Emma Cumberland
Counsellor in Gloucestershire

My name is Emma (she/her) and I am an NCPS accredited, trauma informed integrative counsellor & pyschotherapist working face to face in Gloucestershire & Bristol, and online nationally.

I am passionate about supporting people who are feeling stuck, unable to fully connect to themselves and their lives and are unsure how to move forward. Whether that's from a traumatic experience, a significant loss or bound up in your sense of identity I will be alongside you as you explore and move through discomfort, connect to your strengths and feel empowered to fully live your life.

I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive space where you feel understood, respected and valued for who you are and offer LGBTQ+ affirming and culturally sensitive counselling.  I have deep understanding of neurodiversity and its brilliant gifts and unique challenges and am experienced in counselling for ASD and ADHD.

Life can be complex and challenging. Our past experiences can create obstacles in our present relationships and everyday lives. In our sessions, I'll work with you to explore your challenges, strengths and hopes and provide a space for reflection, understanding and growth.

Background & Counselling Qualifications

Young People
I want to empower young people to express and process their difficulties so they can live their lives undefined and unburdened by their experiences; instead growing round them to develop strength and resilience.

I have over 20 years experience supporting children and teenagers' mental health, primarily as a teacher before retraining as a registered Creative Arts & Therapeutic Play Practitioner and Trauma & Mental Health Practitioner, working in schools across London and Gloucestershire.  I have spent the last two years working with TIC+ providing counselling for young people from 9 -25 years, in addition to being the school based counsellor at a Stroud secondary school for one year working across year 7 to year 13.

Adults
My therapeutic work with parents and carers inspired me to train as a counsellor so I can support people of all ages to navigate life's challenges. Your experiences a young person may have shaped your view of yourself in problematic ways that create obstacles in your otherwise successful adult life. I want to help you gently peel back the layers so your past experiences no longer control your present and you can live more peacefully.

Dip Therapeutic Counselling in Adults, Children and Young people
Dip Trauma & Mental Health Informed Schools and Communities
PGCert Therapeutic Play Skills
BA (Hons) Fine Art
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cert Autism Awareness

My Specialisms

I have a particular interest in supporting adults, children and teenagers exploring;

grief & loss
identity including gender or sexuality
trauma including sexual, physical and psychological/emotional abuse
parent/carers of struggling children & teenagers

I understand the vulnerability and courage it takes to work through trauma and abuse; it can feel scary or even impossible at times. As a trauma informed counsellor, I can support you to better understand and heal the trauma associated with your experiences and to develop ways to manage distressing thoughts, feelings, images and bodily sensations bringing a sense of balance and peace.

Approach to Counselling & How I Work

At the heart of my practice is a person-centred integrative approach. I will meet you with empathy, humour, honesty and non-judgement. You can trust me to honour your thoughts and feelings so we can work through your difficulties together, at a pace that feels safe for you.

Integrative counselling & pyschotherapy is a flexible and holistic approach to therapy that allows us to create a tailored approach that draws on different strategies and techniques to suit your individual needs, your personality and your presenting issues. This could include using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-based Brief Therapy (SBFT) and creative approaches.

Therapies & Rates

Please note the rates detailed below are there to give you an idea of the therapists standard rates, we strongly advise you contact the therapist for more detailed rates and any offers they may have.

Therapy	Appointment Type	Rate
Counselling	In Person	£60 per 50 minutes

Additional Rate Information

I offer a limited number of concessionary spaces at my practice at The Therapy Rooms, Stroud GL6 6RD. I offer a 25% discount to NHS staff, and offer a discount to trainee counsellors.