About Way Through The Woods Counselling
My Approach
Hi I'm Susie. I work in a client-centric way. I believe that you are the expert of yourself, and my role is to come alongside you and understand the world as you see it and why you feel the way you do. I encourage collaborative exploration and offer gentle observations to aid the process of therapy.
Usually the answers are within.
I am trained to predominately integrate person-centred and psychodynamic theories; the latter may include focussing on past events to encourage greater self-awareness. Sometime patterns of behaviour that served us once become entrenched, but are no longer useful. These can hamper our current lives.
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My Style
I believe in taking the time to tailor my counselling approach to suit each of my clients. After all, we are all different. As an integrative therapist, I use a range of theoretical approaches, but at the same time I believe in being authentic, and that having a sense of humour can at times help to relieve the intensity of some sessions.
The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of any counselling experience, where acceptance and compassion is encouraged and given. I provide a confidential, non-judgemental, safe, welcoming space for honest dialogue
My Background
I have lived in the Reading area for over 25 years and am a mother of three, now grown up, children. I have worked in higher education and business settings. I understand how hard it is to achieve a work-life balance and still have time for yourself.
Having suffered a number of life-changing experiences over the years, I like to think I can provide a particularly empathetic ear to my clients.
As well as working in private practice, until recently, I counselled those affected by rape/sexual abuse at a local charity. I also regularly undertake continuing professional development to further my knowledge.
How I Offer Therapy
Empowering You to Achieve Happiness
I work with adults only and my mission is to enable my clients to live more content lives, successfully combatting the effects of stress, anxiety or depression.
Face-to-face
I offer face-to-face counselling in two different locations. Reading https://thepracticerooms.co.uk , and Gallowstree Common (RG4 9BU) . These sessions are held in conveniently located venues with comfortable, confidential rooms and nearby parking.
Telephone or Online
I understand that life can be busy and it's not always easy to make it to in-person therapy sessions. That's why I offer telephone or on-line services (via Google Meet) that allow us to talk from the comfort of your own home. These sessions are secure, private, and convenient.
Outdoor
I also offer outdoor 'walking' therapy in the Caversham and South Oxfordshire area. The combination of side-by-side, forward movement, together with the natural environment can, in my view, greatly aid the therapeutic process. This kind of therapy is also ideal for those who may find it awkward to look at their therapist!
What I Can Help With
Trauma
If you've experienced trauma, it's important to seek help from a qualified therapist. I am trained to help you work through your trauma and develop healthy coping strategies. I offer trauma-focused therapies to meet your unique needs.
Anxiety
If you're struggling with anxiety, I'm here to help and can share practical coping strategies to manage your symptoms and meet your unique needs.
Depression
Depression can make it difficult to enjoy life and engage in activities you once loved. I'm here to help you overcome depression and develop a more positive outlook on life. I
Stress Management
Stress is a natural part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can have a negative impact on our mental and physical health. I can share practical strategies to manage stress and improve your overall well-being.
Domestic/Sexual/Emotional/Narcissistic Abuse
Suffering any form of abuse is hurtful, debilitating and can lead to low self-esteem and a feeling of worthlessness. Sometimes these repetitive cycles can be difficult to break, but recovery is possible. Maybe you need the strength to remove yourself from these cycles or heal from them? I can help you.
Relationships
Relationships are an important part of our lives, but they can also be challenging. I can help you improve your communication, and strengthen your relationships with intimate partners, family members or friends.
Contact Me : Susie Bradforth
For an initial, no obligation call to discuss how I might be able to help you, feel free to contact
- Text: 07831 279718
- Email: waythroughthewoodscounselling@gmail.com
Or just click on the button below
My Qualifications
Qualifications
- CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- Training Certificate in Outdoor Therapy
- Certificate in Online & Telephone Counselling
- BA in English (with Psychology)
Professional Membership
- Member of The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)
Complaints Procedure
As of the 19 June 2026, under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, this is my policy regarding Data Protection Concerns and Complaints Procedure
I am committed to protecting the confidentiality and privacy of the personal information you share with me in the course of counselling.If you have any concerns about how I collect, use, store or share your personal information, you have the right to raise these concerns directly with me as a data protection complaint.A data protection complaint may relate to matters such as:
- the accuracy of information I hold about you;
- how your personal information has been used or disclosed;
- how long your records are retained;
- how I have responded to a request to access, correct or erase your information;
- concerns about the security or confidentiality of your records; or
- any other concern that you believe may involve a breach of UK data protection law.
You may make a data protection complaint in writing by email, or discuss your concerns with me in person so that they can be recorded appropriately.
Contact details for data protection complaints:
Email: waythroughthewoodscounselling@gmail.com
Please include:
- Name and contact details
- Description of what has happened or what you are concerned with
- Relevant dates, reference numbers (if any) or correspondence
- What outcome you are hoping for (if you have one)
I will take appropriate steps to investigate your complaint and will respond without undue delay. If I am unable to resolve the matter immediately, I will acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 30 calendar days and keep you informed of its progress where appropriate.
Once my investigation is complete, I will explain the outcome of your complaint and any action taken in response.If you remain dissatisfied after I have considered your complaint, or if you believe that your personal data has been processed unlawfully, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK's independent authority responsible for upholding information rights.Information about how to contact the ICO is available at www.ico.org.uk.
I maintain records of data protection complaints and their outcomes as part of my legal obligations and commitment to good professional practice.
Concerns specifically relating to the handling of your personal information will be dealt with under this Data Protection Complaints procedure. I am legally required to respond to any request from a client to see their personal data within 30 days.
Concerns about the counselling service or therapeutic work should be raised under the Practice Complaints Procedure below.
Practice Complaints Procedure
I am committed to providing a safe, respectful and professional counselling service. If, at any point, you are unhappy with any aspect of the service you have received, I encourage you to let me know.Many concerns can be resolved through an open conversation, and I welcome the opportunity to understand and address any difficulties that may arise. Raising a concern will not affect your right to receive fair and respectful treatment.If you wish to make a formal complaint, please contact me in writing using the details below. I will acknowledge receipt of your complaint and explain the process for considering it. I will investigate the matters raised carefully and respond within a reasonable timeframe.
Email: waythroughthewoodscounselling@gmail.com
Please include:
- Name and contact details
- Description of what has happened or what you are concerned with
- Relevant dates, reference numbers (if any) or correspondence
- What outcome you are hoping for (if you have one)
If, following the completion of my complaints procedure, you remain dissatisfied, you may be able to seek advice from my professional membership body, the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-us/protecting-the-public/professional-conduct/how-to-complain-about-a-bacp-member/
Please note that concerns relating specifically to how your personal information has been collected, used, stored or shared will be dealt with under my Data Protection Concerns and Complaints Procedure, details of which can be found above.
