This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Sometimes life can feel overwhelming and it may seem difficult to see a way forward. I help people who are going through difficult times to find a clearer path and reach the place they want to be.
My background is in healthcare and I have more than 30 years experience working in both NHS and private practice. This led me to seek a way to develop a deeper understanding on how to treat people as unique individuals.
Talking about your feelings can be incredibly beneficial in coping with the uncertainty that comes with a life-changing diagnosis like cancer. It helps you process your emotions and gain perspective, finding support when you need it most. It is an important part of the human journey.
I also have an interest in autism spectrum disorders recognising the unique experience of individuals on the spectrum and how to provide help and support. Developing a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by families is also crucial as they often face unique situations and difficulties in daily life.
Having the opportunity to talk over your situation in a confidential place can give you the breathing space you need. Establishing a trusting relationship where you feel safe from judgement can help you decide the best way forward for yourself. I offer friendly supportive help when you need it most.
Making changes at your own pace empowers you to determine the best path forward for yourself, taking time to explore what you are experiencing and how you want to change.
Training, qualifications & experience
My background is in healthcare and I was part of the first team of professionals who established the Breast Screening Programme for the North East Scotland in 1989. As radiographers we are often the first contact for women who face uncertainty about potential breast disease and being able to offer care and understanding is crucial at that time.
I helped set up a training placement at a GP surgery to gain experience counselling patients with diverse issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, mental and physical abuse, eating disorders, bereavement and grief. Each person has their own story and being listened to and accepted unconditionally can be transformative in moving forward.
I volunteered to provide counselling to secondary school pupils who are struggling with ever increasing pressure with social media influence, anxiety about body image, friendship issues, bullying, self harm and worries about school work. Allowing young people to talk to someone who sees them for themselves can feel like a lifeline when life is tough.
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling - University of Aberdeen
- Introduction to Counselling Young People (11-18) - University of Strathclyde.
- ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
Member organisations
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
The above list is an overview of different presenting issues and I work with each client as a unique person who has individual needs. I work in a holistic way, accepting and embracing differences.
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
My fees are £50 per hour. Please ask if you would like to negotiate the fee.
I offer a free 15 minute introductory session to see if you are happy to work together.
When I work
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Other times may be available on request.
I offer face to face and online sessions
Further information
Volunteering with local charities has allowed me to help and support people in our communities who are struggling.
I worked with Homestart supporting families who have young children and need a break from often difficult circumstances.
CLAN cancer support enabled me to spend time with all people affected by cancer and their families, from diagnosis through treatment and after.
These experiences prompted me to seek a way to develop a deeper understanding of how to help people more personally and led me to counselling.
