Gill Bradley (Psychotherapist)

My journey to becoming a counsellor/psychotherapist started when I was working alongside psychologists supporting members of the police force: men and women who were experiencing the impacts of being subjected to and witnessing traumatic events. I was inspired by the work that was being done and subsequently gained a psychology degree, followed by a diploma in integrative counselling  (2006 Sheffield Hallam University).

I work relationally and over the years, through additional training and experience, my practise has deepened to encompass a focus the mind, emotion, body link in the experience and process. Peter Levine and Babette Rothschild have both been influential in this area of my development. I frequently integrate creativity to support clients in the therapeutic process. In 2009 I obtained BACP counsellor/psychotherapist accreditation.

My working week is divided into two halves. I am employed as a counsellor/psychotherapist by Sheffield Women’s Counselling and Therapy Service, providing long term therapy for women with complex issues who have experienced trauma and/or abuse. This work also includes running groups for clients, and delivering training to other counsellors and psychotherapists. The other half of my time is spent in my private practise in Sheffield, where I work with clients presenting with a wide range of issues. This work incorporates providing work place counselling, using a brief therapy model, delivered via an employee assistance programme.

Supervision has been an important part of my development and I am passionate about being able to access supportive, restorative, explorative and growthfull supervision, and this underpins my supervision practise. In 2012 I obtained a PGC in counselling/psychotherapy supervision (York ST John University). I am inspired by the supervision work and writing of Maria Gilbert and Robin Shohet. I summarise supervision as a process of reflection on past experiences, with attention to what is happening in the here and now, for the future benefit of the client. My supervisees are free to bring whatever maybe influencing the field of work as well as client material. I provide supervision individually and with groups.

I have been passionate about horses for as long as I can remember and they have always featured in my life in one way or another. Over recent years I have been increasingly fascinated by how horses have responded to my emotional and energetic state and this has drawn me to the field of equine assisted learning and development.