About me
I am a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist with 20 years experience in working with men and women, individually or as couples, on many different issues, including complex mental health issues such as trauma and dissociation.
I believe that sometimes people need support to learn new strategies in coping with past and present issues that interfere with enjoying life.
Sometimes life hits us with unexpected events, and sometimes our upbringing has not equipped us to deal with the ongoing challenges that live brings, whether these are a result of being in a relationship, being a parent or work stresses. These challenges can feel quite overwhelming even though those around us may not understand what the problem is because from their perspective we have everything we need to be happy or they believe we 'should have gotten over this by now'.
Counselling/Psychotherapy provides an opportunity to express thoughts, feelings, secrets, fears and traumas which you may not wish to share with those who know you because you worry that they may think less of you, or because you want to protect them from knowing how angry, ashamed, broken or low you are feeling, or because you feel nobody understands or believes you.
Talking about complex issues with a trained professional may help you to get a greater understanding of these issues, how they are affecting you, and how you may wish to deal with them. You have the opportunity to say things that you may never have told anybody before.
I offer the exploration of difficult issues from past or present in a non-judgemental, confidential, professional environment. I will employ a combination of recognised therapy approaches to support you to gain a new perspective on your issues and make changes.
I have experience with brief solution-focused work (6 sessions), medium (20 sessions) and long term (3+ years) work.
In addition to private practice, I provided high intensity counselling for IAPT (NHS) through a third party for several years. I was a trainer and supervisor for a national bereavement charity, and I provided brief solution focused counselling for Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) for many years
I am a registered member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), and I work to their codes of ethics, which can be found on their web side.
I hold up-to-date insurance and I am DBS checked to work with vulnerable adults.
My practice is on the groundfloor and there is free roadside parking
Training, qualifications & experience
Experience:
Private Practice (long and short term)
High Intensity counselling (NHS/IAPT) via third party
Private Health Insurances/EAP's (Bupa, Aviva, Health Assured)
Counsellor for charities (Cruse Bereavement Care, Derbyshire Rape Crisis, Derby Women Centre)
Qualifications:
Psychotherapy and Counselling
MA Integrative Psychotherapy (Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute/Birmingham University)
Certificate in Psychosexual Studies
Diploma Clinical Supervision (Berne Institute), UKCP listed
University Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Derby University)
Cruse Bereavement Care Training (Supervision, Bereavement Care)
Derbyshire Rape Crisis Training
ISAS (Incest and Sexual Abuse Survivors)
Supervision
I have experience in supervising counsellors and psychotherapist in private practice and working for charities.
I am also accepted as supervisor by several training institutes such as:
Sherwood Institute (Bsc and Msc)
Leeds Becket University
Staffordshire University
Level 4 Diploma courses (Humanistic, Psychodynamic)
Training and Workshops
I run the following workshops on request:
For counsellors/psychotherapists and other professionals:
Vicarious (Secondary) Traumatisation (for professionals)
Working with clients who have experienced rape of sexual abuse
Trauma and Dissociation
Supporting an adult through a bereavement
Complicated Grief and contemporary models of grief
Service Users:
Introduction to counselling
Practical Counselling Skills
Human Relationships
Assertiveness, self-esteem and confidence building
Supporting a friend or relative through bereavement
Effective listening
Trainer rate £75/h. Reduced rate available for charities.
Other Qualifications and Experience:
City & Guilds PTLLS, Level 4 (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong learning sector)
Prior to becoming a therapist, I had an international career in chemical engineering.
MA Chemical Process Engineering (University of Aston)Chartered Chemical Engineer, lapsed (Institute of Chemical Engineering)
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
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.
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
loneliness
aging/retirement
chronic illness
Menopause
self-development and personal growth
anticipatory grief
end of life issues
secondary trauma (supporting a friend or family member of someone who has experienced a trauma such as rape/sexual abuse/accident/witnessing a death or crime)
trauma (accidents, abuse, attacks, rape, childhood abuse, domestic violence)
burnout
separation/divorce
infidelity
Therapies offered
Fees
£60.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Individuals £60 for a 60 minute session
Couples £75 for 60 min or £90 for 90min
When I work
Monday to Thursday, 8am to 7pm
Further information
I draw on a number of psychotherapy approaches, such as Psychodynamic therapy, Gestalt therapy, Person-Centred Counselling, Self-Psychology, Attachment Theory, and Trauma theory to support you with whatever issue brings you to therapy. My work is underpinned by a relational approach meaning that we are learning about you and your issues not only through what you are telling me but also through our relationship and how this feels to you.
I will explore with you what your hopes and expectations are and where you would like to get to.
