Linda Bursnall

About Linda

Linda is a registered mental health nurse, BACP accredited counsellor, and psychotherapist.

She has 14 years of experience working with forensic and child and adolescent clients in a range of settings as diverse as high security to therapeutic communities.

She uses a focused cognitive behavioural approach working with the client to help them understand and change ways of thinking and behaving that cause distress and unhappiness.

Linda came into counselling from her background as a registered mental health nurse, working in the NHS for many years in both mental health and counselling.

Part of Linda's work in the NHS involved assessing patients for GPs and psychiatrists, helping people through their difficulties either individually or as a couple (if appropriate). Linda is qualified as an integrative counsellor, which is a technique in which the client is treated as a unique individual using various therapy models.

From her work in the NHS and in private practice, she has developed a way of working that involves focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

This particular therapeutic technique varies according to the particular kind of client or issue, but often includes keeping a diary of significant events and associated feelings, thoughts and behaviours; questioning and testing cognitions, assumptions, evaluations and beliefs that might be unhelpful and unrealistic; gradually facing activities which may have been avoided; and trying out new ways of behaving and reacting. Relaxation and distraction techniques are also commonly included.

Linda has also undertaken advanced training in psychological trauma, which can be effective when working with people who suffer from trauma, perhaps from an assault or a road traffic accident, for example. She also has experience of working with people who are experiencing bereavement (human and animal).

Accredited with the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (www.bacp.co.uk)

To discuss how Linda can help, please feel free to call or email in confidence.