Inclusive & accessible therapy
in Weston-super-Mare,
In person, online, or via the telephone.
Inclusive & accessible therapy in
Weston-super-Mare,
In person, online, or via the telephone.
RHIAN NASH
COUNSELLOR BACP
Sarah SampsOn
MBACP Dip.Couns
EMILY GOUGH FdA BACP
SARAH SAMPSON
Dip.COUNS MBACP
I support adults and young people exploring:
-Anxiety and depression
-Obsessive thoughts
-Neurodivergence
I offer dedicated support for adults and young people navigating:
-Neurodivergent identity
-ADHD, ASC, and AuDHD
-Grief, bereavement, and loss
-Anxiety and depressive states
-Significant life transitions
-General emotional wellbeing
I support adults and young people experiencing:
-Loss and Grief
-Anxiety and stress
-Depression
-Self-esteem
connectcounselling.support@gmail.com
07895517396
Meet our team
Sarah Sampson
Hello, I’m Sarah.
I’m a qualified counsellor and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), offering a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can explore whatever is happening in your life at your own pace.
I hold a Level 5 Diploma in Counselling and have experience working with young people and adults in schools, colleges, charitable organisations and bereavement services. Throughout my practice I have supported clients exploring their neurodivergent identity, experiencing grief and loss, anxiety, depression, emotional distress, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation and life transitions.
I believe that every person is unique, so there is no “one size fits all” approach to therapy. Together we will tailor your therapy to meet your individual needs and goals.
My work is humanistic with our therapeutic relationship at the heart of the counselling process. Alongside this, I draw on Emotion-Focused Therapy, integrating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused approaches when appropriate.
I am neurodivergent and especially drawn to helping others explore their neurodivergence, whether examining their own identity, the impact on their mental health, relationships, societal expectations or discrimination.
Through my work with Cruse Bereavement and my research on the emotional impact of bereavement on both clients and therapists, I have developed a deep appreciation of the many ways loss can affect our lives. Grief is not limited to the death of someone close to us; it can also arise following relationship breakdown, changes in health, loss of identity, employment, hopes for the future, or other significant life changes.
Before becoming a counsellor, I spent many years in training, management and leadership roles. This helped me develop strong communication skills, empathy and the ability to work collaboratively with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Reinforcing my belief that everyone deserves to be listened to with respect, kindness and without judgement.
As a counsellor, I aim to create a relationship and a space where you feel safe enough to talk openly about your experiences, whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, grieving, or simply trying to make sense of life’s challenges. My aim is to work collaboratively, helping you develop greater self-understanding, resilience and confidence to make the changes that feel right for you.
Taking the first step
Starting counselling can sometimes feel daunting, but you don't have to navigate things alone.
If my approach resonates with you, and you feel counselling might be helpful, do get in touch. We can have an initial conversation about what has brought you to counselling, what you are looking for and how we might work together.
There is no pressure or expectation – just an opportunity to explore whether working together feels right for you.
connectcounselling.support@gmail.com
tel: 07895 517396
-Sessions from £50
-Concessions available
-Weekly, fortnightly & single sessions available upon request
Training:
I have completed training with :
RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind) Counselling for sight loss accreditation course
CRUSE Bereavement
I have completed training on :-
Understanding Autism (Level 2)
AuDHD CPD
ADHD CPD
Certificate in LGBT Inclusion in the Workplace (Level 2)
Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health (Level 2)
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training through CRUSE Bereavement
Safeguarding (Level 2)
I have worked as a counsellor in secondary school, college, adult and grief work specific settings.
Rhian Nash
Hi I’m Rhian,
an Integrative Counsellor, offering a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental space for adults and young people aged 16 years and over.
My approach is rooted in empathy, acceptance and collaboration. I am a person-centred relational counsellor and also draw on a range of therapeutic approaches, to tailor our work to meet your individual needs, circumstances and goals.
With clients who wish to explore and change unhelpful thought patterns, I
incorporate elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Working
collaboratively, we can develop greater awareness of how thoughts, feelings and behaviours influence one another, and explore practical strategies to support positive and lasting change.
I have undertaken training in addiction and have experience supporting
clients who have been affected by addiction within their family. I aim to offer a compassionate, non-judgemental space in which clients can explore the impact of these experiences and feel heard and supported.
I also have extensive experience working with neurodiverse clients and understand that neurodivergence can shape the way we experience ourselves, our relationships and the world around us. I offer an understanding and flexible approach, adapting our work to suit your individual needs and preferences.
I also support people experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, phobias, menopause-related difficulties, suicidal ideation, relationship difficulties, or a general sense of feeling stuck or overwhelmed.
Together, we can gently explore what is happening in your life at a pace that feels right for you. Counselling can provide an opportunity to develop greater clarity, understand patterns in your thoughts, feelings and responses, and explore new ways of coping with the difficulties you are facing.
Your next step starts with a conversation.
If you're ready to explore things differently, gain a better understanding of yourself or find new ways to manage life's challenges, I would love to hear from you.
Get in touch to arrange an initial conversation and discover how an integrative approach to counselling could help you move towards greater balance, self-awareness and positive change, at a pace that works for you.
rhiancnash@gmail.com
tel: 01275 403044
-Sessions from £50
-Concessions available
Emily Gough
Hello, my name is Emily.
If you’re struggling with a loss in your life such as a bereavement, loss of health, a job or relationship, I’d love to have the opportunity to walk alongside you in your journey with this significant life change. If you’re having difficulties with low mood, depression or you’re struggling to find joy in your life, it may help to talk this through.
Sometimes we need a little extra help to make sense of life and all that comes with it and that’s where I come in. I’m a counsellor with experience of working with people who are needing some support with these, and other, issues. I can work with you to help take that weight off your shoulders so you can move forward with your life. I offer a compassionate and supportive space where you could safely explore and process these feelings with me by your side.
