20/04/2023
Meet the team - Elle Bashforth
Hello, my name is Ellie and I’m a trainee counsellor within the Community Counselling Service.
I am a student member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy), working within their code of practice and ethical framework. I am fully insured, complete with an enhanced current DBS certificate and attend monthly supervision. During March 2020 I took the opportunity to take redundancy to follow my ideal role in life and retrain as a counsellor and psychotherapist, completing both Level 2 and Level 3 and now studying Level 4 to become fully qualified.
I work with both Person Centred and Integrative models of counselling therapy where I support people who are struggling with issues affecting their everyday lives. I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment where you can think, feel and explore whatever difficulties you may be facing.
Having experienced the ups and downs of life, a stressful business career, helping to bring up two stepchildren, whilst also caring for my elderly father with dementia and my mother with her many health concerns, I too, became overwhelmed with the all the familiar feelings of anxiety, failure, and my own health, before realising I needed to make changes and develop a “I can do this” mindset. Counselling has helped me work through my feelings and emotions, to understand my thought processes of how I deal with everyday life events, and my part in in them. I have learnt and understood what I need to do for myself to ease the turmoil I’m feeling, which in turn, also benefits the people around me.
Counselling for me has brought a better sense and understanding of myself and whilst accepting that life doesn’t always go to plan – the important part is knowing how to cope when those situations present themselves. Being able to speak to someone in a secure and confidential setting is very powerful and has huge benefits, helping to reduce the build-up of pressure and stress that affects both your mind and general well-being. I personally also like to take long walks with my dog and spend time with my cows because getting fresh air and exercise, even when I feel I don’t want to, really helps me to relax and change my mindset.
If you would like an initial chat, see how you feel and how I can help you, please contact. The Community Counselling Service direct and they will put me in contact with you.
“Never give up because great things take time”