Hilary McNair BA (Hons) Couns MBACP(Accred) Dip Couns B.Ed (Hons)

Training, qualifications & experience

Qualifications:

• BA (Hons) Degree in Counselling (Waverley Abbey College/ Roehampton University)
• Diploma in Counselling
• Certificate in Counselling Skills
• Certificate in Counselling Studies
• Certificate in CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
• Certificate in Couples Counselling
• B.Ed (Hons) Degree
• Diploma in Counselling Supervision
• BACP Registered and Accredited

I am committed to ongoing learning in counselling and so attend regular workshops on various issues related to my work.  I also read avidly on the subject, thus keeping abreast of current research and treatment techniques.

Experience:
I have experience of successfully working with a wide range of client issues including abuse (childhood and domestic), trauma (including PTSD), stress, anxiety, bullying, self-harm, rape, relationship problems, depression, low self-esteem, bereavement and loss, adoption issues and addiction problems.

My experience as a primary school teacher and of leading parenting workshops has helped my understanding of child development and creative interventions, and has given me insight into what helps people sustain desired changes. Because I was involved in management in this field, I have some understanding of work-related stress.

I have also started and led a support group for people with Huntington's Disease, giving me insight into this condition and into the stresses of being a carer, whilst also having direct experience of supporting people with Aspergers Syndrome.  In addition I lead Pastoral Skills courses (an Association of Christian Counsellors course) and have co-lead courses on self-esteem.

I design and teach counselling courses for Kent Adult Education, once again keeping me up-dated with current research. I have taught up to and including Diploma Level.   I have a diploma in counselling supervision, allowing me to supervise other counsellors in their work.

I do paid work for a well known publisher, reviewing counselling book proposals and reviewing current books which are about to go into a second edition. This, once again, keeps me up to date with current thinking in the subject area.

I am a registered and accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within their Ethical Framework.  This adds an extra level of accountability for myself, which gives peace of mind to clients.  The BACP Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists  is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.  This can be verified by following the link:

http://www.bacpregister.co.uk/check_register/results.php?certname=Hilary+McNair&certnum=&country=uk&postcode=&distance=20&units=miles

I also regularly consult with a counselling supervisor who acts independently and checks that I am working ethically and that I am providing the best possible service for my clients. 

Further information

What to Expect:
It is sometimes hard to take the first step in asking for counselling. It may feel difficult to verbalise your problems. I know what a struggle this can be from my own experience of being a client.  Do feel free to email me for more information or phone me to ask more questions. Sometimes it can feel safer to start by emailing or phoning with your questions anonymously, without any obligation to take things further.

At our first meeting you would be able to find out what you want to know about myself, my approach and my experience, to see if this is what you are looking for.  You would be able to share what it is that brings you for counselling.  It won't matter if you feel muddled about how you put this across, or if you feel very emotional.  These feelings are quite normal.  You will have the opportunity to share with me what you hope to get from the counselling process and I will tell you what I can offer you. You would be able to decide whether or not you would like to continue working together and we can discuss how many sessions would be appropriate for your needs.

Where I work:
I offer a comfortable counselling room, in Chartham, close to an area of outstanding natural beauty, with easy, free parking.  It is a 15-20 minute walk up a hill from the local train station, or just over a 5 minute walk from the bus stop.   You would be very welcome to meet me here to discuss any concerns you may have about the counselling process before committing to us working together.


I see some clients at 32, Barton Road, in Canterbury.  This location is just off New Dover Road and has free parking just outside the building. There is also a bus stop close to the building.


I look forward to hearing from you.