Jacqueline Higgs BSc.Hons, Adv. Dip. Hum. Co., MBACP

Maidstone
Kent
ME15
07941 942569
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Profile

Life is challenging. Often its difficult to see a way forward. Sometimes you find yourself repeating the same old patterns, wondering how you got to this point again. You may have a feeling that something's not quite 'right' or that you 'should' be happy, but don't understand why you're not. This is where counselling can help; it can help you to understand the choices you have made, move you in a more positive direction and lead you to a more fulfilling life.

Counselling can also help you to make those difficult decisions that seem to prevent you from moving on in life; help you to see that there are other choices and that you can 'survive' the 'next step'. Sometimes, just having the space to talk to an impartial and complete stranger about the worries you're experiencing is enough to start things moving in the direction of your choosing.

I am an experienced Humanistic counsellor and in my private practice will provide a safe, quiet and confidential space for you to look at whats going on in your life. I understand that coming to see a relative stranger to talk about difficult and often painful concerns is not an easy thing to do. But I do believe that the relationship between client and counsellor is an important part of counselling, and establishing a relationship with you that is warm, empathic and non-judgemental will help you to explore those concerns. I also understand that not everyone is the same and what works for one person may not work for another, so I use an integrative approach, incorporating Gestalt, Person-Centred therapy, Transactional Analysis and Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT). For a more comprehensive list of issues that I work with, please see below.



Counselling Experience
I worked at The Heart of Kent Hospice as a bereavement counsellor for two years, helping relatives and friends come to terms with their loss. At Hastings and Rother Counselling Service I worked for four years with referrals from the NHS; adults who presented with a wide range of issues including abuse (sexual, physical, mental), depression, phobias, trauma, self-esteem/low confidence, terminations, bereavement and loss, self harm, relationship issues, sexuality issues, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. 


As well as running a private practice, I am currently employed as a family therapist, working with young people and their families. I am also currently employed at CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services run by the NHS) in the Kent area.

I believe that everybody has the potential to change, given the right conditions.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

BSc Hons. Life Sciences
Introductory course to Psychodynamic Therapy.
Certificates in counselling skills and practise.
Advanced Diploma in Humanistic Counselling (Adv.Dip.Hum. Couns.), which is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Certificate in Filial Play Coaching

I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) and as such, I am bound by its ethical framework for good practice in counselling & psychotherapy.

I am currently working towards my Accreditation.

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies Offered

Fees

I charge £35 for each 50 minute session, which takes place at a mutually agreed time (I have both evening and day sessions available). The initial session takes the form of an assessment in which we discuss whether we can work usefully together. If this is not possible, we can discuss other options to help you find the support you need.

I offer long-term open-ended as well as short-term solution-focused counselling.

Further Information

I have experience of working with a broad range of issues including, sexual, physical and mental abuse, self-harm, depression, loss, bereavement and relationship issues.

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