bedfordshirecounselling – Counselling in Bedford

adycracknell@hotmail.com | 07881 717155

Adriana Cracknell MBACP

Counsellor & Clinical Supervisor

“I Believe That Each Person Has The Resources Within, To Grow And Empower Themselves”

I have been qualified and working as a counsellor for over 25 years and am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

which is a professional organisation and should give you confidence in selecting a suitable therapist. You can find out more about them at www.bacp.co.uk. I am based in Bedford and work within the ethical guidelines set out within BACP and have both Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance. My private practice has been established since 1997. As someone who is trained to listen to your problems, a counsellor can help you develop an understanding of yourself and others, and provide you with the support to work on the problems you face, facilitating positive change. It is a way of reducing confusion and enabling choice; it is not about forcing you to take a particular course of action. During the counselling session, I aim to provide a safe place where you can share your thoughts, feelings and concerns in as much detail as you wish. You will neither be judged nor have ideas or opinions imposed upon you.

Call me at 07881 717155 to book your first consultation.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

Diploma in Counselling - Central School of Counselling & Therapy

Advanced Certificate in Relationship/Couple Therapy (COSRT)

Certificate in Counselling Children & Young People

Level 6 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision

RSA Certificate in Counselling Skills - Barnfield College

OXSEM Group Trainer for Divorced & Separated Workshops

NHS Group Facilitator

NHS Stop Smoking Advisor

Student Services Counsellor in an Educational Setting with young people

Counsellor in HMP Service setting

Stress & Anxiety Management Group Facilitator with Social Services

Fluent Italian speaker with knowledge of trans-cultural issues and Trainer for Multi-cultural Workshops

A founder member of the local Bedfordshire Area Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and Central Bedford Counselling Service

Areas which I specialise in:

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. It is often the result of feeling as though we cannot cope with the demands placed upon us. Often by thinking about all the things that could go wrong, you feel better prepared to cope if it happens. However thinking in these ways means you are on regular alert and find it difficult to relax and 'switch off' - causing stress.

Depression

There are many causes: Distressing life events, childhood experiences - these can affect you in adult life. ‘Frozen anger’ - you may have gone through something that caused you to become angry, but at the time you couldn’t express your feelings properly, so it becomes suppressed; and become a cause of depression.

Relationships

Trust, respect and communication are three key factors to a successful, happy relationship. When something happens that changes or impacts one of these factors, the relationship can start to break down. Whether as a couple or an individual - you can talk about your concerns and needs.

LGBTQ +

I believe that it is incredibly important to have access to a space where your identity does not have to be justified or explained. I have specific experience of working with sexual and gender minority clients. Dealing with issues such as: difficulty accepting your sexual orientation, coping with other people's reactions, feeling your body does not reflect your true gender and transitioning, low self-esteem, self-harm, suicidal thoughts. Also offering support for parents and spouses.

Abuse - Verbal, Physical, Sexual, Domestic

Abuse is any action that violates a person’s human or civil rights. It can take many forms and involves a number of factors. It can occur anywhere and be in your past or present. Victimized people commonly develop emotional or psychological problems secondary to their abuse, including anxiety disorders and various forms of depression.

Adolescents

It is a period of transition, many young people struggle with how they feel. If you are a young person and feel sad most of the time and this is affecting your work at school, relationships with friends or family, or you feel like you're just not being you. I will not tell you what to do, but will help you to choose and act on your own decisions.