About me
Finding a Counsellor can be like finding a needle in a haystack, as there are so many of us, all with lots of qualifications and experience. You may have decided you need Counselling yourself or friends and family may be suggesting it would help you, but where do you start?
As it is the relationship we create, which is non-judgemental and safe, that forms the basis for the work to be done, it is important you find someone who feels right for you. As such, I offer a free, no obligation, initial meeting so we can meet and discuss things further. You are able to ask me any questions to ensure we are a good fit. This can be face to face or online whichever suits you best.
I work from my home based on a farm with ample parking, and we can work flexibly to ensure you feel supported throughout.
We we are all products of our upbringing and experiences and we have learnt ways to survive which may not be helpful any more. Sometimes this can lead to a variety of struggles such as Anxiety, Depression, Low Self Esteem, Confusion and not feeling good in relationships in the present. Often, we just feel 'stuck' and can't see a way forwards. We then worry about burdening friends or family with our troubles so we struggle on alone.
It is important for you to know that you are not a machine with broken parts or that you are 'wrong'. You are just a human being with unmet needs. We can work together to help unravel what this is all about and find ways to move forwards and see how these needs can be met. We can talk or use creative methods to facilitate this discovery process but it is always a unique process designed just for you, not just a set format.
I work with children but initially offering parental support for younger age children as this can make a huge difference as changes are made in the home. Also young people, adults and couples for both short and long term work. It is always driven by you and on your terms.
My workplace is easily accessible from the A37 and A303 making it easy to reach from Glastonbury, Street, Shepton Mallet and Yeovil and I am able to offer access for wheelchairs. If you work full time, I can also offer early evening session times to suit you.
I have training and experience for working with Young People and Children and a range of issues affecting their lives as well as the lives of adults. These would include; Self Harm, Eating Disorders, Low Self Esteem, Low Self Confidence, Anxiety, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Suicidal thoughts, Bullying, Feeling Sad, Panic Disorder, Phobias, Family Issues or Relationship Issues although this list is not complete . Getting help for young people can be transformative for them and their families and prevent a lifetime of difficulties.
I can also offer help to parents struggling with family issues such as Separation, Divorce, Affairs, Betrayal and Child Related Issues as well as Bereavement and Addiction problems.
My experience with young people also enhances my work with adults as we often carry stuff from our past and our families which is no longer of benefit to us. It can be useful to consider what this historical 'baggage' is and consider ways to leave it behind which frees us up to live differently in the present time. Sometimes, it can be hard to put your finger on exactly what is wrong but there is just a sense of 'life just not feeling right'. It can be useful then to explore what this means for you with a view to making necessary changes.
I have become increasingly aware that our culture does not allow us to understand and work with all our natural emotions. Certain emotions such as anger and sadness are rejected and misunderstood which leaves people confused and can lead to unnecessary medical diagnoses. This is particularly true for children and young people. I aim to help clients to recognise, understand and channel all their emotions which will bring relief, a sense of peace and healthier relationships.
Counselling can be life changing, either as a means to better understand ourselves and our patterns of behaviour, or to rediscover strengths and resources in times of crisis. These untapped resources and skills can be found which will open up new possibilities and potential for you going forwards.
I am also a Clinical Supervisor for other Counsellors, both fully qualified and those in Training so please get in touch to discuss how we can work together.
Training, qualifications & experience
My training was primarily Person Centred which places you at the heart of the process. However, I have knowledge and skills in other types of therapy which will be available to help you as appropriate. Working with young people has given me the opportunity to use Creative methods and Therapeutic Play which is beneficial to all age-groups. I also have training with Cruse Bereavement care and training and experience in a Drug and Alcohol agency where I facilitated Relapse Prevention Groups as well as offering 1 to 1 counselling to help clients address their substance problems and addictions.
- Level 7 Post Qualifying Diploma in Working with Children and Young People
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Level 3 Counselling Theory
- Level 2 Counselling Skills
- Level 2 and Level 3 Misuse of Drugs and Alcohol
ABC Cruse Bereavement Care
Parts 1/2 and 3 Working with Children in Trauma at The Betsy de Thierry Trauma Centre Bath
Local Safeguarding Children Board Advanced Inter Agency Child Protection Training
BSY Certificate in Couple Counselling
BSY Certificate in Family Therapy
I am committed to ongoing Professional Development
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 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
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
Fees
£45.00 per session
Additional information
I offer a no obligation free initial assessment session so we can see if I am the right Counsellor for you.
Thereafter fees are £45 per hour for adults, children and young people and £60 for couples. Payment is made at the end of each session by cash or BACS.
Concessions arranged for students.
When I work
I am available from 8.30 till 6.30 weekdays.
Further information
I hold full Professional Civil Liability Insurance