About me
If you visited your GP you would expect them to examine you, take bloods, possibly prescribe a prescription. If you contacted an electrician, I'm guessing you'd do so because they are the experts on wires, sockets and chandeliers. If you are on a counselling site I'm assuming it’s because you need help with a specific situation/problem in your life, or you have concerns regarding the well-being of someone else. As there are a lot of therapists in the country — and on this site — where do you begin? especially when (I think), everyone on here is a good listener, empathetic and understanding — if a therapist doesn't tick all three boxes, I would personally run a mile.
Here's what I can offer in four easy bullet points. No need to remember them you can return to this page anytime.
1. Understanding your situation.
2. Affirm you as you.
3. Helping you to change what you need to change and accepting what you need to accept.
4. Stepping into the world as a new person.
At each step, I'm in your corner, as a listener, displaying empathy and understanding — now where have I heard that description before?!
That's my service in a nutshell. However, if you do decide to work with another counsellor, good luck in your search and I truly wish you well in your journey.
If you are still here please feel free to read on . . .!
I can't say that I am better than others who are advertising their services, but I've had lots of life experiences — some good, some bad. Nevertheless, I'm aware that my stuff will be different from your stuff even if it's similar. You are the important one and it's your story that will be taken seriously and listened to — (good listener) — see above.
Secondly I am passionate about people's well being. I'm heartened that daily struggles are being discussed more openly than ever before, especially when a third of the population will battle with their own mental health at some point (actually I think this figure is higher but you get the gist). I therefore aim to keep my prices as low as possible especially when we're living with the struggle of fuel vs food, global instability, inflation, uncertainty, I'm guessing that this list could go on and on . . . . lower prices will not mean inferior service — far from it. I'm here, because I want to help, if I can.
Thirdly I've had many years experience working with people from varied backgrounds as well as different belief systems/moral codes — some have a guiding higher power, whilst many do not. We start from where you are and that will be taken seriously.
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I have worked for over thirty years in various communities, engaging with, and learning from many diverse and unique individuals. I am therefore acutely aware that life can throw up a variety of unexpected curve balls which can hinder growth, development and ultimately happiness. I have counselled people who have suffered from generalised anxiety disorder, panic attacks, addictions, sexual/physical/emotional abuse, bereavement, traumas, paranoia, anger management, depression — indeed the list is endless — but I like to think that the vast majority have been able to move on from their initial state.
Our first session will involve some paperwork — whether on-line or face to face. This may not be the most exciting thing (it isn't) but needs must — this will normally consist of a contract — basically what I can offer, and what you would expect from me as your therapist, as well as your responsibilities as a prospective client. Other documents will include a GDPR consent form, CORE 34 psychological assessment form, and an information sheet. These documents will be explained in detail so that you will fully understand all procedures before we officially begin our work together.
You are not contracted to a set amount of sessions — in consultation with myself you will decide how many or how few you feel you may need. Remember counselling is not a sprint or marathon, it is a process where you begin to discover your worth and importance without feeling the need to do what other people expect you to do.
We'll talk about trust, confidentiality, acceptance and hopefully, you'll soon realise that taking that first step was a positive one.
Other points of interest:
1. I work in accordance with BACP's (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) Ethics and Code of Practice.
2. I am fully insured with Holistic Services Insurance.
3. I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).
4. I attend regular supervision with a BACP accredited supervisor to ensure my practise is ethical and to the highest standard.
5. I am on the PVG scheme with Disclosure Scotland.
6. I am on the register of the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office).
I'll stop there . . .
Training, qualifications & experience
BD (Hons) in Theology, Ethics and Human Behaviour from the University of Edinburgh
MScR in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Edinburgh
Postgraduate Diploma in Ministry from the University of Edinburgh
Diploma in Higher Education from Moray College, UHI, in Person-centred Counselling and Psychotherapy
COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate, Modules 1 – 4, University of the Highlands and Islands
Certificate in Clinical Counselling Supervision — COSCA validated
Certificate in Transactional Analysis
Certificate in Couple Counselling
Practitioner Member COSCA
Registered Member BACP
Volunteer Counsellor with Crossreach Counselling Services, Buckie
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Previous experience:
External examiner in the MSc Counselling (Psychodynamic) course at Robert Gordon's University.
Tutor in Language and Communication in Health and Society at the University of Edinburgh, School of Health in Social Science.
Therapist, Castle Craig, Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Clinic
Volunteer Counsellor, Simpson House, Edinburgh
Member organisations
COSCA is the professional body for counselling and psychotherapy in Scotland, and seeks to advance all forms of counselling and psychotherapy and the use of counselling skills by promoting best practice and through the delivery of a range of sustainable services. COSCA Counsellor Accreditation is a pathway to entry onto the UKRC. It is a requirement of all individual and organisational members of COSCA to abide by its Statement of Ethics and Code of Practice and be accountable to the Complaints Procedure. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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.
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Perinatal Practitioner Training
Fifth Step listener with AA (12 steps)
Minnesota training in Drug and Alcohol Dependency
Bereavement and Loss
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 - £100.00
Additional information
£50 per hour for individual, Online (zoom) or Face to Face counselling, from 8.30am — last appointment 4.30pm.
£60 per hour for individual, Online (zoom) from 5.30pm — last appointment 7.00pm. Tuesday evenings only.
£100 per hour for relationship/couple counselling, Online (zoom) or Face to Face counselling.
£50 per hour for supervisees.
Sessions held outwith normal working hours will be discussed with the clients beforehand.
When I work
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If you leave a text or email I will contact you within 24 hours. If it is possible, I will endeavour to make an appointment to see you within a week, at a time which suits us best.
Further information
Outdoor Therapy
I am conscious that the counselling room does not appeal to everyone. I am happy to spend an hour — or up to an an hour — walking, listening and interacting with you outdoors. This is sometimes known as outdoor behavioural healthcare or wilderness therapy. However I do not envisage heading into the mountains but rather a gentle stroll round Cooper Park in Elgin or one of the coastal paths in Buckie. This could either supplement the face to face therapy, or stand alone possibly acting as an introduction to counselling especially following our first session. This service would cost £70.
