welcome to beyond counselling
Individual bereavement counselling in central Cheltenham
Are you struggling following a bereavement?
Do you feel flat and just getting out of bed is hard work?
Are you feeling tearful and feel like you are going crazy?
Would you benefit from talking to someone in total confidence?
Welcome to my website.
My name is Jean and I'm a practising bereavement counsellor in a beautiful location at
Calderwood House, Montpellier Parade, Cheltenham GL50 1 UA.
The room is large, light and a very comfortable place to relax.
I generally like to work face to face but can also offer video and phone when it is difficult to get to Cheltenham. I always think it's important to get to know each other first wherever possible.
I started my training to be a counsellor after a major personal loss myself and experienced the benefits of counselling first hand. I realised that there comes a point when repeating the things I wanted to say felt like I was overwhelming friends and family so decided to speak to an independent bereavement counsellor in confidence and I had their full attention for an hour.
It enabled me to make sense of my feelings and adjust to a new life without my partner. I felt I needed to make meaning from my trauma and saw that I needed to change the direction of my life so I gave up a career in business and re-trained as a bereavement counsellor.
I believe everyone needs to feel they have a purpose and I had suddenly lost mine overnight. When you are faced with such a crossroad in life it makes you think differently. If you can get past the sudden feeling of hopelessness there opens other possibilities. This doesn't happen overnight but it is possible. Counselling support can help to ease that transition.
If you decide to embark on counselling, the hardest step could be deciding which counsellor to use. There are lots of us and it can feel a bit scary to take that first step. I suggest reading a few descriptions about who we are to see if you can relate to what we have written. There is no right or wrong way to do this so take your time and maybe contact two or three of us to see who you feel most comfortable talking to. The relationship of trust is important as you may want to share some deep and personal insights. Empathic communication relies on the chemistry and relationship so take your time.
You may feel a bit anxious about this step but I invite you to contact me to see how it feels.
I worked as a bereavement volunteer for Cruse Bereavement Care in Bristol for over 12 years alongside my private practice. During this time I gained a lots of experience from my many clients who lived through many different and traumatic experiences themselves. We all have our own ways of coping and may have limited support and personal resources available to us, so, although there are similarities, there are also differences in the way we work through our grief. I have learnt that everyone's needs and journeys are different but that we must all work through our it safely and in our own time.
I've been reflecting on the impact of the many political situations around the world which can feel too much especially following our own traumas with the lingering uncertainty that life isn't safe anymore. It's important to look after ourselves and be compassionate towards each other. None of us know for sure what each other are dealing with. We all need a little kindness.
So, why me? How can I help you?
I can allay your fears by answering your questions and we will work at your pace. It's important that you feel safe so we need to build trust. This takes time.
Please feel free to contact me on 07557 911551 or click here if you prefer to email me.
I work face to face as a therapist in a central location at Calderwood House, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
The location is easy to reach by public transport and there is street parking outside.
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed and feel that it's impossible to see further than today. Counselling could be your first step towards a brighter tomorrow and maybe viewing events from a new perspective. Allowing you to tell your story, possibly for the very first time and be heard. Click here to read what my clients have said.
I work with individuals on an open-ended basis or for an agreed time period, with the aim of enabling you to enhance your life and to live it more fully. I'm committed to providing counselling in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment. After we have been in touch you can attend a first "exploratory" session with me without any obligation for just £30 for 50 minutes. If we proceed to work together, my fees will be £60 for 50 minutes. If I am not the right counsellor for you, I may be able to help you find another therapist.
I am experienced in helping clients who have experienced difficulties with:
Bereavement
Complex Grief
Suicidal Thoughts
Baby Loss
Death of a Child
Relationship Issues
Panic Attacks
Anxiety
Trauma
Redundancy
Loss of Health or Limbs
Low Self Esteem
Road Collisions and Accidents
Violent Death
Domestic Violence
Sexual Abuse
Bristol On-line
I no longer work physically in Bristol but am able to continue support to returning clients on an online basis using Skype, WhatsApp or phone.
Montpellier Parade, Cheltenham
I also have a room at Calderwood House, 7 Montpellier Parade, Cheltenham which is very conveniently situated down a few steps on the lower ground floor of this lovely building. Parking in the road.
London Road, Stroud
I have a facility in Stroud until end July.
It's a first floor room at Palace Chambers is in a renovated Grade 2 listed Regency building a minute walk to the town centre or Waitrose. There is ample parking at the rear in the council car park which is free after 3pm.
Get in touch
Contact me on 07557 911551 or use the form below to email me.
Don't forget to add your preferred location.
GDPR Statement
I am registered with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) which means I needto tell you what information I am collecting from you and why I have it.
Name, email address, telephone number and address – I use this information to contact you to arrange our sessions and between sessions as necessary. I will normally use text or phone.
Doctor’s details -
If you have given me this information, I may use it to contact your GP if I was worried that you were at risk. I will inform you of my intention to do this if I am able to do this.
Will I share your data? – I may have to share it if, in the unlikely event, my notes are subpoenaed by the courts, if you or anyone you tell me about is at harm or risk of harm, I may have to pass your information onto police or your GP.
Storage of Data – I keep brief hand written notes which are kept in a secure and private place and serve as a record of our work together.
Should you not consent to me keeping and using your data it is unlikely that I will be able to work with you.
I have full Professional Liability Insurance with Towergate Professional Risks.
Some frequently asked questions
You are in control of this. Some people come for a few sessions and some want to continue longer. It might be that you return for support to get through a current life event or to get further support as you transition through life.
I listen and really hear what you are saying. This may be the first time you have felt truly heard.
However, I don't just listen! I will ask questions and explore with you what you have said. This can be quite insightful and you may gain insights by looking at things from different perspectives.
Sometimes it is helpful to use objects or symbols and I might introduce some more creative aspects in our work together. Many clients enjoy this aspect of exploration and are really surprised at the what can be achieved.
Everyone's needs are different and we will learn together what works for you.
I will never push you into talking about something before you are ready. Trust takes time to build.
My fees are £60 for 50 minutes although I invite you to meet me for an initial session for £30 so you can decide if I am the right counsellor for you. I have a limited number of concessions available and this can be discussed with me if you decide to proceed. Please feel free to message me for an exploratory chat free of charge.
I'm located in Calderwood House in Montpellier Parade, Cheltenham. This is in a central location and in easy reach of public transport. There are also lots of little coffee shops nearby if you want to take time out before you leave to go home.
You may also remember me from my practice in Bristol which I closed on 21st December 2023 and I am happy to continue our work using Skype or WhatsApp. A few of my Bristol clients make the trip to Cheltenham too!
© Jean Thirkettle
powered by WebHealer