Counsellor, Psychotherapist, BWRT Practitioner - Stroud - Gabi

	Gabi Chestnut Hill, Friends Meeting House, Nailsworth GL6 0RA Stroud
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Gabi | Counsellor, Psychotherapist, BWRT Practitioner

Introduction

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

I am an experienced trauma-informed counsellor, psychotherapist, and BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT) practitioner based in Nailsworth. I offer both online and face-to-face therapy for adolescents and adults.

I work with a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including anxiety, stress, low mood, trauma, grief and bereavement, relationship difficulties, confidence and self-esteem issues, and other life challenges.
I also offer compassionate, trauma-informed support for people affected by infertility, pregnancy loss, baby loss, stillbirth, neonatal loss, and the emotional journey of trying to conceive. These experiences can bring profound grief, uncertainty, isolation, anxiety, and a sense of being misunderstood. Whether your loss is recent or happened some time ago, whether you are navigating fertility treatment, trying to conceive, or adjusting to life after loss, you deserve a space where your experience can be acknowledged and held with care.

If you are here, it may be because something feels difficult, overwhelming, or stuck — or perhaps you simply feel it is time to talk and be heard. Whatever has brought you to this point, I offer a safe, confidential, and compassionate space where you can speak openly, explore your experiences, and begin to make sense of what is going on for you.

My approach is warm, relational, and grounded in the belief that each person’s experience is unique. I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches, including BWRT, to tailor our work together to your individual needs. My aim is to support you in gaining clarity, building self-understanding, and developing the inner resources needed for lasting change and wellbeing.
Whatever you are going through, your feelings are valid, and support can make a meaningful difference.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions, share what you are looking for, and see whether working together feels like the right fit. There is no pressure — just an opportunity to connect.

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

Online therapy

Information for Online Counselling

What is Online Counselling?

Online counselling offers a confidential and supportive space to explore personal difficulties such as anxiety, stress, low mood, bereavement, and relationship issues. It allows you to access support at a time and place that is convenient for you.

What issues can I contact you about?

Online counselling may help with anxiety, stress, depression, panic, phobias, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, loneliness, eating difficulties, and more.

If online work is not suitable, I will discuss this with you and help signpost you to other appropriate support where needed.

How sessions work

Sessions take place via Doxy.me, a secure video platform. No download is required. I will email you a link before each session — simply click to join at your appointment time.

Sessions are usually weekly at an agreed time. Please ensure you are in a private, quiet space where you feel comfortable speaking openly.

If technical issues arise, we will either reconnect or rearrange the session.

How I work

I offer a calm, supportive, and non-judgemental space where you can explore what is going on for you and develop greater understanding and clarity.

Rather than giving advice, I will support you in finding your own insights, awareness, and ways forward that feel right for you.

If misunderstandings arise, we will work together to gently clarify and explore them.

Confidentiality

Everything shared in sessions is confidential, except where I am legally or ethically required to share information (for example, if there is a serious risk of harm to you or others).

I work under regular clinical supervision, which supports safe and ethical practice. No identifying information is shared.

Client records are stored securely in line with GDPR and professional requirements, and are destroyed after the required retention period.

Online sessions are not recorded by either party.

Emergency support

Online counselling is not an emergency service. If you are in crisis or at immediate risk, please contact your GP, NHS 111, local crisis services, or call 999.

You can also contact the Samaritans on 116 123, available 24/7.

Technical difficulties

If connection problems occur, I will contact you using your provided phone number to rearrange or continue the session where appropriate.

Qualifications and registrations

·

Core Professional Qualification

Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling – Stroud College

Postgraduate and Specialist Training

Postgraduate Certificate in Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Well-being – Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust / University of Essex
Certificate in Trauma Informed Care – Crossfields Institute (Ofqual regulated)
Certificate in Family Work – Crossfields Institute (Ofqual regulated)
Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling (80 CPD hours) – Counselling Tutor
Specialised Children and Young People’s Course – Teens in Crisis, Gloucester
BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT) – Terence Watts Institute
Online Child Counselling Course – Oplex Carers
Pregnancy and Infant Loss and Infertility Practitioner Training — The Foundation for Infant Loss Training
Fertility Specialist and Rainbow Baby Specialist designations — The Foundation for Infant Loss Training

Foundational Training

Certificate in Counselling Skills – Gloucestershire Counselling Service, Stroud
Introductory Course in Counselling (10 weeks) – Gloucestershire Counselling Service, Stroud

Professional Memberships and Registration

I am an Accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and work in accordance with their Ethical Framework. I undertake regular continuing professional development (CPD) to support and enhance my practice.

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)