Val Freeman
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
PLEASE NOTE: I offer online counselling exclusively.
What kind of counselling do I offer?
I offer two types of counselling; talking therapy and Parks Inner Child Therapy (PICT).
Why come for counselling?
Do you feel you've reached the end of your own resources? Maybe you've tried for months or even years to deal with something by yourself or with people you know, but it's still plaguing you. Going for counselling is a wise move. However, it may feel daunting.
At Three Cairns* I offer a welcoming, quiet and comforting space to explore whatever's going on for you, however desperate, embarrassing or bleak it may seem. This is a place where you can say out loud the things that may have been privately troubling (or torturing) you and help you explore whether they can be looked at from a new perspective.
Often we seem to have an internal “bully” that berates us and makes us feel worthless. Part of my work is to help you to recognise this bullying voice, allowing you the freedom to choose whether to listen to it or instead introduce a different, compassionate voice in your thinking.
So what’s it like to have counselling with me?
In my training I learned about a variety of approaches to counselling so have a lot to draw on as I work with each individual who comes to me for support.
I have a great respect for person-centred counselling, where the underlying belief is that, given the right conditions (empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence), you will be able to progress without lots of questions or suggestions by me. So in my therapy room you will have space to take your time and work things through for yourself without having me jump in all the time with quick solutions.
However, I have also found great worth in other approaches including compassion-focused therapy, creative techniques and relaxation exercises, and some of these tools are really helpful to offer if you feel in a “stuck” place.
In 2017 I trained in Parks Inner Child Therapy, a visualisation-based therapy model with a foundation in basic Transactional Analysis. I've found this to be very effective in helping to resolve the effects of childhood trauma. This is a different approach to therapy, as it's more structured and directed. Sometimes people don't want to or have had enough of talking through their problems; PICT allows you to work to resolve these without lots of talking time.
What issues do I work with?
You’ll see from the list below that I work with a lot of issues; however, it doesn’t really tell you what I’ve worked with the most. Over the years I’ve worked with a lot of people struggling in their relationships. I’ve also worked with people who have suffered various types of abuse in their childhood, the effect of which continues to hound them in their present life. And I’ve worked with people struggling with anxiety and anxiety disorders, OCD, depression and loss or fear of loss. However, if you don’t see your issue listed here, it doesn’t mean I won’t work with you. You could contact me for an introductory session and we can figure out together if I am the right person to accompany you on this stretch of your journey.
My professionalism
I am a Registered, Accredited Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and adhere to its Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. This includes holding clients’ information in confidence and ensuring I receive frequent and regular supervision.
More about my work
* The cairns refer to landmarks on a journey; if you'd like to know more, please visit my website (www.threecairns.com).
Training, qualifications & experience
I was awarded a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills in January 2010. From there I went on to study for the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, which I was awarded in January 2012. In March 2018 I achieved accredited status with the BACP.
In April 2018 I qualified with a diploma in Parks Inner Child Therapy and am using this approach with many of my clients. For more info:
http://www.ppfoundation.org/pict.aspx
In recent years I have attended a number of short courses including, "Working with Climate Change", "Counselling Couples Online", "Compassion Focused Therapy", "Shame and Self Harm” and "Couple Dynamics". I continue to read textbooks as well in order to keep developing my skills and understanding. There’s always more to learn!
In terms of experience, I spent three years counselling at Bromley Community Counselling Service in their long-term service and a year offering brief counselling in the IAPT service at Eden Park Surgery, Beckenham.
I have been running my private practice, Three Cairns Counselling, since summer 2014.
I offer both individual and couples counselling.
Parks Inner Child Therapy.
Member organisations
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred).
Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision.
Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training.
All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
PICT (Parks Inner Child Therapy)
Therapies offered
Fees
£45.00 - £75.00
Concessions offered for
Additional information
My rate is £45 for individuals for a 50min session and £60 for couples for a 60min session.
I also offer Parks Inner Child Therapy (PICT) at £50 for a 60min session or £75 for a 90min session.
I have a limited number of spaces available at a reduced rate for any individual or couple genuinely unable to pay the full fee. Please mention your need for a reduced rate at the enquiry stage in case these spaces are already filled. Thanks!
When I work
Tuesdays through to Saturday mornings
Further information
I have a non-judgmental, Christian world view and enjoy working with people of any faith as well as people with an atheistic or agnostic viewpoint. I respect each person's individual right to their own beliefs. I am open to discussing issues of faith and spirituality as part of the counselling process if you request this.
