Portrait of Vivienne Sutton, Counsellor in Wellington, Somerset

Information
I am an Integrative Counsellor which means I offer a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to the individual, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Gestalt Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy.

Fundamentally I have a person centred approach which values the uniqueness of the individual and the relationship between the client and therapist.

I began working as a Counsellor in 1991 at a community college working with young people, since then I have worked in the caring professions in a variety of roles from developing Mental Health services to care management. During this time I worked with people who have been devastated by sexual abuse, struggled with addictions and experienced the pain of loss and bereavement and many other issues.

I value uniqueness of each person and their right to live in freedom and safety; I value each person's right to express and speak their truth. Most importantly as a Counsellor I value each person's right to deal with their distress/issues/problems in a safe nurturing environment. I also believe that each person who chooses to have Counselling has the right to expect to be treated with respect, dignity and to be cared for.

Some of the issues I work with:

Stress Anxiety

Depression

Loss and Bereavement

Assertiveness

Sexuality

Low Self Esteem

Issues with Food

Anger Management

Addictions

Relationship Issues

Qualifications

I have an Advanced Diploma in Counselling, I am an accredited member of BACP and abide by their ethical principles and guidelines. In the last 10 years I have explored a range of therapies and healing modalities including CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Gestalt Therapy, Transactional Analysis and more recently spiritual Counselling.

Fundamentally I believe that whatever modality you use, it is the relationship with the client which is at the heart of the Counselling process. I have 5 years’ experience working within the NHS as a practice counsellor, and I now run a private practice in Wellington.

Certificate in Counselling – Exeter University
Diploma in Health and Social Welfare – Open University
BSc Sociology and Psychology – Open University
Advanced Diploma in Counselling – DCCP
Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution
Accredited Registered Member of BACP

Experience

5 years working within the NHS (GP Surgery) with a wide variety of issues – short, medium, and long-term work.
5 years working as a resident counsellor/psychotherapist at the University of Exeter supporting university students.
Private individual practice – 8 years (adults and teenagers aged 13+).
Post-16 Counsellor – Community Education.
3 years developing Mental Health Services including managing a day centre for adults with mental health difficulties.
Experience supporting clients with addictions and offending behaviour (young people and adults).
Group facilitation work with Devon Probation Service, including issues like bullying, low self-esteem, and offending behaviour.
5 years with Devon Mediation Service working on community-based conflicts between individuals and groups.

My Services

My Approach

I am an Integrative Counsellor offering a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to the individual, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Gestalt Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy.

Fundamentally, I take a person-centred approach which values the uniqueness of the individual and the relationship between client and therapist.

What is the Benefit of Counselling?

When we can no longer cope, counselling can be a positive step forward. It provides a safe, non-judgemental space for you to express your problems and concerns.

Counselling will help you see your situation with more clarity, enabling you to make decisions and changes from a firm base of understanding.

“The only thing we can effectively control is our reactions to whatever life hands us.”
– Susan Jeffers

Group Work

I have experience facilitating group work for both teenagers and adults. I currently lead a support group in Wellington, Somerset with other volunteers.

The group is for adults experiencing difficult life events — loss, divorce, work or relationship stress. It provides a safe and accepting environment to share, make friends, learn hobbies, or simply talk to those who understand.

Mediation

I qualified as a community mediator in 2006 and worked for 5 years resolving neighbourhood and interpersonal conflicts. I hold a Cert NOCN in Interpersonal Communication & Conflict Management.

Mediation aims to improve dialogue and empathy between parties, moving them towards agreement. Most sessions last between 2–4 hours. I specialise in workplace, community, and interpersonal disputes.

Session Information

Counselling sessions are £50 per hour. Concessionary rates are available — please ask when making contact.

Contact

If you wish to get in touch to arrange counselling or any other service, or simply to inquire more, please choose one of the contact methods below.

Mobile:
0774 999 6131

Contact Form
Fill in the form and I will respond promptly.

Based in Wellington, Somerset.

Testimonials

“A lot calmer and in control”

"I feel a lot calmer and in control, counselling has helped me enormously. Vivienne’s approach has made me see a way forward and out of a very traumatic situation."

“I am in a much better place”

"Thank you for helping me through a difficult time. I was very stressed and unhappy when I started counselling, but now am in a much better place. In helping me, you have helped my family too — their relationship with me has improved and we are all in a much better place."

“Thank you”

"I don’t feel as guilty now. It’s helped me put things back into perspective — thank you."

“Understanding my past”

"I didn't know what to expect when I started counselling — quite sceptical about it to be honest and thought I could manage on my own. I now understand how helpful it has been, as I’ve gained a greater understanding of my past and how that has influenced the present."

"Dear Vivienne, just a small note to say a huge thank you for all your work with me over the past year. I am so grateful. I wish you all the best as you carry on in your amazing work."

"To Vivienne: Thank you for all your time and effort you spent with me. You have helped me so much and I am very grateful."

"To Vivienne, just wanted to say a really big 'thank you' for all your help and support. I know I've still got a way to go, but at least I'm getting there — and that's all thanks to you. Best wishes for the future."