Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy at Satori Healing Retreat

Integrative Counselling

Are you looking for support to work through some difficult times? Maybe you want to feel happier, less stressed or anxious?

You might be experiencing the pain of a recent loss, struggling with past trauma or feel challenged with a relationship breakdown.

I offer integrative counselling in the heart of nature; providing a safe, confidential space where you can explore and make sense of your thoughts, feelings, emotions and behaviours, helping you navigate towards wellbeing.

"Emma is compassionate, empathic and genuinely cares for her clients." (SH)

Awareness - Choice - Change

What is integrative counselling?

I understand firsthand that reaching out for support takes courage, and it can be a vital step towards healing. But which therapy to choose?

Integrative counsellors recognise that no single approach works for everyone. We tailor what we offer to fit you as an individual so that you can explore and address your unique challenges.

And, there is growing evidence proving that nature is key to our wellbeing, so combining counselling and psychotherapy from Satori, a nature based healing retreat, seems perfect. If you'd prefer to have your session indoors, you'll still be surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape which will connect with your body and mind on a sensory level, helping you heal as you talk.

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Satori is set in 22-acres of beautiful countryside on the Blackdown Hills that border Devon and Somerset. Here Satori is made up of ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows, and a tiny stream and river, all home to an abundance of wildlife-a habitat quite rarely encountered these days. If appropriate, we can work on the land and see where that leads us. We also have undercover and indoor space if preferred, with open-fires or a wood-burner for chillier days.

As well as nature, therapeutic writing is a passion of mine because it has helped me through some difficult times. It's a fantastic tool for reflection and expression, which is why I offer its creative possibility to clients.

I'm not keen on 'labels', instead I help normalise what is going on for each of us. As we begin to understand that we are all a bundle of memories and reactions stimulated by external triggers, we can learn new ways of being, and stride towards contentment.

Did you know 'stress threatens the health of the body or has an adverse effect on its functioning, such as injury, disease or worry'?

(Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary Oxford University Press 2007)

Empowering clients through psycho-education, especially information about how our minds and bodies can automatically react to stressors—sometimes triggering responses such as fight, flight, freeze or appease—is key. These reactions might manifest as feelings of frustration with others or oneself, a desire to avoid problems, low mood, difficulties concentrating, loss of appetite or overeating, panic attacks, lack of social desires, a need for control, lethargy, fear or maybe putting other people's needs ahead of one's own.

This mind and body knowledge supports us to self-regulate, to work through often overwhelming emotions and behaviours so they are more tolerable, enabling you to handle life's external triggers through choice rather than automatically reacting.

Finding this inner strength and balance will allow you to live more freely.

Depending on your needs and wants, the types of appointments I offer are single-session-therapy and longer-term work.

I work with adults online, and in person either indoors or as outdoor walk-and-talk sessions.

Let's chat about what feels like the best fit for you.

My therapeutic background

I am a Pesso Boyden System Psychomotor (PBSP) psychotherapist. "What?" I hear you say!! Indeed, it's a bit of a mouthful. Basically, there was an Albert Pesso and Diane Boyden who developed the method, and they combined 'psyche' meaning mind and 'motor' meaning movement, because it's a mind/body therapy. I also hold an Advanced Level-4 diploma in Integrative Counselling. And, I've completed a clinical placement with Arc of Axminster, a charity supporting adults during times of profound change, trauma, and loss, focusing on grief and bereavement.

"Emma has a natural capacity for grounded stillness that greatly enhances the therapeutic alliance with her clients."

(CD, Heartwood's Supervisor Report 2024)

As a humanistic therapist, I believe you are the expert of yourself. I'm inspired by person-centred therapy (PCT), working with empathy and positive regard for each person I have the privilege to support.

In addition to PCT I integrate elements from other modalities such as Transactional Analysis (TA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and the more body-based therapies of Gestalt and PBSP.

I adhere to a strict code of ethics, guided by The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). I am dedicated to regular supervision and continued professional development (CPD).