Carole Howells

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CHanges Counselling Support
Waiting list for new clients
Waiting list for new clients

This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.

location_on Spennymoor, Durham, DL16
Waiting list for new clients
Waiting list for new clients

This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.

About me

Hello you. Welcome to my profile. My name is Carole, I am a qualified, well trained and experienced Person Centred Therapist.

What does that mean to you?

Possibly nothing at all, more confusion at a time when you may be feeling anxious or experiencing problems and want someone to provide you with the answers.
I'm all too aware how puzzling and alien researching a Counsellor can feel. Please believe I am here for you, and am committed to hearing what you need, and telling you honestly if I feel I can help you, or sign-post you to someone who may be better placed to.

I aim to provide a warm, safe and confidential space in which we can explore the issues which may be preventing you living your best life, and am happy to answer any queries you may have prior to an appointment, our first session will be offered at a reduced cost, so that we can meet and decide if we can establish a trusting, open and honest relationship which I consider essential to us working together towards solutions to the issues troubling you.

I believe you do actually have the answers, and that what I can offer is a non judgemental and empathetic environment in which to “walk with you” as you learn more about yourself.

You've bravely taken that first steps, in admitting you may need some support and by looking here for help.
If you feel I'm the right person to give you the support you need, please contact me using which ever way suits you best, phone call, email or text. I promise to get back to you, if you leave a message, as soon as I am able.
I look forward to hearing from you.

Training, qualifications & experience

I am a qualified and well trained and experienced counsellor, a member of the NCPS whose strict code of ethics I strive to adhere. Fully insured and well respected locally, having gained my degree, here in Durham.

My personal experiences include an unhappy childhood, living in an abusive home, being a single mum, the death of my son, redundancy, divorce, losing friends, and suffering ill-health. I am now happily married, with 2 children, grand-children and a job I love and a genuine desire to help others.

Professionally I have trained and worked within an organisation called Place2Be, a charity imbedded in schools throughout the country, offering counselling to children living often chaotic lives, coping with poverty, family break-down, domestic violence, addictions, bereavement and loss, which can effect their behaviour and attitudes towards learning and thus reduce their chances of academic and personal success.
I also have experience of supporting many teachers as they struggle to cope with the stresses and anxieties of dealing with such children within the classroom as well as their own personal stories.

I have counselled parents struggling with the challenges life has thrown at them, helping them to better understand their own needs as well as those of the children they care for.

I also volunteered for 5 years at a local Hospice and am specifically trained in Bereavement & Loss, though many of the topics discussed often have more to do with life than death, including regret, relationship break-downs, anxiety and stress, anger management, addictions and sexual problems.

My experience in private practice has included childhood trauma, self harm and suicide ideation, addictions, separation & divorce, miscarriage and infant bereavement, I feel ready and able to deal with whatever you bring, whether it be panic, general anxiety, an overwhelming sadness or just trying to deal with a current situation.

I believe in life-long-learning, so study further each year and am mid-way through Working With Clients who are  Dissociative as a result of Trauma to better support clients who are struggling so. 

I believe myself to be approachable and un-shockable, having the sense of humour and down to earth attitude to be able to offer you a comfortable, safe and accepting place for you to just BE.

Member organisations

school Registered / Accredited

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.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society

This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations.

In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

I’ve recently completed some training around disordered eating & currently working in partnership with a nutritionist to expand my knowledge, but an not an expert. My other recent training includes dream-work, trauma, shame, victim focused therapy, and dissociation. I keep up to date with research and enjoy CPD, especially reading around the topics my clients bring, but have truly learned more from people just like you, than I ever learned in the classroom. 

Therapies offered

Photos & videos

Fees

£40.00 - £50.00

Concessions offered for

  • check_circle Low income
  • check_circle OAPs
  • check_circle Students
  • check_circle Trainee counsellors
  • check_circle Unemployed

Additional information

The initial "counselling agreement" session will usually last just over an hour and will cost £35
subsequent sessions will be 50 minutes at a charge of £50 (see concessions) 
Charges for home visits may be higher depending on location.

Concessions apply, based on ability to pay, and discounts offered to students, benefit recipients, lone parents etc. Happy to discuss 

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Spennymoor, Durham, DL16

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Couples
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

DBS check info

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Wheelchair user access info
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Online platforms

FaceTime
Microsoft Teams
Whatsapp
Zoom