About me
Hi
I offer private integrative counselling tailored to your individual needs, online from the comfort and security of your own home via video-call on a variety of platforms.
I use an integrative range of counselling techniques depending on what I feel my client needs. This can often change and develop as different needs arise for each client - I very much view each as an individual and tailor my approach accordingly. My initial training was in person-centred and gestalt therapy but I have added to my range of skills with a variety of continued training and development over the years. As a result, my methods are an eclectic mixture, but always grounded in my roots with a person-centred approach.
CORONA VIRUS
The current situation has many layers of different emotions for everyone: from fear of what may happen to secret relief for respite from a previous situation. Anxiety overlays every aspect of daily life. If you, or anyone you know, is struggling to cope, please get in touch to arrange an online appointment (instead of my previous home visits) - I can conduct counselling sessions via a variety of apps and platforms as suits each client (Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, Messenger etc).
I have completed training specifically devised (by BACP and the Open University) for operating online as a counsellor during these troubled times and understand the anxieties and sadness many are experiencing.
Is there anything else specific you need to know? Please get in touch if you have any questions.
Training, qualifications & experience
My initial training was in person-centred and gestalt therapy (resulting in a BTEC Level 5 Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling), but I have added to my range of skills with a variety of continued training and development over the years. I have completed training in Autism and Asperger Awareness and completed a course in Animal Assisted Therapy in Counselling in 2019. I am particularly interested in Mindfulness as a therapeutic tool.
My counselling experience covers a range of clients: I have worked with adults, children and young people; I have a particular interest in autism and have had clients on the spectrum; with experience of being a carer myself, I have also worked with many clients dealing with issues related to being a carer (particularly identity, loss and guilt); I worked with Place2Be as a volunteer, using play therapy techniques with primary-aged children and have experience with teenagers as a foster-carer and counsellor in private practice.
I am a member and committee member of Newcastle Counselling Association and regularly take part in Continuing Professional Development sessions on a variety of topics.
Member organisations
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
BACP is one of the UK’s largest professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy. Therapists registered with the Association fall into a number of different membership categories such as Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP and Registered Member MBACP (Accred), each standing for different levels of training and experience. MBACP (Accred) and MBACP (Snr Accred) members have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by the Association.
Registered members can be found on the BACP Register, which was the first register to achieve Accredited Voluntary Register status issued by the Professional Standards Authority. Individual Members will have completed an appropriate counselling and/or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but will not appear on the BACP Register until they've progressed to Registered Member MBACP status.
All members are bound by a Code of Ethics & Practice and a Complaints Procedure. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
Accredited Register Scheme
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
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£45.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
My current fees are £45 per session for a standard 50 minute video call session.
Home visits are only available in exceptional circumstances - please contact me directly to discuss fees.
Availability
I am very flexible. I can often schedule appointments at short notice if needed - just ask and I’ll see what I can do.
Further information
During our first 50 minute session we will be able to explore the issues that bring you to counselling, share preferences and expectations and agree a way forward to contract for future sessions. There are many options at this stage and I am flexible in accommodating each client’s preferences . If you prefer a fixed-term of regular sessions or an on-going approach, we can discuss what suits you - these sessions are for your benefit and you must be comfortable with how they progress. I am also willing to adapt to your needs if, for example, your working times and availability are changeable.
Following my experience of Humanima’s Animal Assisted Therapy in Counselling course, I am hoping to introduce therapy dogs as an option in my counselling practice in the future. I have two Sprocker puppies called Luna and Tonks. They are very young as yet, but showing early indications of having beautiful temperaments and I hope they will be wonderful therapy dogs. Watch this space for further information!