GEMMA EVANS COUNSELLING
Qualified and Registered Counsellor

Counselling in Southampton, Hampshire

About Me

I am a fully qualified Counsellor and a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I abide by their ethical framework and regularly meet with a Clinical Supervisor to review my work. 

I am a member of ACTO  –  Association For Counselling and Therapy Online. My training in online working qualifies me to join this organisation who are committed to setting and maintaining high standards for online therapy.

And I’m also a member of the Hampshire Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (HACP). This is a large local organisation providing regular and varied CPD (training) for its members. 

I LOVE being a counsellor. It is incredibly rewarding work that I feel honoured to do every single day. I’m passionate about helping people feel better and instilling hope that change is always possible. I also love spending time with my family, walking our dogs in the forest and yoga.

My training and qualifications

  • Diploma in Humanistic Counselling
  • Advanced Certificate in Relationship Therapy
  • Certificate in Online & Telephone Counselling
  • Diploma in Neuro-Linguistic Programming
  • Transactional Analysis (TA) 101
  • Counselling Skills Levels 2 & 3
  • BA (Hons) with Qualified Teacher Status - I used to be a primary school teacher and deputy head

I regularly attend training (CPD) to keep my skills and knowledge up-to-date. Some recent trainings include:

  • Mental Health & the Body
  • Male Mental Health
  • Working with Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
  • Safeguarding Adults
  • Safeguarding Children & Young People
  • Working with Suicide & Self Harm
  • Domestic Abuse Awareness
  • Understanding & Working with Adults with ADHD
  • Enhanced Drug & Alcohol Awareness
  • Focusing - Level 1 & Level 2
  • Existential Contributions to Counselling & Psychotherapy
  • Working with Addiction - Underlying Causes
  • New Psychoactive Substances ('Legal Highs')
  • The Family Dance: an Introduction to Systemic Therapy
  • Integrating Artwork into Therapy Practice
  • Kink-Affirming Psychosexual Therapy Practices
  • Working with Autistic Clients
  • Gender, Sexual & Relationship Diversity
  • Transgender & Non-Binary 101
  • Concepts of Bereavement & Grief
  • Working with Clients affected by Sexual Violence
  • Queering Therapy Spaces & Working with Gender Diverse Clients
  • Trauma and the Body: Somatisation & Dissociation
  • Working with Trauma - Memories, Triggers & Flashbacks
  • Attachment Theory as a Paradigm for Psychological Therapies
  • Shame
  • Polyvagal Theory: Therapeutic Presence
  • The Fundamentals of Working with Couples
  • Dealing with Affairs
  • Working with Adult Adopted Clients & Related Issues
  • Artificial Intelligence & the Human Connection

My experience

I worked with individuals for a number of years in a University counselling service supporting mainly young people with a wide range of issues. I have also practised with a Hampshire NHS medical centre providing short-term counselling to adults of all ages referred by their GPs. I have also worked with a charity in Portsmouth providing long-term, open-ended counselling.

My work with organisations has mainly been providing short-term, time-limited counselling, usually around 6 sessions. This means that I am experienced in delivering time-focussed counselling where we can work towards achieving a goal. Sometimes clients come and are not sure exactly of what they want to achieve from counselling, that’s okay too, I can support you in working that out. In my private work, people work with me for varying lengths of time depending on what they are seeking from counselling. I enjoy working long term and short term – for as long as it is useful and beneficial to you.

Some of the issues I have worked with include:

  • Anxiety and panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Bereavement & loss
  • Relationship endings & divorce
  • Relationship problems eg communication, needs, infidelity
  • Difficult relationships with a parent or ex
  • Anger
  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Identity - Gender, Sexuality, Relationship
  • Issues relating to Neurodivergence eg Autism & ADHD
  • Stuckness & loss of direction
  • Loneliness
  • Work/study stress
  • Living with long-term illness
  • Self-esteem & self-worth
  • Problems with alcohol use
  • Social anxiety
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