Denise Longhurst, UKATA Dip. TA Practice (adults, young people, organisations)

About me

Hello,

Are you feeling sad, depressed, anxious, confused or angry? Are you struggling with overwhelming feelings or stress? Are you having relationship difficulties in your personal or work life? Please be assured that you are not alone and help is available to you.

I am a qualified practitioner, experienced in helping clients with a wide range of difficulties ranging from grief to brain injuries. Many people find relief in talking to me about their feelings and exploring their thought patterns. Clients usually start to feel more in control of their lives and more optimistic about their future.

Counselling & Psychotherapy - I am well-trained, having completed 4 years of training in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy. I am often told I am warm, empathic, safe to be with and easy to talk to. I endeavour to create a mutual ‘I’m OK/You’re OK’ relationship between us where I will not judge you or advise you. Instead I will provide a safe, confidential space for you to explore what’s going on for you. I will listen wholeheartedly to you, help you to discover your own inner resources and identify patterns in your thinking, feeling and behaviour. You can feel empowered to make your own decisions about your future. You can be the person you want to be not the person you ought to be, or have always been.

Trauma Therapy - I hold a Certificate in Trauma Therapy, which included modules such as Trauma & Recovery, Severe & Complex Trauma and Attachment Disorders. I offer a structured 4-stage treatment plan for clients suffering from trauma and PTSD. Namely, this takes the form of ‘Establishing Safety’, ‘Retelling the trauma’, ‘Grieving and Mourning’ and ‘Reintegration’. This is an effective way of addressing the trauma, healing from it and living more fully. I am continuing to work towards a Diploma in Trauma Therapy.

Mindfulness - I hold a Diploma in Mindfulness. I am experienced in teaching mindfulness sessions to groups of office workers and individual employees. I have also delivered mindfulness sessions to individuals who have disabilities such as visual impairment. I am happy to integrate mindfulness into our sessions, if you wish, which often reduces symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and trauma. It also improves emotional and physical well-being.

Creative Writing - I am interested in the therapeutic benefits of creative writing and have completed a Masters in Creative Writing & Personal Development. I write a regular column for The Transactional Analyst, the quarterly professional magazine published by UKATA. For clients who like to write, or want to experiment with creative writing for the very first time, I am happy to incorporate creative writing into our sessions (or as homework) as part of your therapeutic journey. Sometimes finding the words to speak out loud can seem impossible and daunting, and writing can give clients a voice in a different way.

Making contact - I understand how difficult it can be to pick up the phone or send an email asking for support. I would like to offer you a free initial consultation to discuss your personal requirements. In this session we can discuss what you would like to achieve and how I can support you with this. I work on a long term or short term basis, depending on your needs, and we can agree this when we meet. There will be no obligation to continue. You may not know at the moment what your goal is, and that is absolutely fine. We can review this as we go along. Reaching out for support is often an achievement in itself, so well done for getting this far, and please do contact me if you have any questions.

Professional Practice - I am fully insured and complete regular training / CPD. I am supervised by a UKCP registered Psychotherapist/ Supervisor. I am also a member of UKATA, EATA and Lapidus and adhere to the code of ethics and professional practice.