Counselling in South Bristol

A safe and unpressured space to explore who you are.

Talking therapy can help you make sense of your feelings, behaviour and relationships, without the restrictions and expectations you might feel in everyday life.

In person in South Bristol (BS3), near Bedminster and Southville, or online (via Zoom) and by phone.

Gabbie Cailes, counsellor, photographed outdoors among green foliage
  • Advanced Diploma in Humanistic and Integrative Counselling (BCPC)
  • Registered member of the BACP (MBACP)
"We think we listen, but rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces I know."
Carl Rogers
Hello

My name is Gabbie Cailes and I work as a counsellor in South Bristol (BS3).

"I won't tell you what to do; that is for you to discover yourself. I will help you explore, at your own pace, the things you need to resolve."

I provide a safe and unpressured space where you can explore all aspects of who you are, without the restrictions and expectations you might feel in everyday life. Counselling can help you make sense of your feelings, behaviour and relationships. It can lead to deepened self-awareness and can help you find ways to become 'unstuck' and move forward with life.

I believe this can be a process of growth and self-discovery. It can be an opportunity to say the things you may never have had the chance to say before, out loud.

We often adapt our true selves to manage the pressures of life. My aim is to meet the real you by offering a place where you feel accepted and heard, without conditions or judgement.

My background is in art and teaching. I believe in the power of creativity as a form of self-expression, and I often use metaphor as a language to explore the self and experience.

The counselling room: two armchairs, a small table with a lamp and plant, and a patterned rug
A warm, private space to talk, in South Bristol (BS3).
What brings you here

I have experience working with

Whatever you are facing, it doesn't need to fit a category. These are some of the areas people often come to me with.

Trauma and the effects of abuse

  • Sexual abuse
  • Childhood abuse
  • Abusive relationships
  • Effects of trauma
More about this work

How you feel about yourself

  • Anxiety
  • Depression and low mood
  • Stress
  • Panic and overwhelm
  • Low self-esteem
  • Shame and guilt
More about this work

Relationships, identity and loss

  • Relationship issues
  • Identity issues
  • Bereavement and loss
More about this work

Other areas I work with

  • IVF
  • ADHD
  • Exploring spirituality

This list isn't exhaustive, and what you're experiencing might be hard to name, or a combination of things. You are welcome to get in touch either way.

How we work together

At your pace. With you at the centre.

The 'humanistic' style of working is primarily person-centred: I create a safe space to focus on you as an individual and a whole person, without judgement, and work alongside you to support your development and growth. 'Integrative' means I am professionally trained in, and draw on, other counselling approaches too, so we can shape a way of working that suits your individual needs.

I am trauma-informed, inspired by what neuroscience tells us about how our bodies and minds work together, and I often use creativity and metaphor as a language for exploring the self.

Explore my approach, training and qualifications

'Self-Compassion', a painting by Gabbie Cailes of a figure gently embracing another, in soft blues and greens
'Self-Compassion' © Gabbie Cailes 2018
Getting started

What happens next

  1. Get in touch

    Email or call and leave a message. I aim to reply within 24 hours.

  2. A free 30-minute meeting

    You don't need to know what to say. We'll talk about what has brought you here and whether working together feels right.

  3. Regular weekly sessions

    If you would like to go ahead, we agree a regular time each week, in person, online or by phone.