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Practioners

Psychological Therapies at Brightfire CIC are currently provided by Brigid McGrath.

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Brigid McGrath

As a therapist I bring all my lifes experience to my work

with clients. Therapy is a collaboration. It`s not what I do, but what

we do together.

I am not here to fix, but to listen.

To sit alongside you during distress or despair.

To be present when life is uncertain.

To hold a calm, non-judgemental space for you to explore your hopes, fears and challenges.

I offer a space where anything can be expressed within the safety of the relationship.

Sometimes this is with spoken word, and sometimes through creative artmaking, music, written words, or in silence.

My Approach

I take an integrative approach, drawing on my experiences and training in a variety of therapeutic approaches, adapting sessions according to your needs. I have training in humanistic and psychodynamic therapies, and have provided therapy services in the NHS, Social Care, Educational and Private Practice, with children and adults

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I offer Psychotherapy, Art Psychotherapy and Brainspotting therapy. We may focus on working with one therapy, or we may find that a combination of therapies is useful. I may also incorporate psychoeducation, somatic exercises and DBT skills* if you would like support to develop practical coping strategies to manage specific challenges.

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I will offer you options, and may guide you, but I will not impose a rigid structure or set ‘homework.’ You may decide to explore historic issues, current challenges or a combination of both. I will support you with whatever you bring to the sessions. There is nothing out of bounds, nothing which we cannot make sense of together.

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Therapy is not easy. I know from my own experience it can be hard, and painful. Sometimes you will not want to come. Sometimes you will feel worse after a session. It is a brave decision to start the journey, but for many it is a necessary step to living a life which aligns with who you are and what you need.

My Identity & LIved Experience

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I consider myself as a Neurodiversity Affirming therapist, which means that I accept and support clients regardless of their neurotype. I am flexible around clients’ needs for a supportive and accessible approach and environment.

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I am an openly neurodivergent (Autistic & ADHD) and Queer (bisexual/pans) and specialise in meeting the needs, although not exclusively, of Neurodivergent and LGBTQIA clients. I have faced my own mental health challenges, and it is my own therapy journey which ultimately led to me becoming a therapist.

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I also offer Autism/ADHD Support sessions for people who are exploring their possible neurodivergence or who need support following a diagnosis, and family members supporting an Autistic and/or ADHD loved one.

Practicalities

I see clients on a regular weekly basis, or single one-off sessions. In order to maintain energy and focus I only see twelve clients a week. If I do not have available space I can add you to my waiting list or signpost you to other therapists.

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For therapy sessions we will start with an initial free online assessment meeting. This is an opportunity for us both to decide if we would like to work together, and if I have the necessary skills and experience to meet your needs. I will always be honest if I don`t think I am the right therapist for you and will aim sign-post you to other therapists if this is the case.

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If we decide to go ahead, I will suggest that you book six sessions initially, and that we extend these as required. Once you have a day and time for your sessions, I will keep this available for you until we finish our work together. Therapy can be either in-person at the Brightfire CIC office in Hereford city centre, or online via Zoom.

Qualifications & Memberships

  • MA Art Psychotherapy, University of South Wales

  • Registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professionals Council)

  • Member of BAAT (British Association of Art Psychotherapists)

  • Post Graduate Diploma in Autism, Sheffield Hallam University

  • Diploma in Integrative Counselling, Hereford and Ludlow College.

  • Brainspotting Training Phase 2, Brainspotting UK

  • DBT Skills Training Essential, British Isles DBT Training

  • Art Therapy Based Psychoeducation, British Association of Art Psychotherapists

  • Dyadic Parent-Child Art Psychotherapy, British Association of Art Psychotherapists

  • Practitioner and Tutor Training, British College of Sound Healing

  • Foundation course in Bereavement Care, Cruse Bereavement Support

 

In addition, I continue my continual professional development through regular courses and workshops, keeping informed about latest research, regular professional supervision, collaboration with peers and developing my own art practice.

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