Louise Diffey
Member Status: Accredited
Member No: NCS20-01830
Location: Bristol
I provide individual counselling to adults. We begin by looking at what you consider to be the essential aspects of a supportive, professional relationship, taking into account your past experiences. Once we have established an environment in which you feel comfortable, we talk about what you would like from counselling, and I listen to your story. We can then look more deeply at how you are feeling and consider how you would like to move forward. I welcome your informal email or telephone enquiries.
I trained as an NHS Occupational Health counsellor, providing counselling for NHS staff across two hospital trusts, both prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I have also worked as a volunteer counsellor for Bath Mind.
Having worked as a Registered Nurse, I am really interested in the connection between mind and body. This has led me to learn more about meditation and yoga and the resulting effects on the nervous system.
I began my career as a Registered Nurse for Learning Disabilities (RNLD) caring for people with additional mental health issues. As my five children grew up, I completed a BA (Hons) History and worked as a learning support assistant, a helpline worker for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME, a carers’ support worker, and an advocate for people within drugs and alcohol services, NHS services, and social services. I currently work part-time for a local authority as a homelessness support worker.
My professional development training includes using neuroscience in counselling, which focuses on regulation of the nervous system, an important component of managing long term health conditions and trauma. I also study relational approaches to counselling, existential therapy, single session therapy, and working with abuse.
Please call or email me if you would like more information about my counselling practice, Light Step Counselling.