Geraldine (Gerry) Harris
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I'm a qualified Psychotherapist (CTA). I've enjoyed an extensive career in health and well being (originally qualifying as a nurse) and have been a qualified Counsellor since 2012 and a Psychotherapist since 2018. I work alongside people with a range of presentations including depression, anxiety, fear, relationship difficulties and personal / work related stress. In addition I have undertaken much specialist training in trauma and have several years' experience of working with people who are survivors of accidents and abuse (physical, sexual and emotional)
My personal style is integrative drawing on humanistic approaches combined with the depth of psychodynamic ideas as well as my insight into how trauma affects the body. I am committed to ongoing development. I have also completed a foundation in Mindfulness course and EMDR which I regularly, when relevant for the individual, integrate into my work.
My continued motivation comes from developing safe, respectful and empathic relationships with my clients. I believe that the counselling and psychotherapy relationship can be likened to a journey..... I am here to travel alongside (for a short or long journey) to your agreed, unique, destination. We explore the pathway, or events, that have led to the here and now and how these have affected expectations and outcomes. What does my client want from his/her life; how can they connect more effectively in relationships? It is truly fulfilling to facilitate these journeys and see the changes that are made and the contentment (reduced anxiety, fear and stress leading to greater excitement and joy) that is achieved.
Explanation of Transactional Analysis
'TA was founded by Eric Berne in the 1950s and 1960s and has evolved since. It is now a well-established approach used widely in psychotherapy, counselling, education and organisational development as well as many other areas.
As well as providing a theory of personality, Transactional Analysis offers a range of models that can be used to explain communication and relationships. These models can help identify what goes wrong in communication and how to interact for a better outcome.
The therapeutic applications of TA focus on providing opportunities for individuals to change repetitive patterns. These patterns, the result of early childhood decisions which in TA are referred to as 'script', limit an individual's potential.
TA focuses on how script manifests itself in day-to-day life and how we can move beyond it to improve the quality of our lives. Used with individuals, couples and groups, TA is effective with a wide range of therapeutic issues. Unique in the depth of its theory, this process allows for the individuality of both therapist and client.
TA is also beneficial in settings such as organisational training and consultancy, parenting, education, personal development and coaching. Many TA concepts are simple to learn and apply, making them very accessible and effective.'
(explanation of TA taken, with kind permission, from www.thelinkcentre.co.uk)
If you'd like more information, I'm happy to answer enquiries.
Thank you for reading this profile.
Training, qualifications & experience
Training and qualifications:
I have a psychotherapy qualification in Transactional Analysis (CTA). Other recent training includes: Facilitating psychotherapy groups, EMDR, Mindfulness Foundation programme, Ecotherapy (working in nature), APT Accredited Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Essentials; Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction; Mindfulness treatment of trauma related dissociation; many other trauma related courses (including working with PTSD, wind-back technique and Emotional Freedom Technique)
My previous qualifications include nursing (RNLD), Management (Exec Diploma in Mgt), Body Massage (ITEC), Aromatherapy (NVQ3), Business Studies.
Work experience:
I have been in private practice now for ten years
I previously worked with the NHS and with Survivors' Network as a Counsellor for approximately eight years (a charity working with female survivors of sexual abuse).
Prior to gaining my counselling qualification, I ran a charity working with people affected by brain injury. I've also worked for many years with services that support and empower people with learning disability.
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
Therapies offered
Fees
£55.00 per session
Free initial in-person session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Initial half-hour session / meeting - free
Assessment (1-1.5 hours) - £60
Individual Session (one hour) - £55.00
Couples - £60.00
Student Counsellors - £50
When I work
8am-8pm Mondays to Fridays.
