Deborah McCool

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Dip.Psych.Couns. MNCPSAcc Accredited
Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

location_on Berkhamsted HP4 & Tring HP23
Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

Hello, I'm Debbie and I am  dedicated to providing compassionate support to those who may be facing challenges at this time. Perhaps there has been a significant life event, or you want to explore why you feel the way you do about certain situations.

I offer individual counselling and couples counselling. I also offer counselling of international expatriates.

I can help with a wide range of issues, and have vast experience of working with attachment patterns and relationship issues, including estrangement . I work with people experiencing anxiety and depression and also work with grief, loss and illness, stress, burnout and  perfectionism. I have vast knowledge of parenting issues. I also  work with betrayal and affairs.  I provide support for Menopause symptoms and challenging life stages.

Rather than giving you advice, my approach revolves around active listening and gentle support, encouraging you to uncover fresh perspectives and insights, using my knowledge of theories to underpin our work. My aim is that you feel safe, heard, held and supported in the work we do.

In addition to running my private practice, I serve as a lead school counsellor, with over 20 years of experience in education, I profoundly understand young peoples challenges as well as those challenges faced by parents and carers, gaining valuable insights into relationship dynamics.

Volunteering at a Hospice has further enriched my experience, allowing me to support patients, family members and caregivers dealing with grief and loss and experiencing long term illness. I have experience of working with end of life and terminal illness diagnosis in therapy. Reinforcing my commitment to offering compassionate care and creating a nurturing space.

You can expect empathy, understanding and a non judgemental approach from me.

  I work with clients on a shorter term goal focussed basis, or we can work together on longer term/open ended basis, exploring challenges and goals at a deeper level.

As an Integrative counsellor, I draw upon a range of theories, to find the ways that are most helpful to you. Each session is tailored to your individual needs. I use Transactional Analysis CBT, Psychodynamic and Person Centred theories.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • Level 5 -Advanced Post Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling CPCAB 
  • Level 4 - Diploma in Integrative Therapeutic Counselling CPCAB
  • Level 3 - Certificate in Counselling Studies CPCAB
  • Level 2 - Certificate in Counselling Skills CPCAB
  • Level 1 - Certificate in Listening Skills
  • Certificate in working with couples
  • Working with Infidelity
  • CPCAB working with children and young people
  • Workshops on -
  • self harm,
  • domestic abuse,
  • sex and relationships
  • working with anger,
  • working with young people, inner child training,
  • working with neuro diversity.
  • Attachment patterns
  • Bereavement loss and grief
  • Working creatively
  • Narcissism and echoism
  • Shame
  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Dream Analysis 

Member organisations

school Registered / Accredited

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.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

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

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Areas of counselling I deal with

Fees

Free initial in-person, telephone or online session

Concessions offered for

  • check_circle Trainee counsellors

Additional information

Sessions are 50 minutes

I offer a free  initial consultation of usually 25 minutes. on the telephone, or online, giving us the opportunity to connect, understand your needs and determine how we can work together effectively.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Please note that Initial introduction calls usually last around 25 minutes.Thank you.

Further information

  • Lead school counsellor 
  • Walk and Talk/Eco therapy Trained
  • Certificate in Drawing and Talking Therapy
  • Enhanced DBS
  • Completed workshops on anger, grief and loss, shame, sex and relationships.
  • Insurance referrals accepted 

Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Couples
Families
Organisations

Key details

DBS check info

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Wheelchair user access info
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Online platforms

Google Meet
Skype
Whatsapp
Zoom
Microsoft Teams