Counsellor, Psychotherapist, BWRT Practitioner - Stroud - Gabi

	Counselling and Psychotherapy Stroud Chestnut Hill, Friends Meeting House, Nailsworth GL6 0RA Stroud
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✓ I also offer online therapy

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Gabi | Counsellor, Psychotherapist, BWRT Practitioner

Introduction

Hello, I’m Gabi — it’s lovely to meet you.

If you’re here, it’s because something inside you knows it’s time for change—or simply time to be heard. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, loss, relationship challenges, or just feeling stuck, I offer a safe, confidential, and compassionate space.
A place where you can talk openly, explore your experiences, gain perspective, and discover tools to help you navigate life’s challenges.

Whatever has brought you here, know that your feelings are valid, your story matters, and healing is possible.

My work is grounded in the belief that healing involves the whole person—mind, body, and emotions. I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches to ensure that our work together reflects your unique story, challenges, and strengths. My aim is to help you reconnect with yourself, find clarity, and build the inner resources that support lasting change and wellbeing.

I offer a complimentary 15-minute online consultation so you can ask any questions and get a feel for how I work. This first conversation is a chance for us to meet, talk about your hopes and expectations, and see if working together feels like the right fit. There’s no pressure—just an open space to connect and explore how therapy can support your wellbeing and growth.

If you would like to know more or book an appointment, please send me a message via the send a message - button.

Online therapy

I am currently using the online platform whereby, it is very easy to use and doesn't require you to download anything.

You will receive my invite link to our sessions shortly before our agreed starting time. The link will be sent from my email address to the email you have provided.

If you or I experience technical difficulties which prevents us from meeting online we would discuss how to re-arrange the scheduled appointment.

Qualifications and registrations

· Introductory course in Counselling (10 weeks). Gloucestershire Counselling Service, Stroud

· Certificate in Counselling Skills. Gloucestershire Counselling Service, Stroud

· Online Child counselling course. Oplex Carers

· Diploma course in therapeutic Counselling. Stroud College

· Specialised Children and Young People’s Course. Teens in Crisis, Gloucester

· Postgraduate Certificate Course in Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Well-being. Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, University of Essex

· Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling (80 CPD Hours). Counselling Tutor

· Certificate in Trauma Informed care. Crossfields Institute (Ofqual regulated)

· Certificate in Family Work. Crossfields Institute (Ofqual regulated)

· Brain Working Recursive Therapy (BWRT, Terence Watts Institute)

I am an accredited member of the NCPS and adhere to their ethical framework and conduct regular CPD to enhance my knowledge. I am also DBS checked.

Registrations

NCPS - the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society

I offer therapy in

✓ English

Specialisations

1. Anxiety
2. Stress
3. Grief & Loss
4. Low mood
5. Low self-esteem
6. Relationship issues
7. Depression
8. Trauma & PTSD
9. Brain Working RecursiveTherapy

Specialisations and Expertises

Modalities I draw from

Person-centred therapy

Person or client-centred therapy is based on the view that everyone has the capacity and desire for personal growth and change, given the right conditions. Rather than being seen as the expert and directing the therapy, the counsellor offers unconditional positive regard, empathy and congruence to help you come to terms with any negative feelings and to change and develop in your own way.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy

The psychodynamic approach is derived from psychoanalysis, but focuses on immediate problems to try to provide a quicker solution. It stresses the importance of the unconscious and past experience in shaping current behaviour. A therapist will aim to build an accepting and trusting relationship, encouraging you to talk about your childhood relationships with your parents and other significant people. It also uses similar techniques to psychotherapy, including free association, interpretation and especially transference, where feelings you experienced in previous significant relationships are projected onto the therapist.

Humanistic therapy

This approach focuses on the individual as a whole. It encourages people to think about their feelings and take responsibility for their thoughts and actions. The emphasis is on self-development and achieving your highest potential rather than on problematic behaviour. Person-centred therapy, Gestalt, existential therapy, solution-focused therapy and transactional analysis are all humanistic approaches.

Existential therapy

Existential psychotherapy explores the inner conflict and anxiety people may experience when confronted with life's ultimate concerns, such as the inevitability of death, freedom and its responsibilities, isolation and meaninglessness.

