Frances Elizabeth Courtney
Verified Professional
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently
verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
MSc. Systemic Psychotherapist and Family Therapist
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
About me
I am a Systemic and Family Psychotherapy, so my focus is on communication within relationships. Communication with others gives the structure and meaning to our lives. I see explorations of conversation and dialogue as essential for developing our relationships with others. Understanding of meaning can 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 relationships can reduce the conflict we can experience. Moving towards what we want 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 also change our ways relating to others. Talking with someone not directly involved, can enable new responses and reflections, helping appreciation and understanding of the choices we make.
I work with individuals, couples and families and have experience in a wide variety of contexts, working with addictions, depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, grief, abuse, bullying, physical illness, disability and general mental health.
I have specialised experience with couple and family communication.
I work with children within their families so do not see children individually.
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
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.
UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
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
Accredited Register Scheme
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
From £60.00 to £80.00
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
In Person and Online Zoom sessions.
Individual is £60 for a one hour session.
Couples or Families is £80 for a one hour session but the first session is usually longer.
I can be contacted by email or phone.
When I work
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).
