Vanessa Bear- Staveley, Kendal

Therapist Directory Listing Category: Psychotherapists and Counsellors

About the Therapist

About the therapist:

I am a UKCP-registered integrative psychotherapist. I draw on my training and qualifications in psychotherapy training; somatic trauma therapy; EMDR; yoga therapy; yogic mindfulness; movement for trauma coaching; nature connection; creativity & art; play; forest school; yoga & mindfulness; wellbeing life coaching; and mountain leader.

I am particularly experienced in working with people who are recovering from relational trauma, such as domestic and sexual violence, as well as those experiencing anxiety, low mood, eco-distress, and people who wish to gain greater connection with their innate strength, calm, and centred steadiness.

Sexual identity:

Queer

Gender identity: Non-binary

Gender history: Prefer not to say

Non-monogamy: No

Intersex: No

Neurodivergent: No

Personal pronouns: she/they

Qualifications - Links to websites:

Confer
Eco-Psychotherapy, Systemic Thinking and Imagination in Mental Health

Northern Guild of Psychotherapy
Integrative Psychotherapy MSc

Northern Guild of Psychotherapy
Diploma in Psychotherapy (CYP)

Northern Guild of Psychotherapy
Post Graduate Diploma (with Distinction) in Psychotherapeutic Studies

Northern Guild of Psychotherapy
Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counselling with children and adolescents (Level 6)

Northern Guild of Psychotherapy
Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counselling with Adults (Level 6)

Babette Rothschild
Somatic Trauma Therapy Training

Mirabilis Health Institute (Training accredited by EMDR Association UK & Ireland)
EMDR

Babette Rothschild
Making Trauma Therapy Safe

Babette Rothschild
Selfcare Tool Kit for Psychotherapists

Raw Horizons

Wellbeing Coach (Accredited by The Association for Coaching & NHS Personalised Care Institute)

University of Cumbria

PGCE Teaching

Manchester Metropolitan University
Youth and Community Work BA(Hons)

NSPCC
Child Protection

ITC
16 hour Outdoor First Aid

High Speed Training
GDPR Training

Qualifications - Additional:

Award	Awarding body	Year of award

Experience and approach:

I integrate a range of theories and techniques, including Transactional Analysis, Gestalt, body psychotherapy, Somatic Trauma Therapy, sand tray, play, and creativity. I'm also a qualified yoga teacher and forest school leader.

I've completed a variety of training courses in order to offer diverse interventions for the diverse parts of you, including somatic trauma therapy, mindfulness, sensorimotor art therapy for trauma, movement for trauma coaching, EMDR, eco-psychotherapy, image-work, and a variety of nature-based and nature connection trainings. Many of these are listed below.

I tend to interweave these kinds of creative, embodied, nature-connected, and mindful practices throughout my psychotherapeutic offering depending on each individual’s needs and preferences.

Sessions can take place indoors or outdoors, or a mixture of both. Sometimes outdoor sessions are slow or static, sometimes moving, sometimes in woodlands and sometimes in the fells depending on individual preference and availability.

Experience

I have experience of working in schools, CAMHS, GP practices, sexual and domestic abuse charities and private practice. I have experience of working with people of all ages who have experienced relational trauma, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse; PTSD; experiencing overwhelming emotions, such as panic or mood-swings; anxiety; low-mood; depression; grief; eco-anxiety and those wishing to explore their feelings and experience following a diagnosis such as ADD or ADHD.

I am a member of the Climate Psychology Alliance, “exploring psychological responses to the climate crisis to strengthen relationships and resilience for a just future”.

I co-authored the 8 Keys to Safe Trauma Recovery Workbook with international trauma specialist, Babette Rothschild, who I also assist with her trainings.

I also offer workshops and trainings for other helping professionals, including counsellors and psychotherapists on self-care and trauma-informed practice.

Approaches: