About me
I am a Systemic and family psychotherapist and also a Couples counsellor. I am experienced in helping better communication between people to explore how they want to their relationships to change and grow. I work with past family stories, present relationships and future hopes.
I see Individuals, Couples and Families.
Talking with others gives direction and meaning to our lives. I see explorations of conversation and dialogue as essential for developing our relationships with others. Understanding of others sense of meaning can also be the context for change. Sometimes our family stories can be seen as problematic but they can also be a source of inspiration to find a way forward in our lives. The way we communicate or behave, can have an affect on the whole of a relationship. Change happens as part of the process of living, but being able to grow more positively within our close relationships can reduce the conflict we might experience. Moving towards what we would like for our future also helps to provide a sense of wellbeing and balance. We all encounter challenges through life and can experience different ways of being in the world which over time, may change our way of relating to others. Talking with someone not directly involved, can enable new responses and reflections, helping appreciation and understanding of the choices we can make.
I have experience working in a wide variety of contexts, working with abuse, depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, grief, abuse, bullying, physical illness, disability and general mental health.
I have specialised experience with couples and family communication and work with children primarily in the context of their families or carers.
I have my own private practice in Portishead for almost ten years and am just about to complete an extensive training in supervision with the Centre for Systemic Studies in Wales and the Association of Family Therapy.
Training, qualifications & experience
Registered with UKCP as a Systemic Family Psychotherapist.
MSc in Systemic Psychotherapy (South Wales University 2015 - Research distinction)
Post Grad Cert CBT (UWE 2014)
MSc Psychological Research Methods (Open University 2010 - Research distinction)
MA Ed Applied Linguistics (Open University 2009)
BPS Counselling Psychology (part one) Diploma (2001)
Research studies Developmental Psychology (1998-2001)
P/G Cert Ed (Eng.and Drama) Leeds University (1994)
BA Psychology Hons. Open University (1990)
BA Eng Hons. Sheffield University (1974)
I was Open University Tutor for BA and MA level Developmental, Critical Social and Cognitive Psychology for over twenty years and previously taught in schools and further education. I am now working in private practice as a Systemic and Family Psychotherapist. I have worked at the Priory Hospital Bristol (adolescent mental health) and NHS Wales (individual mental health) and England (families).
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Relationships within the life cycle including children to old age
Adolescence - social problems and bullying
Depression related to Chronic fatigue,MS, Raynauds disease, lupus or stroke
Therapies offered
Fees
£70.00 - £100.00
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
In Person and Online Zoom sessions.
Individual is £70 for a one hour session.
Couples or Families is £100 for a one hour session.
I can be contacted by email or phone.
When I work
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I have appointment times available in the afternoons and evenings
Further information
I have run my own private practice for several years. I have been working online during the pandemic and am now beginning to offer in person sessions following safety guidelines. ( Sanitising, airing room, use of spacing, signing responsibility for risk form, disclosure of recent illness of self or family and agreements to cancel).
