships.

Clients’ and their wellbeing are always at the centre of supervision work. Supervision is about the therapist’s professional development and is a place of reflection where it is safe to be open and honest about the work.

Blackburn Location

My Blackburn Therapy space is located on Preston Old Road, two minutes’ walk from Cherry Tree Train Station, and right by the Preston – Blackburn bus route.

My room is located on the first floor of a set of offices, benefits from natural light. Clients need to be able to use the stairs as there is no lift.

Other Locations

I also offer in-person Supervision from my therapy room in Manchester, please see my Manchester Supervisor profile.

Alternatively, if you do not want to travel or if time is limited for you, I also offer Supervision via video call (Zoom or Teams).

The First Time We Meet

Before commencing a supervision relationship, I offer a complimentary appointment via video call or in-person. This gives an opportunity for us to find out a bit more about each other and an opportunity to decide if we can work together well.

I will explain my admin processes as this is all part of our relationship as Supervisor and Supervisee.

It is important for us both to know we can work together.