Email: bethstevenstherapy@protonmail.com

Welcome

I offer one-to-one counselling and psychotherapy in Exeter – online, in person, or in the form of Walking Therapy.

Please scroll down to find out more and feel free to get in touch with any questions.

Issues I Can Help With

Trauma; symptoms such as flashbacks and nightmares, processing painful past events
Panic attacks, anxiety, and stress
Painful self-criticism
Overwhelming feelings

Low confidence and self-worth
Experiences of abuse
Lack of direction and meaning
Feeling disconnected
Emotional impacts of physical health problems

How I Work

I am relaxed and attentive and will help you to feel comfortable during our sessions. I value your uniqueness and will adapt the way I work to suit you. I will support you to explore your challenges, express your emotions, and find ways through.

I trained in integrative psychotherapy which means I work flexibly, however, trauma and humanistic approaches are my main modalities. I believe that everyone experiences trauma, albeit to varying degrees. Therefore, understanding trauma and how this impacts people’s physical or bodily experience is beneficial to a range of issues that bring people to therapy. Trauma causes disconnection, overwhelm, and a feeling of powerlessness. I believe experiences of disconnection are at the core of mental health problems – disconnection from ourselves, our true nature, and our inner power, as well as disconnection from each other and from the natural world. I will support you to find ways to reconnect, ground in the present, and regain a sense of power and agency. I approach mental health and well-being holistically; taking an interest in mind, body, and soul, and their interconnectedness.

Here are some examples of exercises and tools we could use in our work (during the sessions and/or outside of them): mindfulness, embodiment, movement, breathing practices, role play, radical self-acceptance, writing, and nature connection.

If I think a particular way of working might benefit you, I will suggest this and we’ll have a discussion to allow you to decide. It’s important that the way we work truly feels right for you.

Experience, Qualifications, and Interests

I completed a BA (Hons) in International Development at the University of Leeds in 2011. On this course I learnt about global inequalities and a range of social issues – wider issues I believe are relevant to understanding psychological distress. From there I went on to work in the charity sector for several years, in various support worker and caseworker roles. I have worked and volunteered with learning-disabled adults, young people with complex needs, people with dementia, people with mental health problems, and female survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence. In 2018 I completed an MSc in Therapeutic Counselling at the University of Greenwich and started working as a therapist with survivors of domestic and sexual violence. I learnt a lot about trauma; particularly about avoiding re-traumatisation and the fight/flight/freeze responses.

I have been exploring and practicing both meditation and nature connection for several years. I have done this through attending retreats and courses, personal practice, and independent study. I have experienced firsthand the serenity, insight, creativity, and vitality that can be gained by slowing down, tuning into the senses, being present and curious about our physical experience, and spending time in nature.

At the beginning of 2022, I took a break from employment and went to live at an eco-retreat centre called Embercombe, where I volunteered until October 2022. Whilst living at Embercombe I had the opportunity to deepen my connection to nature and learn more about community. I also took the opportunity to learn more about natural, holistic approaches to health, particularly in the form of breathwork. Finally, over the last few years I have been practicing ‘Focusing’ (which you can find out more about here), and am working towards training as a Focusing Practitioner.

I am an accredited member of the BACP which means I meet their higher standard as a competent, ethical, and independent practitioner.

About Walking Therapy

Walking therapy (sometimes known as ‘walk and talk therapy’) is where the therapy session is conducted outside on a walk, usually in a green place. This is an area I am trained in, and my experience of mindfulness and nature connection is particularly beneficial here.

There are numerous therapeutic benefits of both physical movement and being in nature, and these are harnessed during a walking therapy session. Working in this way can be particularly beneficial for those who find the setting of the therapy room uncomfortable.

A feeling of groundedness and support is gained through the rhythm of putting one foot in front of the other. Presence, connectedness, and serenity are experienced by taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural environment. Talking whilst walking can provide you with the spaciousness and stimulation you need to reflect and express yourself.

Location: Starting at Exeter Quay, heading south down the river. Or, if you’d prefer an alternative we can discuss this. Sessions start and end in the same place.

Next Steps

Enquiry: Get in touch if you have any questions, or you may wish to go ahead and arrange an initial session.

Initial session: This will be either by telephone or online, for 30 minutes. The purpose is for us both to find out if we’re a good fit for working together. I’ll ask about you, your background, and what’s led you to seek out therapy. I can also answer questions you have for me.

Sessions: 50 minutes long. Format: online/in-person/walking sessions. Frequency: weekly/fortnightly/ad hoc/one-off. Weekly sessions will typically take place at the same time.

Fees: £55 per session. The initial session is free.

Get in Touch

Email: bethstevenstherapy@protonmail.com

Telephone: (Coming soon!)

Please note I do not take referrals from third parties.