Thank you for taking the time to consider me as your counsellor. In order for you to feel more comfortable about working with me here is a little bit of information about myself:
I have lived in the Southwest all my life and love it! I have the added bonus of working as a counsellor in private practice in both rural and city settings. Alongside my own private practice I am a Specialist Mental Health Mentor for universities across the country and work as an Affiliate Counsellor for several companies and organisations both locally and nationally including Adoption Agencies, Military and small businesses. During the summer periods I can often be found offering Vision board workshops and teaching riding.
Initially working as an Early Years Manager a change of career led me to work within social care. Experiencing a diverse range of emotional situations and issues arising from childhood trauma and everyday life in both children and adults I felt drawn to train as a counsellor in order to support those seeking help and clarity in the most difficult of times. Since qualifying with a BA (Hons) Degree in Integrative Counselling I have continued to build on my knowledge by attending a variety of professional development and post graduate level courses. I have experienced counselling from both sides; as a client and a therapist and am passionate about the benefits that counselling can offer.
I have worked with both children and adults from a variety of backgrounds. This has enabled me to gain experience in a vast range of issues including:
Anxiety
Depression
Disability
Current and historical sexual abuse
Stress management
Relationship concerns
Bereavement
Trauma
Low self esteem
Self harm
Emotional and behavioural difficulties
Domestic abuse
Experience gained from being a listener for the Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline in Devon as well as working alongside people with autism has also underlined just how passionate I feel about counselling and support being accessible to everyone.
Counselling has enabled me to work with many amazing people experiencing difficulties in their lives and it remains a privilege to walk beside each individual as they embark on their own therapeutic journey.
As a person I am described as having a warm, caring nature with a fun sense of humour. I am honoured to work with and support others through times of stress and crises and enjoy celebrating even the smallest of achievements - a process I find immensely rewarding to be a part of.
Qualifications:
BA (Hons) Degree in Integrative Counselling FdA Degree in Integrative Counselling Certificate in Counselling Certificate in Understanding Anxiety, Depression and CBT (University of Reading) Certificate in Psychology and Mental Health (University of Liverpool) Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Continuing professional development courses:
Certificate in Equine Facilitated Interactions Treating Trauma Master Series (NICABM) Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling (Level 1) COVID - 19: Psychological impact, wellbeing and mental health Psychological Work with people with autism Sexual abuse and related issues Rape Awareness Domestic Abuse Self Harm Fabric of family - relationships Early Years Attachment issues Emotional and behavioural issues Attachment theory and neuroscience Relationship based play Introduction to Art Therapy Exercise and Mental Health Work and Mental Health Addictions and Bereavement Life stories Developing Creative practice: Enabling creative contact with clients Treating intrusive thoughts and the inner critical voice Creating a life that thrives: exploring the implications of Positive Psychology Treating anxiety and depression in children and young people
Further information:
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and am bound by the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (2018). I am also a member of Association for Counselling and Therapy Online (ACTO) and the Athena Herd Foundation. I hold professional liability insurance. I have an up to date DBS certificate and I am a registrant on the ICO register.
Please feel free to call or email if you would like to find out more or to arrange an appointment.