Personal
I was inspired to train as a Therapeutic Counsellor 25 years ago, 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.
Time moves on and I have recently semi-retired from a career within the NHS. Some of that time has been as a substance misuse counsellor and currently I am working part time as a staff counsellor at my local hospital.
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 however is to visit family overseas. This is exciting but does mean I may not be available in 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 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.
