Gillian Ferguson (MBACP accred)

Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire, G82 1BA

About me

I provide counselling to individual adults and young people 16+yrs.

As a Person Centred Counsellor and Trauma Therapist, with over 20 years experience working in Statutory Services, Voluntary Sector, Independent Practise and Secondary Schools, I will work with you on whatever issues you bring to counselling.

This may include things like anxiety, panic attacks, depression or relationship issues such as choice of Partner, Separation, Bereavement and Loss. Often when we have experienced issues e.g. abuse, abandonment or neglect, bullying or critical parenting, we escape our pain by people pleasing, in addictions, or high achievement. We find it hard to trust or build intimacy. We 'eat' our way through emotional pain or contain our feelings in a tightly sealed box. We numb our pain however we can and often get caught in a cycle of self-hate, self-sabotage and destructive behaviours or relationships, increasing our belief that we matter less than others.

I offer a safe space where sharing your pain and shame with another person, free from judgement and conditions, feels more possible.

I offer sessions in West Dunbartonshire area using Ben View Resource Centre premises near Dumbarton Centre. There is parking nearby and ramp entry. Currently used therapy room is 1st Floor, although Ground Floor is possible when mobility is limited.

Training, qualifications & experience

I am an Accredited Counsellor with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP Accred.)
I have completed:
Diploma in Counselling- an in-depth Counselling Training in the Person Centred Approach, 2000 University of Strathclyde
Certificate in Counselling Supervision,
COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills. 1998

I have also completed many other trainings over the years relevant to the issues people bring to Counselling.

Childline Training

Counselling in Secondary Schools: University of Strathclyde

Family Systems Training

My Trauma training includes fully qualified Emdr Therapist

Core Training in Comprehensive Resource Model

Deep Brain Reorienting

These are therapeutic approaches beneficial in the processing of traumatic experiences or where emotions are experienced as highly charged (e.g. panic attacks) or 'stuck.'

My experience includes working with people on general issues like Stress and Self-esteem. I also work extensively with people who have experienced Complex Trauma including Childhood Sexual Abuse and Adult Rape. I have also previously worked regularly with Young People, EAP's and also with those who experience Gender dysphoria including Gender Identity issues.

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Accredited register membership

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Having completed the Person Centred Counselling Supervision Course, I offer Counselling Supervision to Counsellors and other Professionals who would like to benefit from support that is out-with their line management .