Community Counselling Service

Q&A:

Are the therapists members of a governing body?

A requirement for working within the Community Counselling Service is membership if the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). Working within an ethical framework and to the highest of standards is at the heart of everything we do.

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy BACP is the professional association for members of the counselling professions in the UK. We exist for one simple reason - counselling changes lives

People come to counselling for many reasons, such as…

> Issues within relationships (partners, family, friends, colleagues)

> Mental health such as depression, anxiety or stress

> Feelings of isolation and loneliness

> Adapting to life changes such as moving home, jobs or changing relationships

> Health and wellbeing challenges including fertility issues, menopause or living with a chronic health condition

> Trauma such as domestic abuse, grief and loss and shame

> Issues around identity such as coming out, acceptance of s*xuality and confidence

> Facing discrimination based on s*x, gender, race, religion or s*xuality

Whatever challenges you're facing you don't need to face them alone.

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”