Sue Bannister

I have now moved my practice online. In the current climate, many clients are working from home, or are concerned about face to face contact. It also can help those who are immobile, or would prefer, due to life circumstances, not to travel. It does mean you would need to have a confidential space where you will not have interruptions. A fixed screen, not a cell phone, is helpful.

I offer individual counselling for a wide range of issues. When I first meet with you online or on the phone, I will listen carefully with warmth, respect and compassion. I can help you to clarify where you are at, what changes you want in yourself or your life, and then support you in making these.

Areas of Special Interest

• Self acceptance and confidence
• Life goals and personal development
• Anxiety
• Stress at home or work
• Grief and Loss
• Life transitions
• Depression
• Managing Learning difficulties
• Spirituality
• Life meaning and Mindfulness
• Caring for others

Counselling Services

​I will work with you in a client-centred way. This means I listen carefully with respect and compassion, and seek to understand what it is like to be you, at this point of time. From that basis, I can help you to clarify what changes you want in yourself or your life, and then support you in making these.

Sometimes it’s about finding a way to live and find meaning when external changes seem impossible. I seek to help you re-discover your own strengths and resources, and the essence of who you really are. The real, authentic you. Then supporting you to live a life that expresses that.

Change can be hard, so we do this gently and at your own pace. Sometimes you may not even be sure what you are wanting, you may just feel unhappy, but with gentle questioning and clarification we can work that out together. I work in collaboration with you. One step at a time. It’s important that you can trust me, and that you feel it is a safe and confidential place.

Counselling Approach

The primary basis of my Counselling is Client Centred, but, depending on the client and issue, I may draw on a variety of ways of working, such as Solutions focused, Acceptance Commitment therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Narrative, Feminist therapy, Interactive drawing therapy, and Motivational Techniques.

Background and Experience

My life experience includes being married for many years, parenting now adult children, as well as juggling a career  that has always involved working with people. Such as the Education sector, Workplace Support in Government departments, Hospital pastoral care, Samaritans, and Child Cancer Foundation.

I graduated with a Bachelor in Counselling in 2007, and have worked in a Counselling Agency for four years as well as starting my private practice. Alongside this, I was a phone Counsellor for the people traumatized by the Christchurch earthquakes in 2011. I also co- facilitated a women’s depression support group.

As well as being an experienced Counsellor you will find me warm, compassionate and down to earth.