BERNIE
ADHD COUNSELLOR
INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPIST
TRAUMA THERAPIST
PARENTING SUPPORT
Bernie sees clients face-to-face in Sheffield S11 and also works online.
DIAGNOSED ADHD & TWO SONS ADHD
Bernie was finally diagnosed with ADHD Inattentive type in her early 50s. Although it came as no surprise to her as she had spent literally decades searching to understand why her life had been so challenging on every front. Coming to terms with the diagnosis she finds is still an interesting and ongoing process.
Despite doing relatively well academically and professionally, seemingly simple tasks were often frustrating and would take Bernie superhuman effort.
When parenting two sons with ADHD and Dyspraxia, while holding down a challenging job AND managing a home became too stressful, Bernie sought out counselling. Therapy helped her make sense of the confusion and find more effective ways of understanding and managing her life. But it still wasn’t the complete picture.
Still desperately searching for answers, Bernie retrained as an Integrative Psychotherapist and Counsellor and started work in various areas of the NHS and the charity sector, specialising in trauma. This gave her a deep understanding and ability to help others from diverse backgrounds with challenging life experiences.
Whilst learning a great deal on her personal and parenting journey, she found that very few (neurotypical) counsellors really understood neurodiversity. She is now passionate about bringing together her lived experience and understanding of difference and diversity, with her skills and insights as a trauma counsellor.
Finally, after more than two decades of searching and reaching understanding, and supporting others to do the same – and exasperated with the never-ending NHS waiting list – Bernie sought a private diagnosis early in lockdown. Like many of us, the stresses of the pandemic and lack of structure meant many of Bernie’s coping strategies were being additionally tested! She understands how the rollercoaster of diagnosis and treatment continues to offer new possibilities and ways forward.
Bernie completely understands how ADHD people often have so much creativity but find themselves thwarted and not reaching their potential. Too often they develop a range of confounding and often misunderstood mental health issues as a result of surviving in a world that rarely understands them or their needs.
Bernie strongly believes having a Therapist who understands these complexities, who can emotionally support you, can really help you to make sense of your life. Bernie is passionate about helping you reframe your struggles and accept your wonderfully divergent capabilities.
Bernie firmly believes that having a full understanding of ADHD, knowledge and awareness, acceptance and self-compassion are critical aspects of dealing with ADHD and are central to her counselling relationships with clients.
Now Bernie’s two sons are in their 20s she is very happy to support other parents especially those with boys with ADHD and dyspraxia.
Qualifications
- PG Dip Integrative Psychotherapy 2013
- CertHE Counselling Skills 2009
Further Training
- Understanding and Working with Adults with ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Traits 2021
- Trauma Informed Safeguarding 2021
- Exploring Race Stories with Creative Therapeutic Tools 2021
- PESI/BACP Mental Health Awareness, Grief and Loss 2020
- Working with Clients Online 2020
- The Nervous System After Trauma 2020
- Dealing with Distress – Working with Suicide and Self Harm 2019
- Working with Complex Trauma 2018
- Treating Trauma Master Series 2018
- Rewind Therapy 2018
- Working with Dissociative Disorders in Clinical Practice 2015
BERNIE
ADHD COUNSELLOR
INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPIST
TRAUMA THERAPIST
PARENTING SUPPORT
Bernie sees clients face-to-face in Sheffield S11 and also works online.
DIAGNOSED ADHD & TWO SONS ADHD
Bernie was finally diagnosed with ADHD Inattentive type in her early 50s. Although it came as no surprise to her as she had spent literally decades searching to understand why her life had been so challenging on every front. Coming to terms with the diagnosis she finds is still an interesting and ongoing process.
Despite doing relatively well academically and professionally, seemingly simple tasks were often frustrating and would take Bernie superhuman effort.
When parenting two sons with ADHD and Dyspraxia, while holding down a challenging job AND managing a home became too stressful, Bernie sought out counselling. Therapy helped her make sense of the confusion and find more effective ways of understanding and managing her life. But it still wasn’t the complete picture.
Still desperately searching for answers, Bernie retrained as an Integrative Psychotherapist and Counsellor and started work in various areas of the NHS and the charity sector, specialising in trauma. This gave her a deep understanding and ability to help others from diverse backgrounds with challenging life experiences.
Whilst learning a great deal on her personal and parenting journey, she found that very few (neurotypical) counsellors really understood neurodiversity. She is now passionate about bringing together her lived experience and understanding of difference and diversity, with her skills and insights as a trauma counsellor.
Finally, after more than two decades of searching and reaching understanding, and supporting others to do the same – and exasperated with the never-ending NHS waiting list – Bernie sought a private diagnosis early in lockdown. Like many of us, the stresses of the pandemic and lack of structure meant many of Bernie’s coping strategies were being additionally tested! She understands how the rollercoaster of diagnosis and treatment continues to offer new possibilities and ways forward.
Now Bernie’s two sons are in their 20s she is very happy to support other parents especially those with boys with ADHD and dyspraxia.
Qualifications
- PG Dip Integrative Psychotherapy 2013
- CertHE Counselling Skills 2009
Further Training
- Understanding and Working with Adults with ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Traits 2021
- Trauma Informed Safeguarding 2021
- Exploring Race Stories with Creative Therapeutic Tools 2021
- PESI/BACP Mental Health Awareness, Grief and Loss 2020
- Working with Clients Online 2020
- The Nervous System After Trauma 2020
- Dealing with Distress – Working with Suicide and Self Harm 2019
- Working with Complex Trauma 2018
- Treating Trauma Master Series 2018
- Rewind Therapy 2018
- Working with Dissociative Disorders in Clinical Practice 2015