Clare Gibbons

I work from a broadly existential frame, taking a realistic and reflective approach to supporting people with their wellbeing. Existential therapy recognises the universality of life struggles, or 'difficulties with being', whilst valuing each person's individual experiences and circumstances. In my sessions, I offer a space for you to think about and make sense of your particular life experiences, including the physical and emotional, and to examine your meaning-making around these. Through this process, you will be more able to find your place in the world and navigate a pathway which authentically aligns with your personal values and world view. I also offer groupwork in the form of workshops (narrative arts-based), facilitated listening groups (based around Way of Council), nature connection work and therapeutic poetry groups - please check my website www.journeytoconnect.org for more information.

I have over 20 years' experience supporting people with their mental health and emotional wellbeing, both in the NHS and the Independent Sector. This has included community and inpatient adult mental health, young people's substance misuse and complex trauma/domestic abuse services. I have had a long-term interest in working with neurodiversity, and have been involved in screening and ongoing support of adults with Autism and ADHD, including supporting neurodiverse parents. My initial degree in Health Studies was holistic, examining health and emotional wellbeing through the lenses of nutrition, transcultural health and social models of dis-ease. I then took a Psychology conversion course approved by the British Psychological Society as well as further training in interventions such as motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy and non-violent communication. In recent years I have been involved in assessment and intervention within the NHS, with a focus on the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences, complex trauma, attachment issues and interpersonal violence and abuse. I have also worked with ex-offenders and people fleeing persecution, war and conflict. I have experience of delivering training and education to health and social care professionals on issues such as intersectionality, trauma and injustice.