About me
My name is Dougie, and I am a qualified person-centred psychotherapist working online. I am dual-trained and have extensive experience supporting both adults and young people (11+) across a range of presenting issues including anxiety, trauma, grief, PTSD, panic attacks, depression, addiction, low mood and loss.
I work relationally, seeking to build a strong and trusting alliance with my clients so they feel safe, secure and seen. My approach is trauma-informed, validating the lived experiences of each client, and I adapt the pace to one that feels right for each individual. At the heart of my work is the belief that life can be proudly challenging and testing for us at times and that the right therapy with a good therapist can be truly transformative. I believe that everyone has the right to create a life that is worth living and that even in the most difficult of circumstances, people can heal, grow and flourish.
Working with Adults
I have many years of experience supporting adults facing a wide range of challenges. My approach starts with what has brought the client to therapy in the first place - it may be their first time in therapy or they may have worked with other therapists in the past. Through gentle questioning and seeking to understand what it is like to be the client at this point in time we can look together at the things that are causing challenge, hesitation or blockage and try to understand how these things have come about.
This greater understanding about ourselves and others is what leads us to breakthroughs and helps us understand what things we might like to be different either in our lives or how we approach and think about things.
I am comfortable working over a short period of time on a specific goal that a client has identified or working over the longer term, partnering with the client to help them address some deep-rooted challenges. I find that weekly sessions are helpful as the therapeutic process begins, but clients can choose the frequency of sessions - weekly, fortnightly, three-weekly or monthly.
Over the years, I have worked with people who have experienced childhood trauma or have been the victims of abuse, are experiencing symptoms of acute anxiety or generalised anxiety disorder, depression, addiction, low mood and suicidal ideation. In recent years, I have developed an interest in grief and loss, and alongside trauma, I would say these are my areas of specialism.
In terms of addiction, I have experience of working with addiction to alcohol, drugs, pornography, sex, spending and gambling.
As a gay man, I have lived experience of growing up gay and have supported many LGBT people in therapeutic spaces, especially when considering shame, vulnerability, connection and discrimination.
Working with Young People
With over 25 years of experience working in therapeutic and psychoeducational settings, I bring a wealth of understanding to my work with children and young people. I have specialist experience supporting LGBT and neurodivergent young people but work with a broad range of issues that young people face, including low mood, emotional resilience, managing change and transitions, loss, anxiety, depression and relationship/friendship challenges..
I understand the complexities of being a young person today, and I create a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space where young people can explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences at their own pace.
My Approach
I love being a counsellor. While the work is challenging, I find it deeply rewarding to support people as they navigate difficult times. Life can push us to our limits, leaving us feeling stuck, lost or overwhelmed. In these moments, my style of counselling – compassionate, supportive and gently challenging – has proven to benefit my clients.
My clients matter to me, and their journey matters to me. I work with patience, understanding that trust takes time and that everyone’s journey is unique. Whether you need space to reflect, explore or take steps towards change, we will work together at a pace that feels right for you.
Areas of Specialism
Anxiety and stress
Depression and low mood
Trauma and PTSD
Bereavement, loss, and grief
Emotional regulation and resilience
Relationship and family challenges
LGBTQ+ and identity work
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and mood disorders
If you would like to explore working together, please feel free to get in touch. I am here to support you on your journey, wherever you may be right now.
Training, qualifications & experience
25 years experience of working in psycho-education, therapeutic and non therapeutic settings.
I have a Diploma in Integrative Counselling (BACP accredited course) and a Coaching and Mentoring Diploma.
I hold an Enhanced DBS check.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
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
£60.00 per session
Concessions offered for
When I work
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