Sue Fleming

 I understand it can sometimes feel daunting trying to find the right counsellor. My aim is to help you feel comfortable and able to talk about any difficulties you may be experiencing. I am an accredited fully qualified counsellor with over 14 years of experience working in various settings including charities, universities, schools and in private practice. I work with both adults and young people age 16 +. The aim of counselling is to develop a therapeutic relationship which can enable you to explore a range of concerns in a safe environment, free from judgement and with warmth and openness.  

I work from a Person-Centred approach which can help clients gain a greater understanding of their inner potential and lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life. I believe that the client is the expert on themselves, and through the process of a therapeutic relationship you can learn to value yourself and become more empowered. We may look at what has brought you to counselling, the impact on events, circumstances in your life up to now and how you have the power to change and find an alternative more authentic way of being. Therapy enables you to make sense of events in your life and to understand how you view yourself and the world around you. I work from a trauma informed approach, never underestimating what has happened to you and how you have learned to cope in life. 

 I work in the Kings Heath area in a centre which is wheelchair accessible, comfortable and safe. 

 I can offer both in-person and online sessions. Our work can be both short and long term. You may have a specific issue you would like to work on, or perhaps you may want to look at a more deep- rooted problem. We can explore this together in a safe, effective way. My foundation is the person-centred approach, however over the years I have drawn on many other modalities that I feel are effective for change.  

The first session is a chance for us to see if we can work together. I may ask what's brought you to counselling and give you a description of how I work and you can decide if it feels right for you. I will require your G.P details for my records and in case of an emergency. 

I deliver training on 'Understanding Attachment'

Training is both theoretical and experiential and delivered online and in person. 

Workshops include: 

Understanding Attachment - Delivered to foster carers/adoptive parents and anyone working in that field.

Understanding Attachment and Implications for practice - Delivered to therapists in training and qualified therapists.

Understanding Attachment in Schools - Delivered to teaching professionals. 

Training includes exploring how trauma and loss impacts an individual. How brain development and emotional regulation and cognitive function is impacted. Furthermore, how our own attachment history impacts our connections and relationships. 

Understanding early experiences gives us the insight to enter our clients internal working model, to better understand how they view their world. 

I have worked as a trainer since 2016 for foster agencies and a university. My background has been counselling adopted and looked after children, and supporting families and schools with the young people in their care. I am passionate for the need for attachment based learning to help support young people and adults in their journey through this challenging experience.

Understanding Attachment Training  is to develop a deep understanding of how development in children is impacted by the environment around them and their relationships with care givers. It teaches how trauma and loss effects brain development, developmental functioning and relationships with others and self, and how that has direct implications for an individuals view of the world. 

This training includes:

 Attachment based theory.

Different 'Styles' of attachment 

How trauma impacts brain development and functioning

Reflection on participants own attachment styles

How best to work with individuals with early attachment difficulties.

Participants will receive handouts and recommendations of reading material to enable them to further understand this subject. 

I have a certificate in advanced clinical supervision.  I am offering online and in person supervision to qualified therapists or those in training . Sessions are £75 for 1.5hrs. This ideally would be on a monthly basis or can be divided to fortnightly sessions. 

I have been a counsellor since 2010 working in private practice since 2014. I work from a person-centred approach, however I supervise from an integrative and person-centred perspective. My work has a foundation in trauma-informed non-pathologising practice. The supervision I offer is a unique opportunity to look over your clinical work in a collaborative way. If you are looking for a supervisory relationship where you can feel both supported and challenged then I can offer that.  Supervisees are encouraged to bring themselves and their client work to the sessions. I offer a safe, open and non-judgemental space to enable that.  

The first session will be an opportunity to see if we are a good 'fit' to work with one another. I am happy for there to be an initial telephone conversation before agreeing a meeting.