Frances Randerson

I am a Humanistic Integrative counsellor in central Bristol, experienced in working with diverse aspects of mental ill health. As a registered member of the BACP I work 1:1 with adults, both short and longer term, providing a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space where even very difficult emotions are welcome. 

I qualified as a psychotherapeutic counsellor, with a core modality of Transactional Analysis, in 2010. Prior to this I worked as a Psychiatric Nurse in the NHS and I have more recently worked for Bristol Mind. 

I am currently studying for an MA in Humanistic Integrative Psychotherapy and thus I am able to integrate a number of different theories in order to inform my practice and help me to be as attuned to you as possible.

My approach is one which can help to change behaviours, feelings and thoughts gradually over time, as we explore and discover their unconscious meanings and historical motivations. Your whole body as well as your mind is acknowledged in this process, so recognising that you are not simply a diagnosis or set of symptoms can also lead to you gaining far greater self-awareness and ultimately, self-acceptance. 

The pace and content of our sessions will be led by your need. I am fascinated by the links between a person's mental health and their unique life experiences, so within the therapeutic relationship we create I aim to help you to get to know yourself better, so a more accurate representation of your true self can emerge. 

People come to counselling from such diverse backgrounds, many having never previously considered embarking on this journey, so I understand that it can feel overwhelming at first to be so actively listened to, supported and understood...but over time as our relationship develops and deepens you may also experience more profound, lasting changes and feel more confident about making different choices, for yourself.

My practice would normally be on the top floor of a Heritage building in central Bristol, however due to the current Covid - 19 situation, I am only seeing clients online via the Zoom platform until further notice.

During our first session the intention is for us both to get a sense of whether we can work well together; it's for you to begin to tell your story, prompted and encouraged by some questions, which will also help me to get a really good understanding of who and where you are right now.