Existentialists believe that life has no essential (given) meaning and that you have to make your own sense of the world. Counsellors can help you confront your anxieties and negative thoughts, enabling you to make decisions about how to live life and deal with life problems in your own way.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT aims to help you change the way you think (cognitive) and what you do (behaviour). Rather than looking at past causes, it focuses on current problems and practical solutions to help you feel better now.

The way we think about situations affects the way we feel and behave. If we view a situation negatively, we may experience negative emotions and feelings which lead us to behave in an unhelpful way. Your therapist will help you identify and challenge any negative thinking so you can deal with situations better and behave in a more positive way.

CBT can be helpful for depression, anxiety, stress, phobias, obsessions, eating disorders and managing long term conditions.

Integrative counselling

Integrative counselling looks at the whole person, taking into account your mental, physical and emotional needs. Your therapist will use techniques and tools from different modalities to tailor an individual approach for you.

An integrative counsellor aims to build a trusting and non-judgmental relationship that helps you develop self-awareness. When you understand the causes of your concerns or triggers for your behaviour, you can confidently set goals and develop new behaviours to improve your satisfaction with life.

Brief therapy

a short-term therapy which focuses on finding solutions and making positive changes rather than focusing on the past causes of problems. Your therapist will encourage you to look at what you do well, set goals and work out how to achieve them. This type of therapy can be effective in just three or four sessions.

BWRT® (BrainWorking Recursive Therapy)

a brief, highly effective therapy that helps the brain resolve unhelpful patterns and responses. It is very effective working with anxiety, stress, feelings o failure, not being good enough, low self-esteem, phobias, guilt, relationship issues, trauma and or stress, to name but a few.

Most common issues I support people with:

Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural response, but when it becomes constant, it can leave you feeling on edge, restless, and exhausted. You might notice a racing heart, shallow breathing, difficulty focusing, or endless “what if” thoughts that make it hard to relax. Together, we’ll explore what’s driving your anxiety and develop strategies tailored to your needs—helping you feel more in control, reduce anxious thoughts, and regain confidence in everyday life.

Stress & Life Decisions

When stress feels overwhelming, it can affect your body, mind, and sense of direction. We’ll work together to uncover the sources of stress and find practical ways to restore balance. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident in your choices, and able to move forward with clarity.

Low Mood & Depression

At times, life can feel heavy and it’s normal to experience sadness or low energy. When these feelings persist, they can impact motivation, relationships, and enjoyment of life. In our work together, we’ll focus on managing symptoms, rebuilding hope, and taking small, meaningful steps toward feeling more like yourself again.

Grief & Loss

Grief isn’t something to “get over”—it’s something to move through. Whether your loss comes from bereavement, separation, or life change, it can leave you feeling adrift. Together, we’ll find ways to honour what you’ve lost while gently reconnecting with life. This process may include reflection, storytelling, or simple practices that support healing at your own pace.

Relationships

Relationships shape our wellbeing, connection, and sense of belonging. When communication breaks down or trust is shaken, it can leave you feeling distant or unsure. In therapy, we’ll look at the patterns that influence how you relate to others and explore new ways to connect, build trust, and strengthen your relationships—helping you create more meaningful and fulfilling connections.

Trauma & PTSD

Trauma can arise from many experiences—accidents, loss, abuse, or witnessing distressing events. It often leaves a lasting imprint that shows up as flashbacks, anxiety, or emotional numbness. In a safe, structured space, we’ll focus on restoring a sense of safety and control. Using trauma-informed approaches, I’ll support you in managing overwhelming emotions, processing memories at your pace, and reclaiming confidence and stability in your life.

I support people from all walks of life through my work within a local GP surgery and as a trauma-informed counsellor. My experience includes working with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, relationship challenges, and life transitions.

Therapies offered

Areas of counselling I can help with

Fees

Individual counselling / psychotherapy sessions (60 minutes) £60

Online or face to face

Packages

Block of 6 Counselling / Psychotherapy Sessions (prepaid): £330

Concession rates available

For students and low-income. Limited availability. Please enquire

Online and face to face

Specialist sessions (BWRT) £100

Assessment session: 1 1/2 - 2 hours

Online

Specialist sessions (BWRT) £75

BWRT session: (60 minutes)