Collette MacCalman Dip.Ther. Couns; Reg MBACP;BSc. PGCE (FE)

As an Integrative Counsellor, I am trained in the Person Centred Approach, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Transactional Analysis theory.  I recognise each person as a unique individual and don't believe in a "one theory fits all" approach to counselling. I will, therefore, explore in partnership with you the best approach for you.

I appreciate that making the initial contact and attending the first session with someone you don't know might be scary for you; but please be assured of my genuine interest in helping you to become the fully functioning person you wish to be.

If I'm not available when you telephone, please leave your name and number on the answerphone and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.  Similarly, feel free to email at any time, as I check my laptop several times a day.

I work from a designated, purpose built, comfortable and private garden room. I offer a safe, friendly, supportive and non-judgmental service usually meeting with clients on a weekly basis on average over 6 sessions (although this can be extended if it is agreed to be of benefit to you). We will identify a day and time that suits you best and arrange to have sessions either face to face, via telephone or skype.

I can assure you that your privacy will be guarded and that whatever is discussed in sessions will remain confidential (apart from those issues which I am legally bound to disclose to the appropriate authorities and which I will inform you of before we start the introductory session).

When you look at the  list of areas of counselling I deal with, you will see that I work with a wide variety of issues In private practice. I am constantly updating my Continuing Professional Development knowledge in order to offer my clients the most up to date and comprehensive service that I can.

I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy(BACP Registered Member no: 376958) which ensures that I work ethically, safely and to the necessary standards. BACP membership also requires that I receive monthly supervision with a qualified, experienced counsellor to ensure that my practice is appropriate.

My past counselling and non-counselling roles have given me experience of working with a variety of people in different settings. As a trainee Counsellor I worked in a busy GP surgery in Hyde, Greater Manchester with patients and staff who were receiving medical treatment but who the GPs felt would also benefit from counselling (e.g. carer stress, anxiety, bereavement, depression, self harm, substance misuse, relationship breakdowns, low self esteem and lack of confidence).

Over the past 30 years I have also successfully used "counselling skills" with clients struggling with anxiety, drug and alcohol dependency, loneliness and family breakdown in a paid role as a Project Worker with the Single Homeless in Coventry; students with anxiety, domestic abuse and relationship difficulties as a Personal Tutor/Lecturer at High Peak College/University of Derby College, Buxton; birth families with separation issues and adoptive parents with attachment issues as a Foster Carer for Derbyshire County Council; and patients with a range of mental illnesses as a Nursing Assistant on an Acute Adult mental health and a Dementia Assessment ward at Tameside Hospital, Ashton-under-Lyne.

I do hope that we will have an opportunity to work together and I look forward to hearing from you.

Collette