Full Circle Counselling – Meet the Team

Counsellor

At YMCA Bournemouth, our volunteer counsellors are at the heart of what we do. Here’s a closer look at Katie Ashley:

• Why YMCA Bournemouth? “I first heard about YMCA Bournemouth through my own counsellor and immediately connected with its ethos, strong sense of community and vision of ‘a world where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential in spirit, mind and body.’ This aligns beautifully with Carl Rogers’ belief in the actualising tendency, which I integrate at the core of my person-centred approach.”
• Most rewarding part of counselling: “Counselling constantly offers something new to learn not only about clients and their experiences, but about myself. It’s a humbling experience to walk alongside someone in their vulnerability and offer a safe space for growth.”
• Background & experience: After working in the care industry, Katie transitioned into counselling, training to Level 5 in CBT and completing a Level 6 qualification in supervision. She now works as an integrative counsellor, combining private practice, creative workshops and four years of volunteering with YMCA Bournemouth.
• What clients can expect: “I hope clients feel held, seen and genuinely valued when they come to our service. We offer more than the short-term support many services provide and I think that sets us apart. My hope is that clients know their experiences matter and that they are worthy of meaningful support.”
• Beyond counselling: Katie enjoys quality time with her husband and son, as well as creative pursuits such as clay work, mandala drawing, glass painting and abstract art.

Volunteer Counsellor

At YMCA Bournemouth’s Full Circle Counselling, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on one of our dedicated volunteer counsellors, Sharon Francis.

Sharon’s path into counselling was shaped by her own positive experience with therapy after trauma and bereavement. Inspired to help others, she has supported children aged 11-16 in pastoral roles and worked with clients facing a variety of challenges.

Sharon says: “The most rewarding part of counselling is having the privilege of seeing the emotional and mental growth a client can make, from the initial first sessions through to the later stages of therapy.”

Her goal is to ensure every client feels safe, accepted and supported in a non-judgmental space.

Beyond counselling, Sharon enjoys family time, walking her dog in nature, baking and reading.

We’re grateful for Sharon’s commitment and the warmth she brings to our community.

Volunteer Counsellor

At YMCA Bournemouth, our volunteer counsellors are at the heart of what we do. Here’s a closer look at Zoe Beer:

• Why YMCA Bournemouth? “I wanted to work with a diverse range of people and life experiences. YMCA Bournemouth is an organisation for which I have always held a deep respect, and it offers an incredible service to those who need it. I was eager to be a part of the work that it does.”
• Most rewarding part of counselling: “The experience of deeply connecting with another person and witnessing them grow in confidence and self-awareness. It is an astounding privilege to sit with someone in their times of deepest difficulty and confusion and just be together in it. It feels very weighty and beautiful.”
• Background & experience: Zoe worked for several years as a secondary school teacher in state schools. She always loved helping people understand themselves better and grow into their full potential. Counselling allows her to connect more deeply with each person she sees.
• What clients can expect: “I hope that they feel safe, seen, heard and valued. When people feel valued and heard, they can begin to accept themselves more comfortably. That is what I hope people gain – to accept themselves and to know their value in the world.”
• Beyond counselling: Zoe loves animals, reading and spending time in nature on long walks or sea-swimming. She is also a Christian and plays piano and sings in her local church music group. Her favourite place in the world is the Channel Islands, where she grew up visiting her grandparents.

Volunteer Counsellor

At YMCA Bournemouth, our volunteer counsellors are at the heart of what we do. Here’s a closer look at former teacher, Sarah Sparks:

• Why YMCA Bournemouth? “I was drawn to YMCA Bournemouth by their excellent reputation in the local area and wanted to support their work offering low-cost counselling locally.”
• Most rewarding part of counselling: “Supporting people to make the changes they want, witnessing the transformation in my clients and being a small part of their journey.”
• Background & experience: With over 25 years in education, coaching and mentoring, Sarah trained as a Hypnotherapist and Counsellor and hasn’t looked back.
• What clients can expect: A non-judgmental, supportive environment where they can gain a better understanding of themselves and learn strategies to help in the long term.
• Beyond counselling: Sarah enjoys reading, long walks along our beautiful coastline, and spending time with friends and family.

Volunteer Counsellor

At YMCA Bournemouth, our volunteer counsellors are at the heart of what we do. Here’s a closer look at former teacher, Natasha Lewis:

• Why YMCA Bournemouth? “I was inspired to volunteer as a counsellor for the YMCA due to the organisation’s mission and values. I was particularly drawn to its commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space where individuals from diverse backgrounds can feel accepted.”
• Most rewarding part of counselling: “What I find most rewarding about supporting people through counselling is witnessing their growth and resilience over time. I find it especially meaningful to see people gain awareness, develop coping strategies, and recognize their own strengths. Knowing that my support can help individuals feel less alone and more empowered is deeply fulfilling.”
• Background & experience:
  I hold a BA in Psychology, which gave me a strong foundation in understanding human behaviour.  After ten years working in a corporate role, I felt drawn toward more people-centred and wellbeing-focused work and chose to retrain as a yoga instructor and then as a counsellor.
• What clients can expect: I hope clients feel safe, welcomed, and respected when they come to the YMCA counselling service.  My aim is for them to experience a non-judgmental space where they feel heard, understood, and supported, regardless of their background or circumstances.  Most importantly, I hope clients leave feeling empowered, with a stronger belief in their own ability to navigate difficulties.
• Beyond counselling: Outside of counselling, I enjoy staying active as it helps me maintain both physical and mental balance.  Spending time immersed in nature is especially important to me, as well as quality time with family and friends.  All of this allows me to slow down, reflect, recharge, and feel grounded.

Volunteer Counsellor

At YMCA Bournemouth, our volunteer counsellors are at the heart of what we do. Here’s a closer look at Kathy King:

• Why YMCA Bournemouth? “My journey into counselling began through personal experience and a deep understanding of how powerful compassionate, non-judgmental support can be during difficult times. I’m passionate about helping people feel heard, accepted, and supported, regardless of their background or circumstances. Volunteering with the YMCA allows me to do just that.
• Most rewarding part of counselling: “Being alongside someone as they begin to feel safer, more understood, and more connected to themselves is so rewarding. Supporting people as they explore their experiences, make sense of their emotions, and recognise their own strengths is a privilege. Even small moments of insight or relief can be deeply transformative.”
• Background & experience:
  I am just about to complete the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. Alongside my training, I volunteer with With You, supporting individuals on addiction recovery journeys through group facilitation, one-to-one outreach, and empathic support. I have also completed additional training to deepen my understanding of Young People. My background in life planning and client-centred professional roles has strongly shaped my relational and listening skills.
• What clients can expect: I hope clients feel safe, respected, and genuinely listened to. My aim is that they leave feeling less alone, with greater clarity and confidence, and a sense that their experiences matter. Even if someone isn’t sure what they need, I want them to know this is a welcoming space where they can begin.
• Beyond counselling: Outside of counselling, I value time with my family and friends. I also love sport and being outdoors, especially open water swimming, and have a passion for understanding what makes people tick.