Bernie Pridgeon

The best way to contact me is via email, I will respond within 3 to 5 days

As a skilled and experienced counsellor, I offer a safe and confidential space where you can talk about the problems and challenges in your life. At present I am working online only, using zoom or telephone. During lockdown I trained and qualified as an online/telephone counsellor.

 Working via video or phone is different from meeting in person but it had advantages, it is more accessible, not area limited and is equally effective as face-to-face work. I offer a free 15- minute telephone call before we meet to check we are a good match to work together and discuss your counselling needs.

I can help with a wide variety of issues, at times we can feel overwhelmed by our expectations of ourselves to manage our personal and work life, family, and other life challenges. Counselling gives you time out in a safe place where you can begin to untangle your thoughts and feelings and move forward with your life with clarity and focus. I can help you by listening and guiding you in making good choices to improve your wellbeing long term.

I have a particular interest in working with women where alcohol is causing a problem with their health, relationships and wellbeing

I have a background in nursing, mental health and childcare and was a volunteer for 15 years with Northampton Counselling Service. Alongside this I worked for thirteen years for a Midlands based charity which offered counselling and groupwork for people with drug, alcohol, and gambling problems, I also supported the family members of those affected. My roles there included counselling, clinical supervisor, group work and manager.

I have been in  Private Practice since August 2018 working with individuals who are self funding or whose costs are cover by their workplace.

With specific training, knowledge, and skills on how people come to use alcohol, drugs and gambling to deal with their life, I can work with people to encourage and support and guide them to change their problem behaviour.

What I can help with

alcohol, drug and gambling addictions, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, managing stress, workplace problems, domestic abuse, bullying, self-esteem, bereavement, anger management, self-harming, disability, ill health and other life challenges.

Types of therapy

CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic, Brief Therapy

Clients I work with

Adults, older people, EAP’s

How I deliver therapy

Online and telephone counselling 

Qualifications

BACP Accredited since 2007

Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling 2003

Diploma In Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 2007

Advanced Certificate in Telephone and Online Counselling 2021

Diploma in Clinical Supervision CPCAB 2007 

 I offer a free 15 minute phone call to check we are a good match and that I am the best person to help you. If we agree to meet I will send you some forms to be completed and return, once I get them back we will agree a date and I will send you a zoom invitation. 

As a qualified and experienced supervisor, I can offer a professional service in a safe and confidential environment where you can take time to present your client work and ensure you are meeting the needs of the people you work with, while maintaining your own fitness to practice. I work online via zoom or Teams,  I find it  an effective  medium with clients and supervisees , in 2021 I qualified as an online practioner. Working in this way has given me freedom to offer supervision to people nationally,  particularly in the field of addiction. I offer 121 and group supervision.

For eight years I volunteered for a local counselling charity offering supervision and being involved in their recruitment process for new counsellors. Alongside that I was in a paid position with an agency which offered a service to people with drug, alcohol and gambling problems. My roles there included being a counsellor, clinical supervisor, group worker, trainer and manager.  I supervised students on placement from the University of Leicester Drug & Alcohol degree course and following completion of the Enabling Others module I acted as a Practice Teacher to social work students from the University of Northampton.

 I have a background in nursing, mental health and childcare

My experience as a counsellor and supervisor covers the following areas; alcohol, drug and gambling addictions, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, managing stress, work place problems, domestic abuse, bullying, self-esteem, bereavement, anger management, self-harming, disability, ill health and other life challenges.

Qualifications

BACP Accredited since 2007

Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling 2003

Diploma In Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 2007

Advanced Certificate in Telephone and Online Counselling 2021

Diploma in Clinical Supervision CPCAB 2007 

If you are looking for a supervision and would like more information please email me and we can arrange a phone call to discuss your supervisory needs and whether we would be a good match. If we decide to proceed I will send out some forms to be completed and returned, this includes information about your training and the contract. 

The first session will be introductions and discussing the contract, it is important that we begin to build an open and honest relationship from the beginning. Supervision is about enabling you to work with and safeguard your clients to the best of your ability. The supervisor is there to oversee that, nurture you in your work, educate and support  and check your fitness to practice.