Mark Oakshott

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BA, Dip Counselling (TA)

About me

As a person-centred psychotherapist I don’t see clients as a collection of symptoms, traumas and anxieties, nor do I see myself as having ‘all the answers’.  Instead I believe my clients already hold these keys, but they can be lost, confused or alone.  It is my job to work alongside them as another human being who deeply listens and cares.  

Who am I and how do I work?

I came to therapy through my own struggles in life and I know how important it is to really connect with the person you’re sharing your journey with.  My work with clients avoids judgment and shame; instead I seek to provide a warm and supportive space for us to sit alongside each other and explore the issues you bring.   My focus is to hear you, to see you and to recognise the need you have, whilst working with you as the expert in your own world.

I appreciate how difficult it can be to take that first step, or the returning one, to counselling.  I am passionate about how counselling can enrich and change lives.

I worked in education for nearly 25 years before qualifying as a therapist, and deeply understand the stress and anxiety that goes with working as part of a large institution or organisation.  I also have experience working with young people aged 16 and over.

Since 2019 I have spent a great deal of time working with terminally ill clients, those with cancer at varying stages, and their carers.  Such experiences throw our entire world into relief.  Fear of the future; fear of who I will become and grief counselling have become central to my work. 

Accrediting Bodies

I am an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society, the ITAA (International Transactional Analysis Association) and a member of UKATA (United Kingdom Association of Transactional Analysis),  holding a diploma in counselling with a specialism in Transactional Analysis and a Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

What is Transactional Analysis?

Transactional Analysts view many of our everyday issues as having origins in our early lives. The patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving set in early life often play out again and again, limiting our ability to be in the here and now.   TA  gives me access to an array of techniques and models to support you, while adapting my approach to suit your individual needs.

The foundation ethos of TA is rooted in equality and accessibility: it advocates that all people have the right and capacity to change.

Training, qualifications & experience

Counselling Qualifications and Training:

  • Foundation Year in Transactional Analysis
  • Advanced Counselling Skills Training
  • Diploma in Counselling 
  • Working with Anxiety and Depression
  • Certificate in Bereavement and Loss 
  • Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
  • Certificate in Somatic Transactional Analysis

Prior Qualifications:

  • BA – Massey University, NZ
  • Dip Tch  – Massey University, NZ

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

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.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy 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

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
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.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Please note I don't work with clients under the age of 20

Therapies offered

Photos & videos

Fees

£50.00 - £55.00

Additional information

Initial Session:

  • £50

Pricing information:

  • £55

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

My session times are:

9am

10am

3pm

4pm

Nenthorn, Scottish Borders, TD5

Type of session

In person
Online

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Key details

For In-Person clients there is a car park close to the therapy space. Sadly I am not able to offer wheel chair access. For those using a walking aid there are some steps.

Online platforms

Zoom

Social