Deanna Kirby

MBACP, MNCS (Accred), BA (hons), PGCE, Post Grad Dip, MA

Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 9AR

About me

Hello. I am glad you are reading this, it really is the first step in feeling happier, confident and stronger. You may be feeling overwhelmed with sadness, anxiety, confusion, fear or pain. I may be able to help. I am based in Rodney street, Liverpool, close to transport links. Previous clients have described me as warm, approachable, friendly and trustworthy.

How I can help.

I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and work within their ethical framework. I am also an accredited member of the National Counselling Society. I am an integrative therapist, with a core of Person-Centred therapy, where I provide an environment that is safe for you to feel free to talk. I won't judge you, give you advice, or tell you what to do. You are the expert in you! I will listen to you, and allow you to explore your thoughts and feelings in a confidential and safe space. Once you have an understanding of why you think and feel a certain way, you can gain clarity. It is that understanding that can give you the confidence to move forward. I have been a client myself, and know how difficult it can be to begin counselling. I also know how powerful Person-Centred Therapy can be in helping you to resolve difficulties and build confidence.

What to expect in your first session.

In the first session, we discuss how we may work together. It is an opportunity for you to ask questions to help you decide if I am the right therapist for you. The first session can also allow you to assess if you feel comfortable with me. We will discuss issues such as confidentiality and availability. I will be honest with you. If you feel happy to continue therapy then you will be asked to sign a counselling agreement. You are not tied in to a number of sessions, but can attend as many as you feel you need.

Other training.

I have participated in workshops that allow me to offer strategies from other therapies. This includes Solution Focused Brief Therapy, basic EMDR and Creative Expressive Arts Therapy. Sometimes, it may be too difficult to talk about painful emotions, and using writing or art may help you. However, my focus is helping you to explore your thoughts and feelings. I will be guided by you, listening to your needs to provide the best way to support you.

I currently work with individuals only aged 16 and over.

Please leave a voicemail or email me if you would like to know more information, or to make an appointment.

Training, qualifications & experience

Qualifications:

MA Counselling and Psychotherapy
Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Certificate in Counselling Concepts
MA Ethics and Medical Law
PGCE
BA (hons) Health

Other relevant training:

Trauma and attachment in children and families
Trauma: practical mind and body strategies to heal trauma
The psychological and physiological repercussions of trauma
Trauma: the importance of orienting and defensive responses
Person-Centred Expressive Arts Therapy
Working with Bereavement and complex grief
introduction to EMDR
Shame: the meaning of shame in the treatment of trauma
Working with people with dementia
Pesso Boyden Therapy
Certificate in working online
Depression and Low Mood
Counselling Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Thinking about Sibling Issues
Suicide Prevention
Deaf Awareness and Basic Sign Language
Healthy Sexuality
Basic Safeguarding Awareness
Autism Awareness
Equality, Diversity and Rights
Child Criminal Exploitation: raising awareness
Harmful Practices of forced marriage, honour based
Working with clients with long-term health conditions

In addition to my own practice, I work as a counsellor in education. Previously, I worked as a counsellor in two charities, one with young people (16-25), and the other a women only charity of all ages. I have worked with young people, adults and older adults on different issues such as anxiety, self-esteem, panic, depression, bereavement, relationship difficulties, family relationships, stress, transgender issues, child sexual abuse, baby loss, health difficulties, life transitions: such as entering education or work, or dealing with retirement and unemployment.

Prior to counselling I taught psychology, guiding students as they dealt with the stress of study and the transition of a new, exciting, but challenging environment. I also worked in the NHS supporting young people and adults, mainly helping them to build the self-esteem and confidence they needed to live the life they wanted. I have worked in some form of supporting capacity for over twenty years. I offer training on relevant therapeutic topics to groups of counsellors and to organisations, both to qualified counsellors and to trainees.