Mark Harkness

About me

Qualified Person-Centred Counsellor. Experience in bereavement, adolescent issues, and addiction problems. I have a strong interest in developing therapeutic techniques using creative writing.

Although I have a great deal of experience working young people, I am in a position to offer counselling and support to adults too. I have a wealth of knowledge around grief, the loss of a child, depression, anxiety and addiction.

I am a friendly, outgoing individual with a great passion and dedication towards counselling and self-help therapies. I have excellent inter-personal skills and communicate very effectively with people from all backgrounds of society.

My non-judgement approach towards my work allows me to gain the confidence and trust of others quickly, and my discretion and confidentiality are a vital part of my role.

I've worked within various healthcare setting throughout my working life. Including time at 'Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital' where I was employed as an operating theatre assistant. This role developed my ability to think on my feet and become intuitive to the needs of the surgeons and nurses that I was working alongside. The nature of the work also helped to develop my ability to stay calm and composed in times of great stress and pressure.

I was employed by Eden Valley Hospice in Carlisle for 9 years. Based in a children's unit named 'Jigsaw: Cumbria's Children's Hospice'. I supported children and their families who were suffering from life threatening and life limiting illnesses. I also supported families through bereavement and help them face what is more often than not an uncertain future.

Up until March 2018,I was employed by Child Bereavement UK, a national charity which support for bereaved families and bereaved children. I was employed as a 'Bereavement Support Practitioner', based in the Carlisle and Eden District.

I currently work for PAC in Carlisle (Promoting Autonomy and Change) providing therapy and counselling to young people and children.

I have also had some volunteering experience at UNITY in Carlisle, working with individuals who are undergoing treatment for various drug and alcohol addiction recovery. Within UNITY, I delivered a 'Reflection and Loss' workshop. This consisted of me talking to service users about things they feel they have lost during their addiction and recovery process. It also allowed them to reflect upon their addiction journey and identify any remaining issues or problems that it generates.

Through my work within other organisations, I am able to offer some Family Support Sessions. A session with a family will provide a safe, confidential space for families to communicate their issues and feelings.

My experience in working with families and parents also enables me to offer 'Couples Counselling', which is a new development of my practice, and one that I am looking forward to undertaking.

Skype Sessions are now also available. Please email me for more details.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) work is also available. Rates negotiable.