Completing specialist experiential bereavement training has helped me to support a wide variety of people as they explore complex emotions connected to life changing loss. People who have been left in a state of vulnerability after living with the terminal diagnosis and end of life of an individual who represents a significant part of their existence. I have had success addressing complex grief linking to past trauma, working toward acceptance and understanding. Knowing the grief in order to build a new life around the loss. 

 I believe in a holistic person centred approach to support. Prioritising the building of relationships and respecting the experience of all people. Introducing different approaches in an accessible way if  appropriate, while making it clear that they represent other people's experience and should be considered as an opportunity to explore new ideas and perspectives. A person led holistic approach has meant supporting people with different challenges such as sleep deprivation, isolation, depression and childhood trauma on the journey to addressing grief. Offering grounding, well being and self care suggestions if the therapeutic relationship reaches a point of trust. 

I approach language  as complex and unique to the individual. Feeling that it is important to develop an agreed emotional understanding of the self, exploring the deeper meaning of the words and how they relate to the physical emotional state. The experiential nature of my training and the continued support during my volunteer  placement have helped develop my skill as an effective communicator. Fundamental to this has been my growing understanding of what it is to listen. Striving to achieve a state of unconditional positive regard. Recognising the needs and prejudices that are mine and giving up a part of myself so others can achieve emotional growth.