About me
What I can help with
I specialise in bereavement and other losses but also work with anxiety, worry, stress and other life issues.
Loss can affect us in many ways and have an impact on our relationships, our sense of self and our view of the world as well as many other aspects of life. It can also cause feelings of worry, sadness, and anger. Whilst bereavement is often the most obvious form of loss there are many others, including significant life changes, changes to your sense of identity, changes to relationships, ill health, redundancy, loss of a job.
I understand that worry, stress, sadness and low mood can be debilitating, exhausting and frustrating, particularly when they have an impact on your ability to get on with life. I know it can also be difficult when people around you don't understand how you feel and it's hard to explain it to them or when you feel like you don't want to worry them by telling them how you feel.
How can counselling help?
Sometimes it can be difficult to talk to the people around us, even those we are close to, about how we are feeling. This can leave us feeling isolated and unsure where to turn. At other times, we may feel like we're trying to work out the best way to deal with something but keep going round in circles when we think about it. Counselling can help us to navigate our way through these difficulties.
How I work
I aim to offer a down to earth, warm and empathetic approach that allows you to explore your concerns without fear of judgement.
I believe there is no single approach to counselling that suits every person and every issue. I work in an integrative way blending a range of approaches to suit the individual and their concerns.
Where I work
I work with adults, online and on the telephone. Online and telephone sessions are great if you prefer not to spend time travelling or feel more comfortable in your own space.
Free initial telephone conversation
I offer a free initial conversation of around 15 minutes so we can explore how I might be able to help you. Please e-mail me to arrange this.
Training, qualifications & experience
My experience with a national bereavement charity and hospice means I understand that bereavement can affect people in many ways and people often worry about whether their experience is normal. As well as sadness and physical symptoms, bereavement may also bring financial changes, changes to sense of identity, relationships challenges etc.
I trained as a counsellor later in life, before this I worked in the education sector for many years and understand the pressures it brings.
I have experience with stress, worry and anxiety. I understand how debilitating, exhausting and frustrating they can be, particularly when it has an impact on your ability to get on with life.
Mindfulness
In addition to my counselling qualification, I am also a trained mindfulness facilitator. Studies show that mindfulness can be helpful with stress, anxiety and low mood/depression. I have taught introductory sessions and courses to groups, both in person and online.
My interest in mindfulness extends beyond the professional and I have had a personal mindfulness practice since 2016. In addition to counselling, I can also offer one to one mindfulness to help you develop a personal practice.
I am also interested in counselling approaches that include mindfulness e.g. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT).
Counselling and Mindfulness Qualifications
- Level 5 Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
- Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
- Bereavement Foundation Course (Cruse)
- Mindfulness Facilitator (Breathworks)
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 National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. 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
Fees
£65.00 per session
Additional information
Mindfulness - please contact me to discuss the fees for the 6 session introduction.
I offer a free intial chat for both counselling and mindfulness. Please e-mail me if you would like to arrange one.
