Marie Gibson
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I am a qualified and registered Person Centred Counsellor and experienced Integrative Counsellor. I am also a qualified Psychotherapist and Family Therapist in Systemic Practice.
My practice remains online at this time.
Many people have times in their lives when they may feel stressed, depressed or overwhelmed and need someone to talk to. Counselling can be an opportunity to meet with someone, who, because of their neutrality is able to help you gain more balanced and objective perspectives, challenge negative thinking, and realise positive change.
I am a Counsellor because I consider it a real privilege to be allowed to listen to another person’s story; to help persons through a time of difficulty or to gain new understanding of how they act in specific situations. To be able to have a person share with me and find within themselves the resources necessary and a way of moving on with their lives. I would be humbled and honoured if you would allow me the privilege of hearing your story and joining you on your journey.
My core approach is based on Person Centred Counselling; this means I will try and understand, your world as you see it; without criticism, or judgment. I will do what I can to offer you a space where you can feel valued and respected. I may also use my further training in Family Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and NLP as ways in which to work with you to find an approach that suits you.
I have worked extensively in the caring profession for over 18 years, as a Nurse within NHS mental health and learning disabilities services and in the Private and Charitable sectors. Working with both adults, and child and adolescent services. I am able to draw upon a wealth of experience I have gained from working in a variety of settings including a Therapeutic Drug and Alcohol Community, Young Persons Mental Health, Women's Services and Family Centre. I also have a specialist interest in working with persons who are on the Autistic Spectrum and their families. I have an appreciation of how sensory difficulties can cause suffering and problems for those on the spectrum, and wish to reassure anyone whom may be thinking of coming to see me that I will do whatever I can to help you feel comfortable and to support you with whatever issues you want to discuss.
I am skilled in working with the complex and painful issues that underlie low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and relationship difficulties. I recognise and understand how these problems can lead people to experiencing stress related symptoms which include change in sleep patterns, fatigue, difficulties in concentration and feeling out of control. My integrative counselling approach include two streams, firstly exploring ways to help you reduce these symptoms and secondly ways in which you may discover any unrealised potential and possibilities for yourself that you may previously have not considered or been aware of.
Confidentiality
Please note that confidentiality is very important to me, but there are specific circumstances in which I am legally and ethically obliged to disclose information to a professional body in accordance with safeguarding procedures and my professional frameworks. This will be discussed within our initial meeting.
Couples Counselling
I am an experienced couple’s counsellor, with training in the Developmental Model; from the Couples Institute. My work with you both as a couple is to help you find those keys to communicating more effectively.
The stresses of work, finances, children, family and health can place immense strain on any relationship.
Couples often come with feelings of anger, resentment, frustrations, thoughts of betrayal and secrets; that have damaged sexual or intimate relationships and which may have left you feeling isolated or rejected from your partner.
I provide a caring and supportive environment in which to work with you both in helping to understand the patterns that have emerged, and find new perspectives and a way to a more intimate and committed relationship.
Some couples may find individual work helpful alongside the couples therapy and I would discuss with you how this may occur.
Couples facing separation and divorce may also find couples counselling helpful; in understanding and finding a way through feelings of anger and sadness that may come with a separation. It can also facilitate ways of creating a new relationship that supports the needs of children
Family Therapy
As a qualified family therapist I offer a safe space to meet either as a family unit or with whom you feel would be important to attend. Families often attend fortnightly or monthly depending on your needs. Time in between appointments can be helpful for reflecting upon information that has been raised in session.
Families attending therapy may find they are able to discuss events or feelings in a different way than they might have done within the home. I would work with you to identify what you would like to gain for yourselves from attending therapy and think about how we might work together to achieve this.
Autism
I am highly skilled in understanding and working with individuals who are diagnosed or identify as autistic. In therapy I will collaborate with you to find an approach that perfectly suits your communication style.
I deeply appreciate the challenges that can come with engaging in therapy, and I am committed to tailoring our sessions to meet your specific needs. This may include accommodations such as shorter sessions, utilising asynchronous communication, maintaining a low sensory environment, not being on camera and encourage you to know that this a safe and supportive space to engage in self-regulating movements (such as stimming). I can work with you as an individual or you may want want a safe person to attend with you.
Together, we can navigate significant experiences like receiving an autism diagnosis and explore the emotions that may arise. We can understand what an autistic identity means for you personally, make sense of earlier experiences as well as navigating futures.
I understand the couple relationship where there may be differences within your communication together as explained by the "double empathy theory", therapy can help improve understanding and communication within the couple relationship. I also work with families in which neurodivergence may bring its own unique differences, and where therapy can help build relationships through better understanding and communication.
My approach is rooted in positive and affirming practice, celebrating differences and recognising the uniqueness that each of us brings.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling
- Msc Psychotherapist and Family Therapist in Systemic Practice
- Post Grad Certificate IAPT Systemic Family Practice
- ABC Level 3 in Counselling Skills
- Manchester Course in Group Psychotherapy
- Professional Certificate in the Therapeutic Use of Mindfulness
- Transactional Analysis 101
- BRIEF - Solution Focused Brief Therapy
- MHS 342 Core Principles and Practice in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Working with Self Harm
- Couples Institute: Therapist Training, Developmental Model
- ENB N47 Care and Management of People with a Learning Disability who present with Mental Health Problems
- BA (Hons) Nursing Studies (RNLD)
- Substance Misuse - From Understanding to Action
- LDS 248 - Principles and Practice of Working with People with Autistic Spectrum Disorders
- Currently completing Masters Degree in Family Therapy
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.
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
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.
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
Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Therapies offered
Fees
£60.00 - £80.00
Additional information
Initial consultation. No fee for initial 30min consultation (without obligation) £20 if you choose to stay for the initial consultation hour.
Individual Counselling Fee £60 for 55 minutes.
Couples or Family Counselling £60 for 55 minutes or £80 for 85 minutes
Company fees are negotiable
When I work
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Monday 6pm - 7.30pm
Thursday 8am -5pm
Further information
You may have concerns or queries about counselling or the process involved. Please contact me in confidence by phone or email for any help or information.
I am a full Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I am also a member of Association of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (AFT) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) I work in line with all of their Ethical Framework for good Practice.