Emma Cummings

At the moment I have availability for in person appointments on a Tuesday afternoon or Friday morning in Shepton Mallet.

I have evening availability for online/phone counselling on a Wednesday.

I believe the most important aspect of therapy is the relationship between you and your counsellor, so finding the right person is key. My hope is that I can create a supportive, compassionate therapeutic space where you can feel safe enough to work towards change and healing.

My Approach

I provide a compassionate, grounded space to support you with what is happening in your life and the challenges that you may be dealing with.

I approach my counselling work in an integrative, trauma-informed, relational and holistic way. My approach includes recognising the importance of working with your whole being, mind and body. This means I draw on different counselling approaches and theories according to your needs and experiences as a unique individual.

I have undertaken additional training in working with trauma. This means that as well as exploring your emotions, thoughts and beliefs through talking therapy, we may also use somatic tools and resources to explore how stress and trauma are stored in your body, with the hope of understanding how your experiences and what has happened to you, have affected your whole system.

Together we may explore your childhood and early life experiences, and how these might be impacting you in your life today. Maybe you are struggling with negative thoughts or beliefs about yourself, low self esteem or difficulties in relationships. Whatever you are facing, I can be there alongside you.

I can offer short or longer term counselling depending on your need. 

Appoimtments will be for an hour a week or every 2 weeks.

Background

I have worked in the charity sector and within mental health throughout my career. Some of the areas I have worked with include: a broad range of mental health conditions; missing/ambiguous loss; suicide bereavement; sudden and traumatic loss; young people's mental health; self harm, suicidal thoughts & bereavement; vicarious trauma and burnout in professionals.

Training, qualifications & experience

I am trauma trained in Judith Herman's 3-Phase Trauma Recovery Model. I draw on a range of different modalities in my work including humanistic, psychodynamic, somatic, mindfulness, breathwork, creative, parts work, and attachment theory.

My qualifications include:

• Level 3 Counselling Studies

• Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

• Level 6 Postgraduate Diploma in Trauma Counselling (Level 6)

All the above courses are accredited by the CPCAB.

As a Therapist I am committed to ongoing CPD and have undertaken ongoing training most recently in: Breathwork; Childhood Sexual Abuse, Avoiding Secondary Trauma and Understanding Neurodiversity.

As well as working as a Counsellor, I manage the Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service and provide support and counselling to adults and young people bereaved by suicide.

I also worked for many years for the charity Missing People and have extensive experience in supporting adults and young people people who are or have been missing and the families of missing loved ones.

If you are interested in working with me, I offer a free intial 20 minute phone call to explore what you are looking for in counselling and to see if I may the right fit for you.