Hello and Welcome

I am Sue, founder of Ameliorate Counselling

It is not easy taking the first step to seek support, trawling through internet searches, profile information with so many counsellors - therapist it might feel like a mine field. 

 In truth there may be many qualified counsellors who can offer support, with the right experience and qualifications and I am no different in this respect. 

So what makes me different

My hope is that academic and lived experience, a broad background, and additional skills better enable me to sit with you when you reach out, to see and hear you, be present with you, and to support you.   

  I have gained a diverse understanding for my fifty plus years of life, and continue to learn everyday. 

The journey that led me into counselling started around 20 years ago. Studying and working within the Psychology and Criminology sector, sadly witnessing the struggles and decline in mental health support and the approaches used, I decided to take a different pathway into Counselling.

I am a certified integrative counsellor, and adoption counsellor, and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, MBACP. 

 I am qualified as a trauma therapist, and integrate the flash technique. 

I am also an advanced practitioner in the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT-tapping therapy) and I practice as a mindful/compassion focused counsellor.

As an integrative counsellor, I apply a combination approach to therapy, because I do not believe one size fits all, instead I draw from lots of different theories, skills, qualifications, and cpd to tailor therapy to your individual needs and concerns.

Some of my training and qualifications include - but are not limited to. 

· Cert - Adoption Support Counselling (Albany centre, and Barnardos)

· Dip - Trauma Therapy (three phase trauma model), and flash technique.

· Cert - Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) advanced practitioner.

· Level 4 Dip - Integrative Therapeutic Counselling.

· Level 3 Dip - Counselling Skills.

· Level 2 Cert - Counselling Skills.

· BSc Hon - Psychology and Criminology.

· Dip - Forensic Psychology and Forensic Science.

 Meet Amelie 

The name 'Ameliorate' came from a combination of our dog’s name Amelie, named after the French film Amélie who decides to make the world a better place by helping people find happiness, and in the dictionary the word Ameliorate is described as to improve, or make more tolerable. 

I believe anyone can be BRAVE and BOLD, and turn trauma into triumph. With the right support, and empowerment, vulnerabilities can become strengths. 

Seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. 

My hope is that Ameliorate Counselling becomes a safe and trusted provider offering counselling services in and around Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. 

I have worked within various sectors, and charity organisations, and have experience of working with survivors of rape, sexual violence, and domestic abuse, trauma and attachments as well as charities within the LGBTQ+ community.

I work with adults, and the number of sessions is dependent on your concerns, session may be long or short term. 

I offer face to face counselling in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham 

(in and around the town centre with easy access to parking and public transport)

and

Online Counselling throughout England.

Tailoring sessions around your needs and aspirations, and in a safe, confidential, inclusive, and free from judgement environment. 

Sometimes it is important to focus on ourselves for a while. 

Counselling provides the opportunity to take a breath, to think, explore yourself, and aims to support you to manage your mental wellbeing, along with finding alternative ways of coping. 

A counsellors aim is to support and walk with you, to create positive changes for a happier, healthier, and empowered you. 

It can feel scary and overwhelming taking the first step to seek support, or talking to friends or family about the things that trouble us most, feeling embarrassed or worry about burdening them.

------------------------- 

Sometimes it is important to focus on ourselves for a while. It does not mean me first, it means me too.

Counselling provides a safe space, that is non-judgemental, and holds you with empathy at it's heart so you can explore your thoughts, and feelings. 

Every client and enquiry is treated with sensitivity, dignity, empathy, compassion, and respect. 

I offer an inclusive counselling service, committed to creating a supportive, accepting, and non-judgemental environment where any identity is valued, where you are free to be yourself in a safe environment. 

We all deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and I believe in the practice of creating a supportive and empathic environment, where you will feel valued and heard.

A Safe Space

Ameliorate counselling can support you to/with

· Improve wellbeing.
 

· Mindfulness.
 

· Make changes in your life.

· Identify root causes.

 Improve - develop
 

• Self-confidence.
• Self-esteem.
• Self-acceptance
• To have a voice, and be heard.
• Develop positive ways of thinking, to gain a stronger sense of self.
• Identifying emotional needs and build resilience.

· Adults who have experienced adoption - care system - growing up in children's homes.

· Help you process trauma, and traumatic experiences to gain safety, insight, trust and resilience.

· Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) or Complex post-traumatic stress (CPTSD).

· Unresolved issues from childhood or in the past.

· Attachments - build confidence, and resilience.

· Support with feelings of loss, grief or bereavement.
 

· Setting boundaries - creating healthy boundaries.
 

· Shame - guilt.
 

· Self sabotage.

· Imposter syndrome.

· Feel supported during a challenging time.
 

· Anxiety - overwhelming emotions.

· Suicidal thoughts and feelings.

· Stress - Depression.

· Peri-menopause - Post menopause.

· Divorce or separation, to support you work through your emotions - feelings.

· Decision making difficulties, exploring options.

If you have experienced trauma, it is important to seek support from a qualified trauma therapist, to build trust, rapport and to feel you are in a safe environment to develop healthy coping strategies that meet your unique needs. 

Trauma therapy is generally a long therapeutic process, and sadly is not a quick fix. 

 I work with the three phase trauma model, and flash technique, along with a combination of other therapies and techniques in order to keep you safe and supported.