Hannah Biver - Registered Counsellor (A Relational Approach to Therapy) A loss of self: from personal trauma, a faith crisis or navigating life as an expat?
Bio
As I listen to my clients – I have found that there is healing in being able to witness pain as well as joy. There can be healing as we start to offer space for the complex parts of ourselves. I understand that our society and the relationships we often exist in can cause us more pain. I have experienced in my work that as human beings we have a deep need to be seen, to be heard and to be believed. If you choose to work with me – we will create a space and a relationship where I will begin to hear you, see you and believe you. And most importantly that through the relationship and space we build together – that you can begin to hear, see and believe yourself. It’s my experience that in therapy we can begin to develop healthier relationships with ourselves.
There is a term in the therapeutic field called ‘the wounded healer’. I am not here as an expert who has all the answers. I have personal wounds and I have experienced that healing is not a linear process. Healing occurs in many stages. What I can offer to each of my clients is patience and understanding in this process.
I have learnt over the years to sit with my own pain. I can allow my emotions to exist and I can notice how my emotions manifest in my body. This has given me the capacity to be with my clients in their deep pain. I have a curiosity that can enable my clients to start to encounter blocks and find parts of themselves that they haven’t had access to.
Through experience I have come to understand that the process of therapy is very personal. I don’t have a set model that I fit to all my clients. Rather I will listen to you and work with you to support your desires and your needs. I will always work ethically within my profession but I am okay to be flexible where possible. I will respect your personal process and timing. I also understand that counselling is an investment of your resources – your money and time. I am committed that I will not take advantage of either. This is your process and you have authority.
As you can read further – I have professional counselling experience working in a variety of organisations. In this work I have supported clients with a range of life experiences. If you feel a resonance with the way I work – please get in touch and we can discuss further if we could be a good fit.
The following are three areas that I am particularly passionate about. If you are experiencing any of these challenges and life situations – I am happy to talk with you further about how I can support you. • Trauma in your life: this process is not about you reliving the trauma but about understanding how the trauma(s) in your life have ruptured a connection with yourself. We can then focus on reconnection. • Faith Crisis / or leaving a high demand religion or cult: I can support you as you grapple with a complex journey of grief and change. • Navigating life as an expat: This can be a dual experience of loss of self and self discovery.
I’m happy to speak with you via message or to have an initial conversation to answer questions you may have.
Hannah BiverCertified Therapist
A short introduction. I am a registered member of the BACP with 10 years of professional experience. If you have experienced a loss of self or a self that you never had the opportunity to develop - perhaps we can work together.
Experience
My first ‘therapeutic’ experiences were in 2007 when I worked in Northern Ireland. I met many individuals and families deeply affected by traumas they had experienced. I started to learn how to provide spaces for people to share their stories. These relationships and the resilience and power I have witnessed in individuals has deeply enriched my life.
I have worked therapeutically with individuals and families living in Yorkshire, England and internationally. For many of the people I have worked with – they have experienced complex trauma and have been living with multiple challenges and limited means.
I have specialised training and experience working with addictions, supporting individuals and families affected by sexual abuse, relationship therapy (Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy) and play therapy.
In 2017 I began working as the therapist at Harrogate Homeless Hostel in England where I provided one to one therapy sessions for clients in the hostel, day service and move on properties.
From my experiences I have learnt the value of honesty and being a sincere practitioner. I know that so many of my clients would have seen straight through me if I was anything other than myself. People who have experienced complex trauma see inauthenticity.
Since 2015 I have been working in private practice. I attend supervision sessions to support my practice and work according to the standards and ethics of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
I am committed to creating safe spaces where my clients can move closer towards personal healing and growth.
A note to organisations: During my work at Harrogate Homeless Hostel I facilitated reflective practice sessions for staff and volunteers and helped develop PIE (psychologically informed environment).
Qualifications
In 2015 I qualified as a professional Counsellor and Psychotherapist from York St John University in England. York St John has a BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) accredited program.
During my training and post qualification years I provided one to one counselling sessions. I earned the hours necessary to become a Registered Member of BACP.
In 2012 I graduated with a BA in Counselling Studies at York St John University.
As a professional counsellor I have attended CPD (Continued Professional Development) courses covering: Trauma, Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, Domestic Abuse and Violence, Addiction, Attachment & Self Awareness, Working with Young people & Children, an Existential summit, Relationship Therapy and a training to Facilitate Reflective Practice sessions for organisations.