Janice Douglas

Welcome. I am a BACP accredited counsellor (children, adolescents and adults), and IPT UK accredited interpersonal psychotherapist (adults and adolescents), providing short/long term therapy. Let me help you identify and explore your concerns and work towards change. You have taken the first step. I don’t underestimate this.

My counselling therapy is Person Centred with an Integrated approach including the use of Creative Media, Solution Focused and Cognitive Based Therapy techniques where appropriate to your needs. I am experienced in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) and Child and Adolescent Metal Health (CAMHS). I am also a counselling supervisor and experienced in youth and family support. My broad experience can aid understanding of a wide range of perspectives brought to therapy.

Symptoms you may be experiencing may be hard to describe or for yourself or others to see. You may present as angry, anxious or withdrawn, which can be in conflict with your actual feelings. If you had a broken leg those around you may see and try to help. During therapy, I would like to help you recognise and articulate your needs to facilitate recovery.

Adults can sometimes recognise the challenges they have faced since childhood when a child or adolescent is experiencing similar difficulties. If you recognise this I would like to help you gain understanding and work towards meeting your needs.

Some challenges you might be experiencing:

Abuse - Domestic, emotional or sexual. Your abuse may be shared and supported in a safe, protective environment, with signposting to specialist support where appropriate. You may find your way to therapy without consideration of the abuse you may be experiencing or have experienced in the past. Remember that you are a survivor and deserve to be heard.

Alcohol - See substance misuse below

Adolescents – You may be experiencing significant challenges: low mood, anxiety, self-harm, low self-esteem, bullying, academic stress, friendship, family difficulties to name but a few. Assessment with you can help identify the most appropriate therapeutic intervention for you to meet your current needs for example counselling or Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A). See IPT below

Anxiety – Anxiety can present in various ways and can keep us safe when we feel vulnerable. Anxiety can however restrict our functioning and enjoyment of life. Explore your own personal challenges in a safe environment.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) See ASD below.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)/ADHD - I have supported adults, adolescents and children; facilitating understanding of symptoms and presentation and in exploring individual coping mechanisms. I can discuss assessment process and criteria where diagnosis is to be sought. I have found IPT to be particularly useful for adolescents and adults presenting with ASD/ADHD with its active support around social communication difficulties.

Bereavement - There is no shortcut to our grieving process. Grief is very personal to each and everyone of us. My therapeutic approach will be personal to your needs: counselling for age 5 onwards; IPT for adolescent/onwards as appropriate.

Children and Adolescents - I am experienced in working with children adolescents and parent/carers with a range of presenting issues. A comprehensive assessment can facilitate the most appropriate individual intervention.

Depression - Person Centred Counselling and IPT can both be beneficial to understand, process, and work towards reducing the ‘invisible’ but often heavy symptoms of depression. Assessment with you can help identify the most appropriate therapeutic intervention for you to meet your current needs.

Drugs - See substance misuse below

Gender Dysphoria/Sexuality - I have supported children, adolescents, adults and family members during this process of exploration and discovery.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) - for low mood/depression. Life events can affect our mental health. Reasons can include:  Conflict or dispute with another person; Transition -Life changes including divorce, parental separation, house, school, job moves that affect how you feel about yourself and others; Grief and loss through death; Relationship difficulties including communication difficulties that cause distress. Structured support. Adults (16 sessions) and adolescents (12 sessions).

Sexuality - see gender above.

Substance Misuse - I have supported adults and adolescents suffering from addictions-drugs and alcohol. I have also supported clients with loved ones suffering from addictions. The impact of addictions can be far reaching for all and it is important to gain recognition and understanding of your individual needs.

Trauma – Trauma can be experienced from a wide range of events. Let me help support you whilst being mindful of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the need to signpost you to access therapies appropriate to PTSD

I can offer sessions Face to Face in Alnwick (disc parking), or by Telephone, Zoom or Skype.

And finally:

Carl Rogers believed that we need the correct conditions to grow. Like a camellia in the wrong soil type, we can appear healthy, growing tall with shiny leaves and convince the most caring gardener that all is well as we are still standing, hiding our invisible symptoms. But we deserve to bloom and therapeutic support, like the right soil type, can help you blossom the way you deserve to.

To be discussed depending on type of therapy.

Free 30 minute consultation to explore your needs or those of your child