Jennifer "Jen" Somerville , BACP

Jennifer "Jen" Somerville is an integrative counsellor who has worked with people across a wide range of life challenges. Qualified as a counsellor in 2018, she combines a person-centred core - which recognises that each person is the expert on their own experience - with other therapeutic modalities chosen to suit individual circumstances. Over eight years in practice she has supported people facing addictions, family difficulties, parenting and adoption concerns, bereavement and loss, and the stresses of study and student life.

Her experience also includes work with homelessness, school attendance challenges, palliative care and life-shortening conditions, child loss, religious trauma, workplace issues, and questions of identity. She works with both adults and young people and holds an additional qualification for supporting younger clients, alongside substantial experience working with students of different ages.

Her practice encompasses both short-term and longer-term counselling, with sessions available face-to-face, online, or by telephone as part of the ways she delivers support. She holds BACP membership - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - reflecting her professional affiliation and commitment to recognised standards in counselling practice.

Integrative and Person-Centred Approaches for Online Support

Jennifer Somerville practices from a person-centred foundation, creating a respectful and non-judgemental space where clients are treated as the experts on their own lives. This approach focuses on listening, empathy, and helping people explore their thoughts and feelings to find their own solutions, which can be especially useful for issues like grief, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.

Alongside person-centred work she uses an integrative approach, drawing on additional evidence-based techniques as appropriate to each client’s needs. Integrative work means combining methods that suit the individual - for example tailoring the pace, structure, or focus of sessions to better address concerns such as addiction, parenting stresses, or coping with chronic illness.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to identify goals and preferences and adapt methods over time so the work fits the client’s situation and progress.

Online therapy with Jennifer can be delivered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access regular support without travel, and they allow therapists and clients to maintain continuity of care across changing life circumstances.