Maite Berndes

I am a qualified Psychodynamic Counsellor and I work in private practice. I offer a safe, confidential, non-judgmental space for my clients where issues can be discussed and explored. I have experience of working with clients on a range of issues, below are just some of these issues: Bereavement and loss Anxiety and stress Depression Relationship issues Low self-esteem Interpersonal relationships Childhood difficulties/trauma Affairs/betrayals Family estrangement Loss of meaning in life I respect that each person is an individual with their own unique experiences and problems. I work psycho-dynamically, although I do draw on other disciplines depending on my clients needs. I believe that childhood experiences and early relationships impact on the present, even though this may be outside the awareness of the client, in other words, it is unconscious. Therapy helps bring these unconscious issues into the conscious with the aim of giving you greater personal awareness and understanding, and therefore, more control over your emotions and life. I understand that sometimes taking the first step in therapy can be the most difficult. I offer an initial assessment which usually lasts between 1 hour to 1.15 minutes where you can find out what to expect from ongoing therapy and to see if it could benefit you. I am also trained to Second Degree in Reiki. Reiki is a non-invasive form of energy healing based on the principle that the therapist channels energy into the patient by means of light touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient's body and restore physical and emotional well-being. Please note, I am working exclusively online at present, so I am unable to offer Reiki.

Certificate in Psychodynamic Counselling Skills Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling First Degree and Second Degree in Reiki EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) / Tapping I am a Registered Member of BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists) and I abide by their Code of Ethics.

I am specialised in bereavement and loss and worked for a bereavement organisation for 12 years. I have also experienced loss in my own life and believe that this gives me greater understanding of the difficulties that people encounter during this difficult time. Through both my own experience and through my counselling work I have learnt that loss is not always about the loss of a person but can also be about the loss of status, own's own identity, self esteem and confidence, direction in life, etc.

I have been trained psychodynamically and this is the main approach I use in my therapy, however I do draw on other disciplines depending on the needs of the cllent. I explore together with client any issues they may be experiencing and patterns of unhelpful behaviour and/or thought patterns with the aim of making sense of them and gaining insight. It is through insight that real change can occur. Sometimes this means looking together at difficult issues, however this is always at the client's own pace.