Dirk Hansen MS, MBACP (Accred) Counsellor

About me

I am a BACP Accredited counsellor with over 25 years' experience in counselling and mental health.  I am also qualified in the USA as a Mental Health Counsellor in the State of Washington.  I work with individuals and with couples, and I can deal with a wide range of issues.  My goal to help you reach your goals for counselling, and to do so with understanding and compassion for your unique situation, no matter how complex.

I provide a safe and confidential counselling service. My approach is first to understand the cause of your immediate distress and the circumstances that led you to seek counselling.  From there, we can begin to make sense of what is happening in the "here and now" and identify the cause and effect factors that may be contributing to your problems.

This process will look at many things including the relationship between your thoughts and feelings; family system influences; learned behaviours; and the development of coping mechanisms (both helpful and not helpful).  Using all this information we can then begin to develop new ways of approaching your situation and discovering effective solutions to the problems you face.

My Experience

I bring over 25 years' experience to my counselling practice, having managed a number of large clinical services, including serving as Clinical Director of a global Employee Assistance Programme based in London, and as Chief Executive for a national UK charity delivering psychological services.  My background and experience has been extremely valuable, as it allows me to support clients more effectively by drawing on my knowledge of a wide range of issues.

My Approach

Using solution-focused and cognitive behavioural approaches as well as family systems therapy, I am keen to tailor the counselling I provide to fit your circumstances, personality, and the current 'stage of change' you are in.  I can work with most emotional and psychological issues including Anxiety, Depression, Mental Conditions, Relationship Breakdown, Addiction, Anger, Family Issues, Stress, Student issues, and Marriage Problems.

My Qualifications

I am a BACP accredited Counsellor and a member of the BACP Coaching Division. I received my training in the USA and hold qualifications in both the US and the UK.  I also hold certifications in Anger Management and Multi-cultural counselling.

My Training

EDUCATION:

Master of Science Community Counselling - Seattle Pacific University

Master of Divinity Pastoral Ministry/Counselling - Asbury Theological Seminary

Bachelor of Arts Education - Seattle Pacific University

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

Licensed Mental Health Counsellor (LMHC) State of Washington, Active, LH00005865
BACP Accredited Counsellor (MBACP) Active, UK Reference number: 517444
Ethnic Minority Mental Health Specialist State of Washington
Child Mental Health Specialist State of Washington
Certified Anger Management Group Leader, United Indians of All Tribes
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy A member since 1995

RELEVANT TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Screening/Brief Intervention for Alcohol Use/Abuse - Employee Assistance Professionals
ACA Code of Ethics training - American Counselling Association
Suicide Risk Detection, Risk Assessment and Risk Management - Greentree Behavioural Anger Management Group Leadership Training – United Indians of All Tribes Foundation
A Scientifically-Based Marital Therapy – John Gottman, Ph.D.
Domestic Violence Perpetrators Treatment Training – Veterans Administration
Harm Reduction Training – University of Washington
Foundations of Case Management – The Washington Institute

Child and Young People Safeguarding Foundation Training - Methodist Church

Getting Started

Feel free to visit my website: www.dirkhansencounselling.co.uk to learn more about my approach and see a description of my services.  You are also very welcome to message me with any questions you may have, or arrange a free telephone discussion.

I offer a free telephone consultation to help you determine if I am best to deal with your particular needs.  I believe that it is very important that your counsellor is a good match for you.

If you decide you would like to book an appointment, I can help you. or you can book through my website.