Douglas Stevenson BD (Hons), DipMin, DipHE, MCOSCA, MBACP

UPDATE:

Like many therapists during this lockdown period, I have been unable to work with  clients face to face in a counselling room. I have therefore undertaken an eighty-hour continuous personal development training programme (CPD) which enables me to move my work to on-line and telephone counselling. This is not a substitute for face to face therapeutic work nor should it be deemed second rate, for both offer many, though possibly different, advantages. All on-line and telephone counselling is carried out in accordance with UK law legislation as well as abiding by the ethical standards and expectations of the professionals counselling bodies, BACP and COSCA.

I am excited about this new platform especially when I am no longer limited to working with clients from my own geographical area. I am therefore open to new enquiries and will be happy to discuss any queries which you might have.

Picking up the phone or sending an email/text to a counsellor can fill an individual with a certain amount of trepidation. Nevertheless it is often the first step to health and well-being and that decision could be a life changing and positive step for you. I'm especially conscious that during this pandemic many people have struggled with the isolation and limited movement. Therefore this may be a very apt time to seek help in dealing with any issues you have been struggling with.

I have worked for over thirty years in various communities engaging with and learning from many diverse and unique individuals. I am therefore very conscious that life can throw up a variety of unexpected hurdles which hinder our growth, development and ultimately our happiness. I have counselled individuals who have suffered from generalised anxiety disorder, anxiety, 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.

As  a person-centred therapist I will offer the space and understanding for you to explore your feelings in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

Our first session will involve some paperwork — even on-line! This may not be the most exciting thing but needs must — this will normally consist of a contract — 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, an information sheet and a risk assessment form. 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 few you feel you may need. Remember counselling is not a sprint or marathon, it is a process whereby 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 — at some point — you'll soon realise that taking that first step was a positive one.

Other points of interest:

1. I work in accordance with COSCA (Scotland's professional body for counselling and psychotherapy) Ethics and Code of Practice.

2.1. I work in accordance with BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy)  Ethics and Code of Practice.

3. I am fully insured with Holistic Services Insurance.

4. I am a Counselling member of COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland) and a registered member BACP  (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).

5. I attend regular supervision with a BACP and COSCA accredited supervisor to ensure my practise is ethical and to the highest standard.

6. I am on the PVG scheme with Disclosure Scotland