Kamalamani - Therapist and mentor in Bishopston, Bristol
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My therapeutic work experience...
For the past eight years I have worked as a therapist in my independent therapy practice, working with people of varying ages and from a number of different cultural backgrounds, bringing a range of themes. Prior to that I worked voluntarily as a therapist in training for 'Tomorrows' People' (supporting those facing long term unemployment) and 'CRUSE Bereavement Care'.
How I became a therapist
My journey in training as a therapist began at twenty-one. I realised that I wanted to one day work as a therapist having had a strong response to a short counsellor training course whilst I was studying as a post grad. I was drawn to the possibility for client change and transformation that can come from the respectful, active, 'live' relationship between client and therapist, which was so well-modelled by the women leading that course.
A decade later I qualified as an Integrative counsellor (see qualifications). That original spark of interest has led me to explore more deeply the nature of the body-mind-spirit, in the context of the therapeutic counselling relationship and witnessing the healing of clients. This interest has also lead me to to qualify as an Embodied-relational therapist (a form of Body psychotherapy) and to train and practice as a healer. Other relevant life/work experience includes:
A Buddhist 'Apprenticeship'. Through my 20s and early 30s I undertook 8 years of training (a Buddhist 'apprenticeship' of sorts, consisting of meditation, practising ethics, retreats, friendship and study) in working towards being ordained in the Triratna Buddhist Order. This has had a profound effect in shaping and influencing my everyday life and practice of Buddhism and meditation in a personal and collective sense. This also provides a continuing context for deepening my understanding and practice of Buddhism and living on the planet.
My working life so far has been varied, interesting and growthful. I was a lecturer and Senior Lecturer at the Universities of Bristol and Gloucestershire, lecturing in small enterprise development (in a sustainable development context) and family business advising from 1995 - 2005. In parallel, I worked as a trainer, facilitator and consultant in a support role with entrepreneurs and small business owners in the UK and overseas (primarily sustainable development projects in sub Saharan Africa and Asia).
In addition to running my private therapy and mentoring practice, I continue as an active owner and director of my family's business. I enjoy the challenge of doing business creatively and ethically and being part of the community which is co-created. My first venture in my early 20s was a bead and jewellery-making business, which wasn't a roaring success, but was very creative!
Personal interests
I enjoy being in the elements, researching ancestry, growing vegetables and being outdoors, ecopsychology, eco Dharma, books and films and learning about and being in other cultures. My name, Kamalamani, means "red lotus jewel" and was given to me when I was ordained. In terms of my spiritual 'work', I appreciate facilitating practice days and leading study at the Bristol Buddhist Centre. I live in Bristol with my partner.
Go back to home page or go the main therapy page.
For the past eight years I have worked as a therapist in my independent therapy practice, working with people of varying ages and from a number of different cultural backgrounds, bringing a range of themes. Prior to that I worked voluntarily as a therapist in training for 'Tomorrows' People' (supporting those facing long term unemployment) and 'CRUSE Bereavement Care'.
How I became a therapist
My journey in training as a therapist began at twenty-one. I realised that I wanted to one day work as a therapist having had a strong response to a short counsellor training course whilst I was studying as a post grad. I was drawn to the possibility for client change and transformation that can come from the respectful, active, 'live' relationship between client and therapist, which was so well-modelled by the women leading that course.
A decade later I qualified as an Integrative counsellor (see qualifications). That original spark of interest has led me to explore more deeply the nature of the body-mind-spirit, in the context of the therapeutic counselling relationship and witnessing the healing of clients. This interest has also lead me to to qualify as an Embodied-relational therapist (a form of Body psychotherapy) and to train and practice as a healer. Other relevant life/work experience includes:
A Buddhist 'Apprenticeship'. Through my 20s and early 30s I undertook 8 years of training (a Buddhist 'apprenticeship' of sorts, consisting of meditation, practising ethics, retreats, friendship and study) in working towards being ordained in the Triratna Buddhist Order. This has had a profound effect in shaping and influencing my everyday life and practice of Buddhism and meditation in a personal and collective sense. This also provides a continuing context for deepening my understanding and practice of Buddhism and living on the planet.
My working life so far has been varied, interesting and growthful. I was a lecturer and Senior Lecturer at the Universities of Bristol and Gloucestershire, lecturing in small enterprise development (in a sustainable development context) and family business advising from 1995 - 2005. In parallel, I worked as a trainer, facilitator and consultant in a support role with entrepreneurs and small business owners in the UK and overseas (primarily sustainable development projects in sub Saharan Africa and Asia).
In addition to running my private therapy and mentoring practice, I continue as an active owner and director of my family's business. I enjoy the challenge of doing business creatively and ethically and being part of the community which is co-created. My first venture in my early 20s was a bead and jewellery-making business, which wasn't a roaring success, but was very creative!
Personal interests
I enjoy being in the elements, researching ancestry, growing vegetables and being outdoors, ecopsychology, eco Dharma, books and films and learning about and being in other cultures. My name, Kamalamani, means "red lotus jewel" and was given to me when I was ordained. In terms of my spiritual 'work', I appreciate facilitating practice days and leading study at the Bristol Buddhist Centre. I live in Bristol with my partner.
Go back to home page or go the main therapy page.
