Lyn Reed

Training, qualifications & experience

Training

I trained  as an integrative counselling practitioner which means I draw upon a wide range of therapeutic techniques as part of my professional practice. I have attained the Advanced Professional Diploma in Counselling & Diploma in Hypnotherapy and Counselling Skills.

I am fully insured to undertake my practice.I am a qualified social worker/probation officer (Postgraduate Dip.Soc/CQSW) and have a M.A. (by thesis).

I have tutored courses including assertiveness in the workplace, handling stress, self management for chronic health conditions (Expert Patient Programme); provided self expression through the creative arts eg art, craft, music, drama, creative writing.

Experience

- My experience of enabling and empowering individuals through personal growth to achieve emotional well being has been acquired by working for many years in both the public and voluntary sectors. This includes working with young people in need of support and care, working with families, working with offenders both in the community and in prison; and individuals who feel alienated/vulnerable within their own communities/living space and have lost their identity and often their way.

- I have worked as a residential social worker supporting adolescents to live independently within the community.

- Working within the community I have supported and empowered individuals to tackle their addictions, help those who experience isolation and exclusion and also those experiencing depression and other mental health concerns.

- .I have been a co tutor on the NHS programme Solutions for Health which encourages individuals experiencing anxiety and stress to use self-management techniques - thereby taking responsibility for building their own emotional tool kit which is unique to their own individual needs.

- As a student supervisor and manager in the social work field, I have extensive experience of supporting and empowering both students and employees at all levels by helping them to manage their stress and anxiety in their working/educational environment

- I work with many clients who experience relationship issues, anxiety and depression.


- I am an Anxiety UK approved therapist providing therapeutic support to the charity's members and partners beneficiaries.

Other areas of counselling I deal with

More and more people are living with a long term health condition (or more than one), whether it be physical or psychological. Living with such restrictions can severely affect our emotional well being.

Being a carer for or living with a loved one with a health condition can be very challenging at times. People who find themselves in this position often need emotional support too. Coping with loss, guilt and change can often be helped through therapy.

This is an area in which I have both personal experience and a special interest.

Working as a tutor on the Expert Patient Programme showed me how much progress people with chronic health conditions can make over a relatively short period of time. Some had virtually 'given up' on life. I saw considerable change. Self esteem and self confidence often improves, depression lifts and anxious thoughts about the future become more manageable. Relationships with significant others often improve. Feeling assertive when one is feeling poorly can seem nigh on impossible at times - but in my opinion, it is all part of our recovery.

Working to improve our own emotional well being I believe can go a long way to improving our physical well being, too.

Further information

I keep myself up to date with developments in the world of counselling through Continuous Professional Development. These include attending

Creating an on line presence for therapists
Understanding addictions,
Confidentiality, Data Sharing and Counselling,
Dealing with Bereavement and Loss,
Managing Chronic Health Conditions and Change for Life
The Importance of Art In therapy


I also keep  myself well informed via social media and other news outlets in relation to therapy and mental well being in general.