Pilgrims Hospices Canterbury 2024-04-03 Person 4 5 0

I didn't know what to expect from the bereavement counselling and I felt vulnerable and very emotional but as soon as I entered the Pilgrims Hospice I was welcomed with warmth by the staff/volunteers who offered me a drink before my counsellor arrived. I was met by my counsellor Phillipa who put me at ease immediately, I was taken to a quite (sometimes cold) room, where she made sure I felt relaxed and comfortable. My first session, Phillipa went through what was expected over the 6 week sessions and importantly confidentiality was discussed. I felt confident enough not only to take about me bereavement but also there issues I felt I needed to share which have impacted my life over the years. Phillipa let me talk but gently would give me ways of dealing with my bereavement which made me rethink and reassess my thinking differently. I was very emotional and cried a great deal, but Phillipa allowed me to do this and was always concerned about my wellbeing. Phillipa listened to me and would always follow up the next week with what we discussed the week before, I felt listened to without being judgemental. I found Phillipa to be very professional, caring, understanding and knowledgeable aobut bereavement and how to cope with it and move forward in the future.

I would have liked my 6 sessions to have continued for another 3/4 sessions - I felt although I touched on everything some of what was discussed I could have got a better understanding & depth if I had more time/sessions. The time & sessions just went so quickly.