Jane Kershaw

Initial consultations are free of charge.

Appointments are available Tuesday to Friday from 9:30am in Sea Mills (BS9), and on Mondays from 9:30am in Arnos Vale (BS4).

Daytime and evening appointments are available, with the last appointment at 7:30pm.

Please feel free to contact me to discuss current availability or to arrange an initial consultation.

As a person-centred therapist, I offer non-directive, trauma-informed counselling in a safe and non-judgemental environment where positive change can occur.

With over 35 years’ experience working with people in the support sector, including roles in the Probation Service and within both public and voluntary organisations, I have supported individuals with complex needs across a wide range of settings. My work has included supporting those affected by homelessness, mental health difficulties, addiction, ADHD, autism, trauma and dual diagnosis.

I have worked with adult survivors of institutional child sexual abuse and served as an Approved Foster Carer for Avon Social Services. I have also supported rough sleepers, ex-offenders, and people experiencing emotional and psychological distress linked to difficult or controlling environments. Through this work I have developed a strong understanding that people rarely fit into a single category and often benefit from an approach that considers the wider context of their lives.

Alongside this background, I have been in private counselling practice since 2006, offering both short-term and longer-term counselling. I have experience counselling within organisations receiving GP referrals, working with Employee Assistance Programmes, facilitating reflective practice, and mentoring counsellors developing their own private practice.

I trust that clients know themselves and their experiences better than I do. Our therapeutic relationship is founded on unconditional positive regard, empathy and genuineness. Clients use their time in their own way and at their own pace to explore the areas of life that are causing them concern.

My role is assisting clients in finding their own answers and solutions that are unique to them and their experience, and moving towards their own potential.

My approach is person-centred and trauma-informed. I aim to provide a thoughtful and respectful space where people feel able to speak openly about what is happening in their lives. Some clients come with a particular difficulty they wish to address, while others come because something in their life feels unsettled and they want the opportunity to reflect more deeply on their experiences.

Rather than offering advice or quick solutions, I work alongside clients as they develop their own understanding of themselves, their relationships and the situations they face.

My initial consultation is free of charge and usually lasts around 30 minutes, although occasionally it may run a little longer. It provides an opportunity for us to meet and for you to ask any questions you may have about counselling.

During this time we can discuss what has brought you to therapy and what you might hope to gain from counselling. I will go through my client agreement and explain how I work so that you have the information you need to decide whether you would like to proceed.