Established In 1992 by psychotherapist Jill Brown, The Harbour provides free, professional counselling and psychotherapy to people facing emotional and psychological crisis as a result of physical life-threatening illness. Clients include those suffering from life-threatening illness, loved ones, carers and those who have been bereaved due to illness. Whether it is you who are affected by a life-threatening illness or a friend or partner is, we will find the best option to suit you and your needs. Regular counselling is a time and space where clients can explore how they feel about what is happening, and also consider the impact that past life experiences are having now. It is a time when you can speak about all things that are difficult to share with people close to you, and begin to make sense of your experiences.
‘My sessions at The Harbour helped me to untangle my life and to realise the many buried issues I had to deal with. They also gave me the confidence to hold my head up, instead of walking around with it down. I cannot thank The Harbour enough.’ – Former client. Set in a convenient and comfortable townhouse in Bristol, our services are unique, accessible and confidential, delivered by a qualified, experienced and down to earth team that adhere to the BACP Code of Ethics and Practise. The support offered by The Harbour can be a lifeline for many people that otherwise may be feeling isolated, worried, in fear and/or at a loss in the face of life-threatening illness. It can help them to find the strength to manage their lives.
‘Suddenly I realised how much the medical approach had dehumanised us. Most professionals at this stage saw him simply as a cancer sufferer and me as a machine for keeping him fed, clean and medicated. It felt amazing to be reminded that he and I were both full human beings, dealing with complex and agonising emotions around the simple medical facts of his diagnosis and prognosis’ – Former client
