Trudie Bamford: Psychotherapist
Think psychotherapists all wear cardigans and say “how does that make you feel?” Think again…
I work with people going through the messy bits of life, stuck at the crossroads between who you’ve been and who you want to become. Maybe it’s a relationship that doesn’t fit, a loss that has left lingering grief, a job that drains you, or that constant voice questioning your worth and identity. These are the moments that shake your sense of self, and they’re exactly where our work begins.
Together, we’ll explore the stories you’ve been told about yourself, untangle self-doubt, and figure out which parts of you that you want to carry forward. Therapy with me isn’t about fixing you — it’s about helping you understand yourself more clearly, challenge that harsh inner critic, and find ways to build a life where you feel like you are thriving not just surviving (and if you don’t know yet what that looks like, we’ll work with that uncertainty too).
We’ll be real with each other. That’s where the magic is. If you’ve had a bad experience of counselling, that’s because your counsellor was trying to be someone they weren’t. That’s never going to work. I bring authenticity to the room — band tee, Doc Martens, and all — and we’ll talk like humans. No therapy cliches, no affirmations. Real talk, probably a bit sweary at times.
Because, trust me, this being human works better when we give ourselves permission to actually be human….
What can you expect in our sessions?
Okay, so what actually happens in therapy (besides sitting awkwardly on a chair, wondering how to start)? Simply put (but not necessarily simple), we make sense of whatever’s going on for you right now…
You don’t need to be in crisis to come to therapy. You just need to be human. Stuck, sad, fed up, overwhelmed, lost, tired of repeating the same old loops—it all counts.
You know that drawer full of old charger cables, all horribly tangled up and messy? Yeah, that’s you (and me).
In our sessions, we’ll:
• work on untangling all of that crap that’s been tying you in knots
• look at how your past may be playing an uninvited role in your present
• identify your needs (yes, you’re allowed to have them) and how to meet them
• spot patterns—in your relationships, your reactions, and your choices
• explore what actually matters to you and how to live more in line with that
• get curious about what you’re feeling—not just try to “fix” it
• find ways to cope that actually help, without turning your whole life upside down or forcing you to start journalling in a meadow (unless that’s your thing—no judgement)
I don’t fit you to some mysterious therapeutic blueprint, I don’t have worksheets for you as homework, and I can’t tell you ahead of time exactly what to expect, because every session is going to be different. Sometimes we will sit and talk, sometimes we might come at things from a creative angle. Some sessions you will walk out feeling lighter, some sessions you may ask yourself what on earth you are putting yourself through this for. I’ll be there for all the ups, downs and messiness, gently guiding you and keeping you as safe as possible. As we work together, you’ll start to trust yourself more, listen to your inner truth, and reconnect with your own resources and strengths.
You might not see that potential yet – but I promise you that I will, from the minute you nervously (or not!) walk into that first session. Why? Because this is a journey I have been on with so many people, from a range of backgrounds, ages and experiences. Because it’s a journey I’ve been on too. Because I do this work with absolute belief in the process.
Even though I promise I will never say anything as annoying as “trust the process”. If I do, you have my permission to throw a cushion at me.
What you need to know about me
I’m trained in humanistic integrative therapy. I know, word salad….
It basically means I believe you already have the good stuff inside you—you just might need some help finding it under all the stress, expectations, and ancient coping mechanisms. I’ve lived through the messy stuff; I know what it means to rebuild from the inside out. I’m not about fixing you, because you’re not broken. But I can help you make sense of what’s changed, and find a way forward, so you can start to thrive, not just survive. I won’t sit there nodding silently or throw psychobabble at you. I’ll show up as a real person, with curiosity, warmth and a deep belief that change is possible—even if right now that might sound impossible.
I work with adults (18+) and have particular experience with grief, trauma, and all the messy in-between stuff, including the kinds of loss that don’t come with a sympathy card. I also work as a trainer, creating and delivering training about all things grief related, like bereavement by suicide, and grief in neurodivergent people.
I see clients in Chesterfield, or online/by phone; sessions cost £50 per hour. I am a registered therapist with BACP (British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists).
I have limited availability for new clients, but I recommend booking a free 15 minute introductory call to chat about your needs.