Nepenthe Consultancy

Hello, and welcome to Nepenthe Consulting, a leading therapy practice based in Bristol. I am Dr Els van Ooijen, the founder and driving force behind this organization. With a background in nursing and a deep-seated passion for helping people, I embarked on a journey to learn the art of counselling and psychotherapy. This path led me to obtain several degrees and certifications, making me a qualified and experienced therapist.

I chose the name 'Nepenthe' for my practice based on its historical and personal significance. Derived from Homer's Iliad, Nepenthe means 'a drug that chases away sorrow'. This references my nursing background and the first-ever mention of an anti-depressant. Additionally, Nepenthe is also the name for an elegant type of coffee pot, and being Dutch, I cherish coffee and its association with rest, relaxation, and refreshment; qualities that can be likened to counselling and therapy.

Qualifications and Credentials

I have earned several degrees and certifications throughout my career, enabling me to offer a wide range of therapeutic services. Some of these qualifications are:

• Doctor in Psychotherapy; Middlesex University/Metanoia Institute (2008)
• MA in Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy; BCPC (Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling) (2005)
• Somatic Trauma Therapy Training; Babette Rothschild at Cambridge Body Psychotherapy Centre (2002)
• Certificate Foundation in Dance Movement therapy; Dancevoice (2002)
• Certificate Foundation in Core Process (Mindfulness based) therapy; Karuna Institute (1997)
• Certificate in Supervision; Centre for Staff Team Development (1997)
• Diploma in Counselling Studies; University of Wales (1991)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education; University of Wales (1989)
• Bereavement studies; CRUSE (1986)

Nepenthe Consulting subscribes to the Code of Ethics of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), the leading organization for psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic counselling in the U.K. We also follow the guidelines of the Bath Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BCPC) and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Services Offered

At Nepenthe Consulting, I offer a range of therapeutic services for those in need. These include:

1. Counselling and Psychotherapy: I offer individual counselling and psychotherapy sessions, aiming to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and resolve the issues that have been holding them back.

2. Trauma Therapy: Using somatic trauma therapy techniques, I can help individuals who have experienced trauma to process and heal from their experiences.

3. Supervision: For practicing therapists seeking support, guidance, and professional development, I offer supervision services.

4. On-Line Therapy: For those who have difficulty attending in-person sessions, I offer secure and effective online therapy via video conferencing.

5. Publications: I occasionally publish articles and reviews on various topics related to therapy, mental health, and personal development.

I am committed to providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space for all clients, enabling them to explore their concerns and emotions. Through the therapeutic process, I will help you unravel the challenges and patterns that have been preventing you from living a happier and more fulfilled life.

If you are seeking a trained, experienced, and compassionate therapist in Bristol, do not hesitate to reach out. Together, we can find a way forward.