About me
Hello, I’m Gemma, a counsellor and psychotherapist, trauma-informed working from a feminist and de-colonial approach. This means that I am mindful of the power dynamics both in society and in the therapy room, I aim to create a collaborative space where your voice, story and identity are heard and respected. A feminist approach in counselling is not about excluding men or centering only women, it's about recognising power, social context and systemic inequality. De-colonial focus is about centralising your cultural identity and history.
I am an Accredited Registered Member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP). This means that you can trust that I have undergone thorough, accredited training, and I adhere to the BACP Code of Ethics, ensuring confidentiality and professionalism. I have over 12 years experience of practicing as a counsellor and psychotherapist and 25 years working in the helping professions.
Like many, you may be grappling with feelings of anxiety, worry, or stress. Seeking counseling support can be a powerful step in managing these emotions and enhancing your well-being. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly explore the challenges in your life. Together, we’ll work to uncover new ways of understanding yourself and your relationships.
Perhaps you’ve found yourself wondering why certain things feel more difficult for you than for others. Maybe you feel sadness without a clear cause, or you have lingering questions about your emotions or struggles in life. I provide the support and space for you to find answers, helping you shift your perspective and transform how you experience life. This process may involve reflecting on the connection between your current emotions and past relationships or events.
I have a special interest in exploring cultural and self-identity issues, including experiences with racism, discrimination, gender identity, motherhood, and pregnancy.
Trauma Therapy:
I am qualified and registered to offer a specific trauma therapy called the Rewind Technique. This approach is particularly effective for isolated traumatic events that may trigger flashbacks, nightmares, or symptoms of PTSD.
Group Work: (not currently running)
I facilitate a monthly in-person therapeutic group for Black women and women of color, held at a location in Leeds. This group provides a supportive space for shared experiences and healing.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Post Graduate Diploma Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Rewind Therapy, single session trauma treatment
- Couples Counselling - Certificate in Working with Couples
- Diploma Counselling Children and Young People
- BA Hons Counselling Studies
I have been working therapeutically with adults, young people and children since 2002. Initially as mental health support and in substance misuse rehabilitation before moving into working on specialist projects with the Leeds & York NHS Foundation Trust, offering counselling to those from Black and Asian backgrounds and the Women's Counselling and Therapy Service in Leeds.
I hold an enhanced DBS and have attended safeguarding and risk assessment training which is updated regularly. I consult with an experienced supervisor in relation to my work as part of the BACP requirements.
I also regularly attend additional professional development training which has included:
- Transgender awareness
- Safe TALK (suicide prevention)
- Working with eating disorders
- Dream work therapy
- Refugee & asylum seeker mental health
- Working with deaf and hard of hearing clients
- Mindfulness based recovery
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.
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£80.00 per session
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Individual sessions £80 (50 minute appointment)
Single session Rewind Therapy £120, includes follow up review session.
When I work
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