About me
We all have difficulties in life, whether that be stress, anxiety, sadness, depression, loneliness, confusion, or grief, or we may have experienced traumatic events, or sudden changes which have impacted on our wellbeing.
Often, we manage these difficult times on our own, or with the support of family and friends, but sometimes it may be helpful to work with a trained professional.
Being heard in a supportive way, in a trusting therapeutic relationship, can lead to change.
However, it is important to find the right therapist for you. Consequently, I suggest an initial consultation, to allow us time to determine whether I can help and whether we could work well together. This would be free.
My approach is psychodynamic, which is a relational therapy based on the relationship between you and I and which looks at patterns formed in your earliest experiences, which may be impacting on your life today. More information on this is available on my website - link at the top of this profile.
I offer both short and long term therapy with adults and young people (aged 16+years), of all cultures, races, beliefs, identities and disabilities and I am open to learning from and being challenged by, people whose life experiences are different from my own.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have a Post Graduate Diploma (PGDip) in Human Relations and Counselling, awarded by Robert Gordon University and accredited by COSCA. I also have a PhD in Medical Physics and a PGDip in Community Education.
I have practiced in two Third Sector services, working with adults and young people (16+yrs) who had experienced anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, caring responsibilities, physical illnesses, trauma and loss. I am now in private practice and will work with whatever you feel able to bring.
Previously, I spent 18 years as a scientist in NHS cancer services and 19 years as a education and support worker, in prison, youth work, drug and alcohol services and homelessness.
All of these experiencies, including my own, led me into counselling.
I am a member of both COSCA and BACP, two professional bodies for therapists and I am insured through PPS. I am a PVG Scheme Member for regulated work with children and protected adults, in both support work and private counselling. I work with ages 16+ years.
Member organisations
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.
COSCA is the professional body for counselling and psychotherapy in Scotland, and seeks to advance all forms of counselling and psychotherapy and the use of counselling skills by promoting best practice and through the delivery of a range of sustainable services. COSCA Counsellor Accreditation is a pathway to entry onto the UKRC. It is a requirement of all individual and organisational members of COSCA to abide by its Statement of Ethics and Code of Practice and be accountable to the Complaints Procedure. 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.
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
The above list might not be helpful, as it confines the work to specific areas. I am happy to work with whatever you bring, or, if I can't help, I will suggest where else you might begin to look.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I offer a free, no-obligation, initial session, at which we can determine whether we are a good fit for each other. These sessions are limited to specific slots each week, but other times/ days are available for regular sessions.
I charge £50 for 50min sessions. I invoice monthly and payment is by bank transfer, or by agreement.
When I work
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Working hours are evolving, so please get in touch to check.
