About Me

My name is Jannine. I am a fully qualified MBACP counsellor and psychotherapist in Bridgend who works with individuals aged 18 and over, facing all kinds of challenges including depression, anxiety, stress, work related issues, grief and loss, guilt and shame, low self-esteem, relationship and family difficulties, abuse, and interpersonal trauma. 

As a relational integrative therapist, I draw from several modalities: Person-Centred Therapy; Existentialism; Psychodynamic; and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. These concepts afford the flexibility to work in many ways and allows me to tailor my approach to meet your individual need. Whilst focusing on who you are, where you have been, and the changes you desire for your life moving forward.  

Whilst I hope to bring a level of experience and theoretical understanding to my work, I support that each individual is the expert of their own life with the potential to determine the best ways forward. I work in an adaptable and collaborative way with each individual, helping them to reach goals and make the changes they desire.

I'm aware from experience how difficult it can be to take the first step into therapy, and in finding a therapist that you can connect with and who can help you make sense of the challenges you are facing. I am an inclusive and non-judgmental therapist, who offers a safe confidential space where you can feel valued and supported. I believe it’s important to treat individuals with respect and dignity - How you feel is valid, what you need is important, and the change you desire is possible. 

No matter how big the problem might seem or how stuck you might feel, I encourage you to get in touch, and let us explore how we might work well together.

(Keep scrolling down for further information)

Areas of Focus

I work with a wide range of areas including:

  • Enhancing interpersonal relationships

  • Improving emotional well being

  • Disordered Eating and weight management

  • Decision Making

  • Understanding Childhood and Family Experiences

  • Grief and Loss

  • Anger management

  • Sexuality

  • OCD

  • Addiction

  • Behaviour problems

  • Learning difficulties

  • Loneliness

  • Panic Attacks

  • Work Related Issues

  • Child related Issues

  • Family related issues

  • Low Self-Confidence

  • Low-Self Esteem

  • Self-Harm

  • Stress

  • ACE’s

  • Trauma/PTSD

  • Self Identity

  • Meaning and purpose

  • Issues with online life and Social Media

  • Death and health anxiety

  • Suicidal thoughts

  • Compulsive behaviour

  • Guilt and Shame

  • Neurodiversity

  • Bullying

  • Abuse

  • Redundancy

  • Perfectionism

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Burnout

  • Disabilities

  • Mental health

  • Trust Issues

Areas of Expertise

  • Person-Centred Therapy

    Person Centred Therapy was first developed by Carl Rogers. PCT emphasises the development of a strong therapeutic relationship between therapist and individual as the main vehicle of change. The therapeutic relationship is founded on unconditional positive regard, congruence, empathic understanding and acceptance. Offering a space where clients can explore their lived experience in the here and now, identifying their potential, and facilitating personal growth and development.

  • Psychodynamic

    Psychodynamic therapy originates from the work of Freud, Bowlby and modern day relational psychodynamic theory. Its primary focus is on our unconscious, inner world, which influences how we think, feel and behave, and often involves the exploration of past experiences, attachment patterns, unconscious defence mechanisms and the intersubjective way in which therapist and individual experience and relate to each other.

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapies

    CBT looks at thinking patterns, underlying assumptions and core beliefs. CBT is often very structured in its approach and may involve some tasks in session and/oi at home, including thought diaries, journaling, and behavioural experiments. These activities can then be explored in more detail with your therapist during sessions.

  • Existential Therapy

    Existentialist theory supports the view that we are all born without a pre-given purpose, but with the ability to create our own sense of meaning and personal freedom. A tenet of existentialism is that personal freedom, individual responsibility, and deliberate choice are essential to the pursuit of self-discovery and the determination of life's meaning.

Education and Experience

Education

  • MA Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy: Level 7 (University of South Wales) In progress

  • Post Graduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy: Level 7 (University of South Wales)

  • Post Graduate Certificate in Integrative Counselling Counselling Skills: Level 7 (University of South Wales)

  • Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Post Compulsory Education and Training): Level 7 (University of South Wales)

  • Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with Sociology (University of South Wales)

  • Advanced Certificate in Counselling Skills: Level 4 (Bridgend College)

  • An Introduction to Solution Focused Brief Therapy (Solution Focused Training & Consultation)

  • Introductory Motivational Interviewing (Tepee Training Ltd.)

  • ILM Award in Leadership and Management: Level 5 (Neath Port Talbot College)

CPD Training:

  • The Therapist as Human: An Existential Perspective

  • Doing Brief Therapy Informed by a Single-Session Mindset

  • Transforming Trauma-Shame into Self-Compassion

  • A-Z of LGBTQ Inclusion (MindOut)

  • Narcissism - Types, Behaviours, and boundary setting

CPD & Clinical Supervision

As a counsellor and psychotherapist I undertake continuous professional development to expand my skills and knowledge (minimum of 30 hours annually). I also undertake regular clinical supervision (1.5 hours monthly).

Experience

I have counselling and psychotherapy experience within the charitable and private arena. I have worked in the charitable sector for 18 years in various roles for organisations that provide essential services for those who most need it, covering a range of key areas including: mental health and well-being, substance misuse, education and employment, advice and guidance, homelessness, young people, and criminal justice. I currently work within a senior leadership role for the advice sector, alongside working as an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist.

Membership Organisations

I work within the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) framework for ethical practice. As a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, I am bound to observe its code of Ethics and Practice, as well its Complaints Procedure. 

Bluebells & Bays

Why Bluebells and Bays?

Across different mythologies the ‘bluebell’ is a symbol of humility, constancy, care, gratitude, strength, purity, contemplation, truth, and healing. Blue flowers also symbolise peace, tranquility and serenity. All of which can exist within the therapeutic experience.

The ‘bay’ is surrounded by land that protects from strong winds and rough waves. The air by the bay is said to be therapeutic, lifting depression, alleviating stress, and helping to balance serotonin levels. Staring at the ocean can change how we feel and can act in a meditative way. It can also promote peace and relaxation.

I wanted to create a name that had a strong connection to the positive descriptions above, as well as creating a calming online space to browse. As a devoted mother it also enabled me to incorporate the names of my children within the name, who have supported me on my path to becoming a counsellor and psychotherapist.