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