Bernadette Coffey

There are times in life when something no longer feels right.

On the outside, you may be holding everything together - work, family, responsibilities, but inside, something feels off. You might feel stuck, disconnected from yourself, or quietly questioning the life you’re living. For some, it reaches a point of thinking, “I can’t keep doing this.”

I work with adults who feel this way.

Often, the people I see have spent years following expectations, doing what they believed was right, needed, or expected of them, while putting parts of themselves aside. Over time, this can lead to a loss of direction, a sense of emptiness, or feeling like you’re living a life that doesn’t truly fit.

Therapy offers a space to pause, reflect, and begin to understand how things have come to feel this way.

How I Work

I offer a warm, non-judgemental space where you can begin to explore your experiences openly and at your own pace.

Together, we will:

Make sense of what has led you to this point

Explore past experiences, including any trauma, with care and sensitivity

Identify the patterns, expectations, or “rules” that may be shaping your life

Reconnect you with your values, needs, and sense of self

Alongside understanding the past, I also support you in looking forward, helping you to feel more empowered to make choices that are right for you, rather than living in response to others’ expectations.

Over time, many of my clients begin to:

Feel more like themselves again

Let go of pressure to control everything

Develop a stronger sense of personal direction

Feel able to make choices that reflect who they truly are

My aim is not to tell you how to live your life, but to support you in discovering what feels true and meaningful for you.

My work is grounded in the belief that each person has their own unique identity, values, and potential, even if this has been lost or overshadowed over time.

I believe that when people feel truly seen, heard, and understood, meaningful change becomes possible.

I am particularly suited to working with adults who:

Feel stuck in a life that no longer fits them

Are experiencing a sense of loss, confusion, or disconnection

Are ready to explore their past and how it has shaped them

Want more than coping strategies - they want real change

Welcome — I’m Bernadette, a psychotherapist specialising in the emotional wellbeing of children, young people, and their families.

I began my career in teaching, where I gained a deep understanding of how emotional wellbeing underpins a child’s capacity to grow, learn, and connect. Over time, I was drawn to support children not just academically, but emotionally — a path that led me to specialise in psychotherapy.

With over 30 years of professional experience and a Master’s degree in Integrative Psychotherapy, I offer an evidence-based, tailored approach grounded in empathy, sensitivity, and a clear understanding of developmental and relational needs. My practice is informed by extensive training as well as insights drawn from both my own life and my experiences as a parent. These perspectives have strengthened my commitment to creating spaces where children and families feel understood, supported, and connected.

I create calm, attuned environments where children and adolescents can express themselves safely — through play, art, or conversation — and where families can strengthen relationships and resilience. Drawing on a range of therapeutic models, I adapt each session to meet the specific emotional and relational needs of my clients, whether addressing behavioural challenges, life transitions, or family dynamics.

With adolescents, I provide a secure environment to explore identity, manage stress, and develop effective coping strategies. In family work, I focus on improving communication and fostering sustainable emotional growth.

I collaborate best with clients who value reflection and are committed to the therapeutic process. My work is always underpinned by the principles of empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard, alongside a commitment to evidence-informed practice.

If you are seeking skilled, thoughtful support to help your child, adolescent, or family build resilience and emotional wellbeing, I invite you to get in touch to discuss how I can help.

My Approach

I believe that every child and adolescent is resilient and has the potential to overcome obstacles with the right support. My therapeutic methods include:

Play Therapy: Utilising play as a natural medium for children to express themselves and work through issues.

Psychodynamic Therapy: Placing importance on early experiences as well as on the therapeutic relationship.

Mindfulness Techniques: Teaching mindfulness to help children and teens manage stress and develop emotional regulation skills.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helping young clients understand and change their thought patterns and behaviours.

Therapy with Expressive Creative Arts: Facilitating exploration and expression of feelings in order to obtain relief and resolve difficulty.

Humanistic Therapy: Valuing the young person’s ability to find answers to their difficulties.

Areas of Expertise

I specialise in addressing a variety of issues, including but not limited to:

Anxiety and Depression

Behavioural Problems

Trauma and Grief

ADHD

Social and Peer Relationships

School-Related Issues

Self-Esteem and Identity

Why Choose Therapy?

Childhood and adolescence are critical periods of emotional and psychological development. Therapy can provide essential support during these times, fostering resilience, promoting healthy coping mechanisms, and guiding young individuals toward a brighter future.

Contact Me

If you feel that your child or teenager could benefit from therapeutic support, I am here to help. Together, we can work towards achieving their fullest potential. Please feel free to reach out to schedule a consultation or for any inquiries you may have.

The therapeutic journey begins with a free scheduled telephone conversation, followed up with an in-person meeting at my practice. This appointment gives all parties the opportunity to meet and assess whether we will be able to work successfully together. There is no obligation to proceed, but if you decide to do so, the next session will involve a detailed assessment with the parent/carer.