Personal
I was inspired to train as a Therapeutic Counsellor almost 30 years ago, 3 years later I qualified. I took this route after seeking counselling myself during a particularly stressful time in my life. I was amazed at how quickly the supportive but challenging process enabled me to think more clearly and make the difficult decisions that were necessary.
I have worked for the NHS for over 20 years. Some of that time was working in a coporate capacity within the FInance Department and some as a substance misuse counsellor. I am now semir retired and work for the same NHS Trustas a staff counsellor.
Being semi-retired means that I now have extra capacity to see my own clients during the day time as well as in the evenings. Part of my retirement plan includes visiting family overseas and seeing different parts of the world. This is exciting but does mean I may not be available in one or two of the winter months. Please check with me for my availability.
Professional Qualifications
I am a Registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and have a Diploma in Integrative Counselling. Please click on the PDF logo to view my registration. I am also qualified as a Mental Health First Aider and a TRIM Practitioner (Trauma Risk Management).
Areas of Specialism
Relationship Counselling, Substance Misuse, Stress
I am experienced in helping clients who have difficulties with:
~Relationship Problems
~ Relationship Endings
~Addictions of all sorts
~Negative behaviours
~Trauma
~ Work Stress/Anxiety
~ Key Worker Experiences
~Anger Management
~ General Stress
~Bereavement
~Redundancy
~Low Self Esteem
~Depression
~Anxiety
~Childhood Issues
~Managing Life
Personal Approach
My style of counselling in described as Integrative. This incorporates three main schools of therapy; Psychodynamic, CBT and Person Centred. I am able to work with clients on a short term or open-ended basis. The duration of our therapeutic relationship will be for you to decide; some clients only want one or two sessions, most have between 6 and 8 sessions and some attend for longer. I enjoy working with adult clients of all ages. I embrace the LGBTQIA+ community, although I am not a specialist in counselling for issues specific to the community. I am also experienced in and comfortable with working with people who don't have English as a first language.
I have full professional indemnity insurance and am committed to continuing my personal and professional development. As a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, I am bound by their Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
