Bridget O'Connell

I currently have limited daytime availability on a Monday and Thursday. Please feel free to contact me for more details.

My name is Bridget, and I warmly welcome you.

You have already taken an important first step in reaching out for therapy. This can often feel like the hardest part, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or traumatised. You may not know exactly what you want from therapy or where to begin — and you don’t need to. We will start wherever you are and create a path forward together. When you arrive, you will be met with warmth, empathy and approachability.

Over the past 12 years of clinical practice, many clients have shared that previous therapy felt overly silent and, at times, uncomfortable. With this in mind, my approach balances thoughtful reflection with active engagement. I believe silence can be powerful, but only when it feels safe and contained. I pay close attention to how you experience the space between us, ensuring you feel supported rather than left to struggle alone.

The therapeutic relationship is central to meaningful change. From a strongly relational, committed and boundaried stance, I offer a safe, nurturing and calm environment in which to explore whatever you may be facing.

TESTIMONIAL FROM PREVIOUS CLIENT (permission given to use the following) :

"I can't thank Bridget enough for the help she has given me.

Throughout my initial sessions Bridget primarily focussed on listening to what I had to say. Further down the line we began to tackle my issues and really unravel them into real solutions/new mindsets. Some of them I had no idea were even bothering me.

My outlook on life has never been clearer and I can truly say I'm the happiest I've been in a very, very long time. Given the place I was in when I started attending my sessions, it truly is a 180% night and day.

I have no doubts in Bridgets ability to help anyone, as well as being a great listener and not afraid to give an honest outlook.

Would definitely recommend to anyone.."

I am a fully qualified and registered Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor. I have worked with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, PTSD and bereavement. My Diploma is in Humanistic and Integrative Counselling, and I draw on a range of approaches depending on the focus and needs of our work together.

I particularly value working with feelings of shame and experiences of vulnerability. As a former piano teacher, I sometimes incorporate gentle creative techniques — such as simple drawing or listening to music — to help clients express feelings that may be difficult to put into words. Throughout, I aim to bring a sensitive and steady presence to this work.

I also bring an understanding of the lived experience of medical conditions and rare diagnoses, and of how profoundly they can affect identity, relationships and everyday life.

Whatever you are bringing to therapy I support clients in developing greater self-awareness and understanding. Many describe feeling safe and at ease early in our work together. From this foundation of safety, I gently challenge unhelpful patterns while also offering reassurance and steadiness where needed.

On a practical level I provide 1:1 face-to-face, short- and long-term counselling and psychotherapy from my private therapy room in Whitchurch, South Bristol, conveniently located near the ring road and the surrounding areas of Totterdown, Hengrove, Knowle, Brislington and Keynsham. I no longer work online, however I do offer one off therapy sessions for those in immediate need of support. 

I offer a free 15-minute phone call initially, giving us the opportunity to get to know each other, discuss practicalities such as availability, and consider whether we feel a good fit.

If we decide to work together, we will book an initial block of eight face-to-face sessions.

In our first session, I will carry out an assessment. This will include exploring what has brought you to therapy, any previous experiences of therapy (and how these felt for you), and what you are hoping to gain from our work together.