About

Dean Bucknall

Welcome!

First of all, I wish to acknowledge and celebrate you for taking these first steps toward a greater freedom and happiness — asking for help can be a daunting process in itself.

Next, I want to give assurance that, though it is natural to feel trepidation when approaching something like this (I know, because I have been there myself), you have nothing to fear.

My natural demeanour is calm, relaxed, compassionate and approachable which means I have a solid track record of building relationships quickly with clients, in order that they may feel comfortable in expressing and exploring the challenges present in their life.

It is this relationship that acts as the ground for our work together, whereby you will feel supported and encouraged in the knowledge that I am willing to go alongside you into your difficulties and pain, helping you navigate a path to increased clarity, independence and well-being.

I take seriously the idea that you have power and autonomy in our work together and I aim to give strength to this so that those qualities may flourish in your life and relationships beyond the counselling room.

Our uniqueness as individuals is what makes us human beings so special and it genuinely excites me to do this work. I am passionate about getting to know you, attempting to understand your distinctive ways of being in the world, and assisting you to feel more at home within yourself whilst at the same time helping you to challenge those areas where you feel you wish to grow — which sometimes involves setting down old patterns that are no longer serving us.

I have a personal interest and enthusiasm for mindfulness and meditation, which helps to keep me grounded and very often seems to bring the ‘answer’ when life feels troubling or overwhelming.

My opinion is that we must attend to all factors of what makes us human — including the physical, emotional, intellectual, interpersonal and spiritual — to have a truly enriching experience with ourselves, the environment and our fellow beings. Counselling can allow us to connect to and nurture these parts.

Experience

I have worked with clients from young adults (18+) to those 70+ (you are never too old, or young, to be heard) including a diversity of genders, backgrounds, races, beliefs, ethnicities and sexuality. I welcome all human beings.

The work has covered such things as, but not limited to:

abuse, anxiety, attachment styles, confidence, depression, family dynamics, grief, guilt, intrusive thoughts, neuro-diversity, perfectionism, relationships, self-esteem, suicidality and trauma.

I have also worked with a charity that tackles loneliness where the aim was to engage with isolated individuals over a number of months, within their own home or neighbourhood, enabling them to re-engage with others and their communities.

As well as confidentiality, I hold safeguarding as a core principle of my work and always aim to work with clients to ensure they feel cared for and safe if difficulties arise.

I also work as a counselling tutor, teaching the counselling skills that will enable students to go on to further study of counselling or to assist them in current helping and listening roles.

Qualifications

Mindfulness Teacher Training. The UK College of Mindfulness Meditation.

CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.

Maple Leaf Counselling & Training Centre.

CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies.

Maple Leaf Counselling & Training Centre.

Introductory Certificate in Counselling. Birmingham Newman University.

Plus trainings and personal study in various topics pertaining to counselling, psychotherapy and mindfulness.