Irene Shooter

Hello, and thank you for choosing to read my profile.

My name is Irene Shooter and I am a Counsellor based in Mansfield Woodhouse.

I am a Person Centred Counsellor integrating Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. I am fully qualified and have a vast range of counselling experience, and I’m also a Clinical Supervisor, offering supervision to other therapists.

I provide an extensive range of counselling for a variety of organisations and individuals, both in the public and private sectors.

As a counsellor I will offer empathy; congruence and respect, whilst helping you identify ways to help you strengthen your ability to cope and move forward with your life in the way you would like to.

There are times in life when we all experience emotional difficulties, and talking to family and friends is not enough. It is at times like this when counselling can be helpful.

From the beginning of counselling, you will be at the centre of your therapy, and we will work together, as you explore your issues, in a safe and confidential environment. I will not advise you or judge you, and I will respect your autonomy, so that you are able to find your own answers; move forward, grow and develop.

Alongside my private practice, I work part time with Nottinghamshire Health Care in both Secondary and Primary Care, delivering (IAPT) Improving Access to Psychological Therapies, counselling adults who are experiencing mental health difficulties. I am committed to help improve the mental health and well-being of the people I work with.

In my previous role I counselled staff and students at a local college.

I have also previously counselled both male and female adult clients, one-to-one for Cruse Bereavement Care. Also, I have volunteered as a counsellor for Women’s Aid.

I have facilitated groups at HM Prisons working with drugs and alcohol.

Counselled children in Sure Start Centers and school settings.

I have worked in Palliative Care as a counsellor providing emotional support.

I have worked with children aged between nine to eighteen years of age, who have experienced bereavement. In my work with children I use a range of creative materials, as I find it makes it easier for children to express themselves and aids the therapeutic process.

I hold an updated Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate, this allows employers to check my certificate online.

I have my own Professional Indemnity Insurance.

I am an accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Clients Testimonials:

Irene has been the most wonderful counsellor, helping me very practically coming to terms with my wife's illness and death. Invaluable, and it has made a positive benefit to my welfare. Thank you Irene

I was very unsure as what to expect from my sessions, but was put at ease by the professional, kind caring manner of Irene. Due to Irene's approach I have gained so much and has helped me to control my way of thinking and dealing with depression and anxiety.

Having had to admit to be depressed has been a very difficult process,and I strongly feel I am on the road to recovery and can deal with all aspects of this, which a big part of this has been with the help of Irene. I would not hesitate to return should the need arise.

How counselling can help.

I understand that it may not be that easy to make the first approach to therapy, as you may be confused, distressed and anxious, so our first session will be to discuss your needs, and how we would work together, so that we can decide if we feel able and comfortable to proceed. We will then discuss the number and frequency of sessions, which we will review as your therapy progresses.

Counselling helps people to: -

Identify negative thoughts or illogical thinking patterns that contribute to feelings of helplessness, and to develop a more positive outlook.
Regain a sense of control and pleasure in life.
Help to find solutions to life's problems.
Gain personal strengths and how to use those strengths to develop and move forward with ones life.

Clients I work with

I work with clients who have difficulties with a whole range of issues, these often include work related stress, anxiety, depression, stress, panic, anger, trauma, bereavement, loss, phobias, family problems, relationships issues, low self- esteem, confidence & assertiveness, health concerns and many more that influence and have an emotional impact on everyday life.

Counselling adults who are experiencing mental health difficulties. I am committed to help improve the mental health and well-being of the people I work with.

Also, I currently work with a number of national Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP’s) and organisations who provide their employees with Counselling.