About Me

Phoebe Clausen-Sternwald MBACP

Therapy can’t change what happened to you, but you will find invaluable growth from what happened to you.

I was born and brought up in a small town called Guanmiao near the mountains in southern Taiwan and moved to the UK in 2004. Guanmiao is known for its pineapples, bamboo and sun-dried noodles. My children and I love walking around my old neighbourhood whenever we visit my family back home. The sight of pineapple fields or the hundreds of large round bamboo trays with freshly made noodles laid orderly under the sun in the courtyard always fill my heart with pure happiness. Guanmiao was named after its ancient Taoism temple with over 300 years of history. My grandfather used to be the chair of the committee in the temple during my teenage years. I used to looked up to him and I can still feel the pride in my heart to this day.

My Buddhist & Taoism cultural heritage is the key foundation of my holistic approach in healthcare, physically, mentally and spiritually. I have been a healthcare professional for nearly 30 years. First as a nurse, then a Counsellor & Psychotherapist, I observed the links between long-term emotional stress and physical “dis-eases”. Over the last three decades, many academic and clinical researchers have revealed that the mental/emotional health is inseparable from physical health.

I was drawn to work in the field of Geriatric and Palliative Care, due to the loss of my father to cancer in my early childhood. I have had the opportunity to learn about my patients/clients’ lives, and their stories, beyond their physical illnesses. By supporting end of life needs and helping people through their grief, I see hope and strength. It has been a great privilege to accompany and witness so many people as they grow from their loss and move forward to live a meaningful life.

In recent years, many people around me have experienced pregnancy or child losses. I became aware of the significant number of parents who had been silently grieving in isolation. This prompted me to review the multiple losses in my family from the generations before me. The losses were never talked about just as many bereaved parents I have met over the years. They carried their grief inside, suffering in silence, not processed, not witnessed.

A loss of any kind can often result in anxiety, depression and deep grief. Drawing from my decades of experiences in healthcare, I have developed a blend of therapy using Humanistic Integrative Counselling, CBT, Meditation/Mindfulness, Imagery and Trauma releasing bodywork. I am very passionate in my work, the desire for professional development will always be present to enhance the unique therapy I offer.

I encourage you to open to the possibility of growing from any life adversity. The loss of health, a relationship or a career can be seen as a reminder and an opportunity to re-evaluate what no longer worked in your life. From it, the positive change can be made. It’s never too late to start “LIVING FULLY”.

I am a member of British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (MBACP). My work is trauma informed, it’s an integration of Humanistic Integrative Counselling, CBT, Mindfulness, Imagery and Trauma releasing bodywork. Whatever the pain and suffering you are experiencing, I will walk side by side with you. We will address and validate your struggles, Learn the techniques of self emotional regulation, processing your current as well as your old wounds and gradually moving towards living your life fully.

Qualifications

  • CPCAB Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Skills and Theory
  • CPCAB Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
  • Certificate Grief Educator
  • Certificate Pregnancy & Infant Loss
  • Certificate Compassionate Inquiry
  • Certificate Grief Counselling
  • Certificates in Children & Young People Bereavement
  • B.S Degree in Nursing
  • Certificates in Professional Kinesiology- Touch for Health, Perceptual Bodywork

Professional experiences

  • Shooting Star Children’s Hospice counsellor
  • Oakhaven Hospice counsellor
  • Wessex Cancer Support counsellor
  • Dorset Mind children & young people wellbeing check-in service volunteer
  • Guided Meditation group instructor
  • Geriatric & Palliative care nurse

I am based in the New Forest, Hampshire and offer both online and in-person sessions.

Call or text me on 07999 055 454 to arrange a 20 minute free consultation via phone or video call.

Located in New Forest, Hampshire