Claire Bloxsom Clin.Dip (PG) MBACP(Reg. Counsellor) PhD (Psychology Academic)

Training, qualifications & experience

Clinical Counselling qualifications:

• Certificate of Higher Education in Counselling (Cert. Couns) (University of Leicester)
• Postgraduate Clinical Diploma in Integrative Psychodynamic Counselling (Clin.Dip) (Metanoia Institute, London) leading to MBACP.

I am a qualified Counsellor registered by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (Registered Member MBACP). I have a Certificate in Counselling from The University of Leicester and a postgraduate Clinical Diploma in Integrative Psychodynamic Counselling (Clin.Dip) from the Metanoia Institute in London. I have some specialist experience working with HIV positive clients. I am currently in the final months of completing a Msc in Integrative Psychotherapy at the Metanoia Insitute, London, which will lead to UKCP accreditation on top of my BACP registration.

I worked as a Senior Lecturer in Psychology in the University Sector for over 10 years, and remain affiliated to an East Midlands University.

In addition to my private practice, I currently work with the Terrence Higgins Trust Nottingham as a counsellor. I also volunteer and assess 3 hours per week at Leicester Counselling Centre, and work as a consultant psychology trainer.

My other non clinical qualifications include: BSc. (Hons) Psychology (University College London), Postgraduate Certificate of Higher Education (PGCHE) (Nottingham Trent University) leading to Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Ph.D in Psychology (University of Leicester). I am also a Chartered Psychologist (Academic- training and research route).

I am insured, have previously had full / enhanced DBS checks, and have regular clinical supervision with UKCP and BACP registered psychotherapists. I have experienced regular, weekly counselling and psychotherapy myself as a client for several years as part of training and can therefore appreciate the process from both standpoints. I work within the BACP and UKCP ethical framework.

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of experience/ specialist experience:

• I have past experience working with clients with an HIV diagnosis as a Buddy in the 1990s, and now continue to work with HIV positive clients as a counsellor. I have a special interest in working with long-term survivors of HIV, and in understanding and managing HIV related stigma, especially in gay and bisexual men.
• I am a qualified higher education lecturer in psychology and have worked with undergraduate and postgraduate students in higher education as a tutor, academic supervisor, examiner, course team member, and senior lecturer for several years. Therefore I have a good understanding of student needs, both in adapting to university and throughout the educational process.
• I have a special interest in working with LGBT clients.
• I am a member of the Terrence Higgins Trust.
• I am a member of the Leicester Counselling Centre.

Further information

I am a member of other professional bodies in addition to the BACP:

- Metanoia Insitute, Ealing, London, and also follow their ethical framework. I am currently in the last stages of completing an MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy at the Metanoia Institute, which will lead to full UKCP membership, in addition to my BACP registration. I therefore also follow UKCP ethics.

- United Kingdom Association of Psychotherapy Integration.

I am available for face-to face counselling at the following locations (please note I am unable to provide online/text or phone counselling):

Leicester Practice

This practice is located in the Crescent on King Street in the centre of Leicester. There is some on-street parking and there are various car parks within walking distance. My practice is on the second floor. There is a lift and there are toilets available.

Nottingham Practice

My practice in Nottingham is located in The Park, (accessible from the right half of Cavendish Crescent North NG7, off North Road - turn right off North Road after Pelham Crescent). You will be able to park outside the practice for your sessions without cost (I will need to give you a pass to put in your car). Please note I often work on the third floor of the practice and there is no lift, if this would be a problem, please let me know on enquiry and I will try to reserve a room on a lower floor. Toilets are available.

What next?

If you would like to explore working with me, please do contact me, and we can decide whether or not to move forward with an initial session. In your initial contact please let me know if you are looking for counselling in either Leicester or Nottingham. An initial session would be an opportunity for us to explore your aims and needs and to get a feel for what it would be like to work together. I am able to suggest alternative counsellors if necessary and useful.

Please note:

I do not have the facility to work with clients in crisis and cannot work in this way: If you feel in crisis, please contact your GP as soon as possible, GP out of hours service, NHS 111, the Samaritans on 116 123, or SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (6-11pm).

If you are a man, you can contact CALM, which is a charity specifically supporting mental health in men. https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/get-help/ (5pm-midnight).

If necessary please go to your local Accident and Emergency department (if you cannot go on your own ask a friend or safe other to take you there). If you are unable to get to A and E and you feel you need to go, and all other options have not worked, call 999 for an ambulance.