Debbie Bernard

Hello, thank you for viewing my profile. 

My name is Debbie, I am an experienced, person centred counsellor who uses a humanistic approach and have been practising since 2012. 

My counselling  journey began in a women’s refuge, where I supported survivors of domestic abuse through complex emotional challenges. This experience shaped my deep commitment to building strong, trusting relationships with my clients.

Whilst training as a counsellor, I worked as a primary school teacher for 30 years. During that time, I developed a specialist role in supporting children with social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties, using therapeutic approaches such as play and LEGO-based therapy. 

This combined with my previous experiences have enabled me to support clients aged from 3 to 60 who have presented with a range of challenges such as anxiety, self-esteem issues, coping with neurodiversity, depression, panic attacks, anger, bereavement, relationship/communication dfficulties and mild addiction.

I have a calm, friendly, and compassionate nature. I feel that  everyone deserves to be heard, valued, and empowered. My aim is to help clients successfully build confidence, their self-worth, and resilience.

I am somebody who is genuinely believes that people need to feel valued, and that by comimg to counselling I provide a safe space for them to talk freely. They are given the opportunity to explore their thoughts and feelings in depth allowing them to evaluate them and come to some positive conclusions and outcomes regarding their difficulties. 

By building a trusting, non-judgemental relationship I aim to create a calm, relaxing, gentle environment  which succsessfully enables clients to relax and be themselves.

What will my first session look like?

​-  Initially we will have a chat, introducing ourselves. At this point you will be given the opportinuty to share what your understanding and experience of counselling is. If you are a young person we might do a fun, getting to know you activity. I will always make sure that you understand that our sessions are confidental and ensure that you understand what that means. 

- During your first session, we would complete a short assessment together. This helps to identify possible triggers, patterns, traumas and challenges.

- If we have the opportunity during the first session there might be some goal setting as you share the reasons why you have come to counselling and what your expecations might be.

- At this time I will ask if you wish to continue counselling and schedule further sessions if you wish to do so. Initially these sessions would be weekly but I am flexible and happy to accommodate your needs. The therapeutic hour is 45 mins for young people and 50 minutes for adults. 

-  The sessions are assessed regularly to ensure you are gaining what you need from therapy.