When life is challenging, it can be hard to find the time and space to prioritise yourself and things can become overwhelming.
Getting in touch with me could be the first step to committing some time for self-compassion and healing. Having somebody alongside you to truly listen and understand could help life to feel easier, lighter and more manageable.
A gentle next step
You don't have to wait until things feel unbearable to reach out for support. Whether you're coming to terms with a loss, adjusting to an unexpected change or simply feeling that life has become harder than it needs to be, counselling can offer an opportunity to pause, reflect and begin to find your way forward. If you feel that talking might help, I welcome you to get in touch. We can arrange an initial conversation to explore what you need and whether working together feels right for you.
There is no rush and no pressure – just a chance to take the next step when you feel ready.
emilygoughcounselling@gmail.com
tel: 07759 428787
-Sessions from £50
-Concessions available
-Weekly, fortnightly & single sessions available upon request
Training:
I have completed training with :
Bristol Mind
Wellspring Counselling
I have completed training on:
Counselling Young People
Trauma-Informed Practice
CBT for Anxiety
Safeguarding
Situated in a ground floor counselling room, with a ground floor disabled toilet. The room has adjustable lighting levels, please feel free to ask for any further accommodations you may require.
All of our counsellors are committed to:
-ongoing professional development
-regular clinical supervision
-working within the BACP Ethical Framework
-providing safe, ethical and effective counselling.
-All counsellors hold DBS Certificates
An Inclusive and Accessible Space
Location and Accessibility
Town centre location, a couple of minutes walk from Weston seafront. On street pay and display car parking available or Grove Park Car Park is a one minute walk (BS23 2AF)
Connect Counselling
The Stable, 3-6 Wadham Street, BS23 1JY
What3words location is
///belts.globe.grapes.
Bookings and Services
Free 20 Minute Phone call
Free introductory call, opportunity to ask any questions. A chance to get to know your counsellor, and discuss working together.
50 Minute Counselling Session
Your choice of in-person, online or telephone session.
Length and regularity of sessions can be tailored with prior agreement.
Get in Touch
Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, and we understand that choosing a counsellor is a personal decision.
If you decide to work with one of our team, you can expect a compassionate, non-judgemental, collaborative and confidential space where you will be listened to, valued and supported throughout your therapeutic journey.
Sarah Sampson
Telephone: 07895517396
Email: connectcounselling.support@gmail.com
Rhian Nash
Telephone: 01275 403044
Email:
rhiancnash@gmail.com
Emily Gough
Telephone: 07759428787
Email:
emilygoughcounselling@gmail.com
Please note, contact details are not manned 24 hours a day, this is not an emergency support contact.
If you or someone else is in danger call 999 or go to A&E now.
Or for urgent help for your mental health call 111.
Samaritans are open 24 hours , 365 days a year,
Call 116 123 from any phone
Shout is a 24/7 text service . Text SHOUT to 85258.
Reflections
Was Oscar the Grouch AuDHD too? As a child Oscar the grouch from Sesame Street was always my favourite but I was never sure why. Realising now that Oscar's daily behaviors, communication style, and environment perfectly mirror the complex, often contradictory intersection of ADHD and Autism . The Contradictory Internal Conflict (AuDHD Dynamic)The hallmark of AuDHD is a constant internal battle between an autistic craving for routine and an ADHD drive for chaos and novelty. Oscar embodies this friction. Craving predictability vs. loving chaos: He keeps a rigid, fiercely guarded boundary around his physical space (his trash can). Yet, inside that space, he thrives on extreme clutter and unorganized junk, The "Organized Mess": To an outsider, his trash can looks like complete executive dysfunction and chaos. To Oscar, every piece of "trash" is a treasured collection that serves a highly specific purpose. Sensory Profiles & Regulation AuDHD individuals navigate highly unique sensory processing needs, alternating between sensory seeking and intense sensory overload. Hyposensitivity (Sensory Seeking): Oscar loves things most people find overwhelming. He seeks out loud clanging, heavy rain, and coarse textures. He is intensely overwhelmed and aggravated by typical "pleasant" stimuli. Bright, cheery, loud social environments cause him to immediately retreat into his safe zone (pulling the lid down) to prevent overstimulation. Hyperfixations and "Special Interests"A overlapping trait between both conditions is the tendency to hyper-focus on highly specific, unconventional interests like trash. Monotropic Focus: Oscar does not just like trash; it is his entire life, personality, and expertise.Unconventional Collection: Collecting objects that look like "junk" to neurotypical people, organizing them, and finding intense joy in things others discard is a common manifestation of autistic special interests. Communication and Social ExhaustionOscar’s legendary "grouchiness" heavily mimics the burnout, bluntness, and social traits of the neurodivergent experience. Rejection of Social Norms: He entirely bypasses societal expectations of "forced politeness" or masking. He says exactly what he thinks, values extreme honesty, and defaults to a flat, unenthusiastic tone. Demand Avoidance & "Scram!": His signature phrase, "Scram!", is a direct boundary-setting tool. When he has run out of social battery or executive function to process the demands of the neighborhood, he explicitly demands isolation. Selective Social Circles: While he claims to hate everyone, he forms deep, fiercely loyal attachments to select individuals who accept him as he is—such as his girlfriend Grundgetta, his pet worm Slimey, and young children who don't judge him. If only the world viewed AuDHD in the same way as the residents of Sesame Street who provided inclusion without "Fixing" him..The residents of Sesame Street never try to force Oscar to clean his can, change his hobbies, or stop being a Grouch. They fully accept his neurodivergence and, integrate him into the community exactly as he is, and meet his boundaries with grace
"The most common form of despair is not being who you are."
~ Søren Kierkegaard
