J. Porterfield


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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Face to face in person and on-line sessions offered.
I provide individual counselling and psychotherapy and have over 25 years of experience practising within the NHS. I am now working in my own practice offering both short term and longer-term therapy. A longer-term therapy can be viewed as a more in-depth therapeutic process that supports more complex difficulties and you may have experienced these for some time.
I have much experience of providing therapy with individuals who want help with what can sometimes be experienced as overwhelming emotions, those of depression, anxiety, bereavement and relationship problems. In addition, you maybe someone who is struggling with your mental health following experience of trauma. I also provide support for work- related stress/difficulties and the emotional impact of these; for example, living and working in a rural environment, or experiences of feeling bullied, misunderstood and stressed at work.
If you are new to therapy, then I can offer you a sensitive and supportive introduction and at our initial consultation, we can both decide the most appropriate way forward.
Therapy involves talking as openly as possible, we will work together to try and understand your problem and look at any difficulties that arise in our relationship. This process helps to increase understanding of yourself and how your problems interfere with how you relate to others.
Throughout my career I have gained a specialist knowledge in the treatment of eating distress. I also have a background as Counsellor in a GP practice, as a University Student Counsellor, in Children's Psychological Services, Adult Mental Health Community Services and more recently as a Specialist Psychotherapist in an NHS Psychotherapy Service.
Finally, I understand it can be very difficult to access the right professional with whom you can share your present difficulties within a safe, respectful and appropriate setting; I endeavour to provide all of the above.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am an accredited practitioner with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). I have a current enhanced DBS Check.
My relevant academic and professional qualifications are a Master of Arts in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and a Post Graduate Degree in Integrative Counselling. In addition, I have trained for a further 5 years in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy ( UKCP Registered), within an specialist NHS setting and I also have training and qualifications in another core health profession.
Psychotherapy and Counselling, involves a relationship of developing trust. This can help us to acknowledge and work on those personal difficulties and experiences that often undermine our confidence in ourselves.
Therapy can help us realize, develop and embrace ourselves more fully, become less conflicted, troubled and confused. Initially, the need to talk in a safe and supportive relationship can be the beginning of a process of healing and 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.

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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
I have also experience in counselling adoptees and those who are searching for their birth families.
Therapies offered
Fees
£60.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Consultation/Assessment fee is £65.
Weekly therapy sessions, both face to face and on-line therapy is £60.00. I have some low-income availability following assessment.
My cancellation policy is a 48-hour notice for cancelled appointments. If you do not attend without notice, then a payment is still required. Thank-you.
When I work
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Flexible availability between 9 - 6.30pm from Monday to Thursday.
Further information
In Barnard Castle, I provide a private, confidential and reliable therapy service within a quiet, safe and welcoming environment. I have availability throughout the working week seeing potential clients between 9 - 6.30 pm. If you would like to discuss a potential assessment, then please telephone or e-mail me.