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ABOUT SHUSHANIK

A thoughtful, compassionate approach to counselling

I work with adults and young people, offering face-to-face counselling in Bournemouth as well as online and telephone sessions.

Shushanik Gasparyan, integrative counsellor and BACP Registered Member based in Bournemouth
Shushanik Gasparyan MBACPBACP Registered Member No. 396513

About me

Hi, I'm Shushan, a BACP-registered Humanistic Integrative Counsellor. As someone who has lived and worked across different cultures for many years, I have a deep appreciation for diversity, identity and the different ways people experience life, relationships and emotional struggles.

My background includes working internationally with organisations such as UNICEF and Save the Children, supporting individuals and families through challenging and often complex circumstances. These experiences shaped my understanding of resilience, trauma, human connection and the importance of feeling emotionally safe.

Alongside my professional life, I am also a mother to two girls, which has deepened my understanding of the pressures, transitions and emotional demands many people carry in everyday life. I understand how easy it can be to lose yourself while trying to care for others, manage expectations or navigate change.

As a Humanistic Integrative Counsellor, I draw from different therapeutic approaches to meet you as an individual rather than fitting you into one model. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, low mood, relationships, self-esteem, trauma, anger or life changes, I will work alongside you at your own pace with empathy, honesty and care.

I believe therapy works best when you feel genuinely seen, heard and accepted. My way of working is warm, compassionate and human. I aim to create a space where you can bring all parts of yourself without fear of judgement.

In our sessions, we create a space where you can slow down, reflect and speak openly about what is happening in your life without fear of judgement. We work together at your pace, exploring thoughts, emotions, relationships and life experiences with curiosity, compassion and honesty.

Some days we may focus on immediate challenges such as anxiety, stress, relationships or feeling overwhelmed. At other times, we may gently explore deeper patterns, past experiences, self-esteem or emotional wounds that may still be affecting you today. Together, we look at what might be holding you back, while also recognising your strengths, resilience and capacity for change.

Whether you are looking for support through a difficult period or simply want to understand yourself better, I would be very happy to walk alongside you. Taking the first step can feel daunting, but you are warmly welcome here.

Professional experience

Before my counselling work, I gained more than seven years of experience working as a psychologist in agency settings with adults and children.

My approach to counselling

As an integrative counsellor, I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches according to the individual and what we're exploring together. These include:

  • Person-Centred
  • Humanistic
  • Gestalt
  • Transactional Analysis
  • Interpersonal
  • Internal Family Systems

Qualifications & professional membership

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master's in Psychology and Pedagogy
  • Bachelor's in Social Work and Social Policy
  • Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
  • Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

BACP Registered Member (MBACP)

BACP Registered Member No. 396513

View my entry on the BACP Register (opens in a new tab)

How I can support you

I work with people experiencing a wide range of emotional and personal difficulties, including:

  • Anxiety & stress
  • Depression & low mood
  • Trauma & difficult past experiences
  • Bereavement, grief & loss
  • Low self-esteem & confidence
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Life transitions
  • Identity
  • Work-related difficulties
  • Personal growth

You don't need to have a diagnosis or be able to put everything you're experiencing into words before getting in touch.

Explore counselling

Ways we can work together

View fees & booking

Face-to-face

Counselling sessions in Bournemouth.

Online

Online counselling via Zoom.

Telephone

Counselling by telephone if you prefer not to meet in person or on camera.

Walk and talk

Walk and talk therapy in Bournemouth.

You can start with a conversation.

If you're considering counselling and would like to find out more about working together, you can begin with a free 15-minute introductory call.

View fees & booking
Book a free call

Free introductory call

Length15 minutes
CostFree

A short conversation to ask questions, say a little about what you're looking for and see whether working together feels right.

Choose a convenient time for your free 15-minute introductory call using the online calendar.

Available Monday to Saturday, 9am to 3pm