I am an accredited psychotherapeutic counsellor based in the UK, with four years in practice. I have helped clients with stress, anxiety, abuse and trauma, coping with grief, loss and life events, improving motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I aim to build an open and emotionally safe environment where thoughts, feelings and experiences can be shared without fear of being judged. Counselling is about change, and change often feels like risk, and difficult even when we are hoping for improvement. I will support you throughout that process, and always working with you and at your pace.
My counselling training is integrative, so I use a variety of approaches, which means that we can work together in a way that suits you. Commonly as part of the counselling process, we'll explore the impact of past experiences, sometimes suggestions for activities between sessions, such as journalling, practicing grounding techniques, reflecting on something specific. Most importantly, you will be able to tell me about your experiences in your own way.
My other work experience mainly includes working with UK based charities as a caseworker and manager supporting victims of crime and witnesses attending Crown and Magistrates courts. I am an affiliate counsellor with a Charity providing trauma based therapy to anyone affected by crime, and I've worked with this Charity for four years both as a counsellor and in the office.
I will respond to messages as quickly as possible, and I aim to do so on the same day, but certainly within 48 hours (Mon-Fri). At weekends, I will check for incoming messages, and usually will respond on Monday. Thank you for your patience, as I may be in sessions with clients or contacting them.
Additional areas of focus: Abandonment, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Family problems, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Traumatic brain injury, Women's issues, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
NCPS Therapist - Accredited Member (MNCPS Accred) #NCS19-08862
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Bridget Blackford-Read. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Bridget is an excellent counsellor and is really helping me to overcome a lot of deep historical issues at the moment. I've had a few sessions recently where Bridget has helped me identify the root cause of some of the challenges I face, which has massively helped me to navigate and cope with these when they come up again. Bridget has given me lots of amazing knowledge and coping strategies, she is extremely approachable and professional and I actually really enjoy my sessions with her, even if they are hard at times!
Written on Dec 09, 2025 after therapy with Bridget for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd