About me
**Coronavirus precautions - because of the current coronavirus outbreak, I want to reassure you that your safety and well-being is my highest priority. I ensure that I remain aware of up to date government guidelines and I follow recommendations by professional counselling registering organisations, like the NCS and the BACP. For face to face counselling, I take the appropriate hygiene safety precautions. I have experience in offering online counselling, which is a workable and safe option in the current climate. Please contact me if you have any questions about this**
Hello, thank you for taking your time to read my profile. Let me tell you a bit about myself, so you can decide whether you feel I could offer you the help and support you are looking for.
I am a qualified and accredited psychotherapeutic counsellor. I have over 20 years experience in working with people from all walks of life, as a social worker and as a therapist. I work with adults, young people and couples.
I may be able to help you work through any areas in your life where you feel “stuck” and where you experience problems, like anxiety and depression, addiction, phobias, Post Traumatic Stress, feelings of low self-worth and low self-esteem, or problems in your relationship.
We all experience difficult times in our lives. I believe that the way we manage those hard times is dependent on our previous experiences, and on the beliefs, thoughts and feelings we hold on to as a result of this. This can inhibit us from feeling happy and fulfilled, and from being our true authentic selves.
I will provide a safe, accepting and confidential environment, where you can express yourself freely and feel listened to with warmth, understanding, and empathy. I use an integrative approach, where I draw on different theories, models and techniques. This way I can help you create a better understanding of yourself, and discover and strengthen the skills you have to manage your problems in a more positive way
I provide individual counselling, and relationship counselling for couples.
During our counselling process, I will regularly review with you how you feel the process is going, whether you have experienced any changes, and if there is anything more you want to focus on.
It is very important for you to find a therapist with whom you feel safe and comfortable. Please feel free to email or call me for an initial chat, with no obligations, to find out if you'd like me to work with you.
Counselling can be a very positive investment in your life. Many people experience positive shifts in different areas of their lives after they’ve gained deeper understanding and a stronger sense of Self through counselling.
Please visit my website if you'd like to read a bit more about me, and how it has been for people to have me as their counsellor.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications:
Advanced Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling - 2018
Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling - 2016
Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling - 2015
Certificate in Counselling Skills - 2000
BA In Social Work - 1992
Postgraduate Certificate in Family Studies - 2006
Continuing Professional Development:
Introduction to Solution Focused Brief Therapy - SurreyCC - July 2003
Anxiety Disorder - NICE - September 2015
Mindfulness, the Brain and Therapy - NCS - September 2015
Gestalt Chair Work and creative therapy - October 2016
Treating Panic Disorder - March 2017
Human Givens Couples Therapy, a practical masterclass -April 2017
Adolescent Mind States in Adults, by Graham Music - June 2017
Fragmented Minds: Dissociation, Dissociative Identity Disorder and Psychosis by Christiane Sanderson - September 2017
Attachment and Traumatic Bonding by Christiane Sanderson - November 2017
Treating PTSD, Trauma & Phobias with the Rewind Technique by Dan Jones - March 2018
Ethical Practice by the National Counselling Society - May 2018
Hypnotic Storytelling: How To Tell Stories That Heal by Dan Jones - September 2018
How to Break the Cycle of Depression by the Human Givens College - October 2018
How to make Counselling more Effective by the Human Givens College - November 2018
Professional Relationship Counselling Diploma by the Kew training Academy Ltd - January 2019
EFT and TFT Tapping Practitioner Certification by Graham Nicholls - March 2019
Working with Trauma and the Client by Jill Hanney - March 2019
Living in the Bubble: Trauma, Dissociation, Shame and Sex Addiction by Christiane Sanderson - July 2019
Esther Perel's Transformative Approach to Couples Therapy in Action - September 2019
Experience:
I am an approved therapist for Anxiety UK.
I have worked as a volunteer counsellor for MIND.
I have provided counselling services for RedArc and The Poppy Practice.
I have completed relevant social work training in child development and attachment theories.
I have many years of experience of working with people from all walks of life:
I have worked as a social worker for over 20 years. I have worked with people with family and parenting problems, relationship problems, homeless people, people with mental health problems, and people with alcohol and substance misuse problems. I have worked with children and young people in care, and have an extensive knowledge of the care system, and of fostering and adoption
As a counsellor I work with many different people. For example, I work with adults and young people who have problems with depression and anxiety, I work with people who have problems with addiction, I work with people who have problems with low self-esteem and feelings of low worth. I also help people working through loss and bereavement, people who experience high levels of stress and burn-out, people who have problems with maintaining positive relationships, and people who have a history of neglect and abuse.
I also work with couples. I help them work through difficulties they may be experiencing, help them find ways to communicate more effectively and rediscover the strengths in their relationship, so they can make changes to create a relationship where both partners can feel valued and connected.
I am on an accredited register with the National Counselling Society, and am fully insured. I attend regular supervision sessions.
Member organisations
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.

National Counselling Society (NCS)
The National Counselling 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

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
Fees
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
£60 per 50 minutes session.
£80 for couples per 60 to 75 minutes session.
I need 24 hours notice for cancellation
When I work
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I am available from Monday to Thursday between 9am and 5pm. I offer evening appointments on Mondays and Tuesdays.