Deborah Baker
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About me
I am a warm, grounded, and compassionate person, with over 30 years' experience in the caring profession as a Mental Health and Learning Disability nurse. Over the years, I have supported many people to navigate life’s challenges. I provide a safe, confidential space for you to explore whatever is happening in your life right now, and I will help you to find a way forward.
I have extensive experience supporting those involved in the caring professions and work compassionately with trauma. I have particular experience supporting neurodivergent adults, including ADHD and those navigating a later diagnosis. My approach is neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ affirming.
My specialist areas are:
- ADHD and associated challenges - I have experience supporting neurodivergent adults, their carers, and people navigating a diagnosis later in life.
- Adults with Learning Disabilities - As an ex Learning Disability nurse, I have worked with adults and their carers who have experienced various mental health challenges in their lives.
- Nurses and carers - I worked as a nurse for 30 years and understand the work pressures and organisational challenges.
- University students - I have worked with students from Plymouth university for a year, working with young adults experiencing the difficulties of student life and relationships.
I work with people experiencing a wide range of difficulties, such as:
- Anxiety and panic
- Stress and work related burnout
- Depression
- Relationships and family issues
- Grief and bereavement
- Major life transitions
- Low self-esteem and confidence
- Personal growth and self-discovery
- Women's issues
- Loneliness
- Feeling stuck
- Home/work life balance
- Change or transitions
- Communication problems
- Overwhelm
Face-to-face, online and telephone counselling are available.
I am insured and adhere to the NCPS Ethical Framework and am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Training, qualifications & experience
I trained to be a counsellor after working in mental health and facing my own life challenges. I find counselling very helpful as a confidential space to explore and heal. I believe such a space can help you too. I gain a deep sense of fulfilment that comes from witnessing clients overcome the issues that they bring to therapy, and leave feeling stronger.
- Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling
- Mental Health Nursing, Oxford Brookes University
- Certificate in Learning Disability Nursing, Mowbray House School of Nursing
- Improving sleep in children with additional needs
- Mindfulness for Health and Wellbeing
- Intro to ACE experiences and early trauma
- Suicide awareness
- LGBT+ Awareness Training Course for Counsellors
- Non-Medical Helper (NMH) Skills Training Course (for neurodiversity)
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
Therapies offered
Fees
£55.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I charge £55.00 per hour. A limited number of reduced-fee spaces are available at £45.00 for people on a low income. Payment is made by BACS (bank transfer) prior to each session.
Further information
I offer a free, no-obligation 20-minute introductory call so that we can meet, discuss what you’re looking for, and decide if we will work well together. We can meet face-to-face in Exeter, online, or by phone.
Following our conversation, if you wish to proceed, I will email you a copy of our working agreement. This is for you to read and check that you are happy with how we will work together. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to ask.
In our first session together, we will discuss confidentiality and explore what brings you to counselling in more depth, and how the issues affect you now. We will agree on an approach that works for you and book in future sessions. There is no obligation to work long-term, but I will let you know what I think we could achieve in a set number of sessions. I am able to provide short or longer-term therapy.
In our sessions, we’ll work together at your pace, exploring your thoughts and feelings with curiosity and compassion. My integrative approach (using different techniques that best suit you) combines person-centered (helping you explore and find your own solutions), existential (helping you to navigate life transitions such as changes at work or having children), and creative approaches (such as art or nature therapy, which can encourage emotional expression).
