Kerstin Pullin

Choosing a counsellor with whom to connect and build a trusting therapeutic relationship can feel daunting, even risky, yet also empowering and hopeful. What does it feel like to take off masks, shedding protective layers that keep the authentic, vulnerable self safe while navigating through challenging or traumatic times? Together we can explore what you feel ready and safe to share – whether these are current, buried or almost forgotten experiences. I will be at your side to listen; endeavouring to relate to your unique circumstances and way of being; facilitative of your change and growth process.

I am a qualified integrative counsellor rooted in humanistic, person-centred practice. My approach is to follow the natural path of your journey, your expressed needs and vulnerabilities. Some people come for counselling because they are going through a challenging time (e.g. work, family and friendship related) or experiencing themselves as being misfits, lonely, stuck, anxious, depressed or alienated from the world.

I am open to adapt my approach to suit your needs, as you might at times prefer a rather directive, creative, reflective or experimental way of therapeutic exploration. This could include contemporary, compassion focussed cognitive behavioural therapy (CF-CBT), mindfulness, music, artwork, guided imagery, voice and body work. To ensure you feel safe and benefit from the sessions, we will review the counselling process at regular intervals. Whether you seek short term counselling, would like to work towards specific goals or start a long term journey to explore something you can’t quite put into words or make sense of.

Training, qualifications & experience

I have a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours (BSc Hons) in Counselling and am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Academically, I undertook research in social constructionism and empowerment initiatives and their impact on professionals working with children and adults affected by sexual abuse; primarily incorporating aspects of gender, linguistics, neuroscience, diagnostics (e.g. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and to some extend sexuality (e.g. gender fluidity) and cultural influences (e.g. attitudes to gender).

I have been working in the field of mental health in various capacities since 2005, before choosing to pursue an academic path within the psychology sector in 2012.

Other qualifications and experiences

Enhanced DBS check, Accredited to work with sexual violence provided by Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC).
Tackling Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in mental health services, Department of Health
Applied Suicide Intervention Skill (ASIST)
Working with Relational Trauma: Dealing with Disorganised Attachment
Alcohol Addiction, co-dependency and motivational interviewing, SWAN Training Certificate
Organisation and facilitation of contact groups for individuals and couples who face infertility challenges
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with EMDR Works.

Memberships and Networks

Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)
Durham University’s Centre for Research into Abuse and Violence (CRiVA)
Positive Outcomes for Dissociative Survivors (PODS)

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