About me
I have been working as an adult (over 18) Counselling Psychotherapist for over 20 years. For over half that time I developed my skills and understanding, of the vast range of 'general psychiatry' struggles, working in a private psychiatric hospital delivering individual therapy and running groups. I lead a therapy programme responsible for the design of a meaninful treatment programme, full assessments and linking closely with the full multidisciplinary team to ensure patients received the treatment they needed and deserved. I now work in private practice, working both individually face-to-face and on-line.
Getting started: The idea of therapy can sometimes feel like a mountain to climb and create real anxiety for some. Call: 07949 095656 or email: pendow@hotmail.co.uk and we will talk through: what's been happening; how you're feeling, including any fears around therapy or change; what you can expect from me as a therapist; and what you want to get out of your treatment. Hopefully, this will ease any doubts you've been having about facing the work and reassure you that therapy isn't something to fear. We will arrange your sessions to be on the same day and time each week so that you can rely on your appointment and the time you need in between sessions for important personal reflection.
What can I expect from my first session: I will get my registration form, therapy contract and privacy policy over to you in advance of starting. I have some simple forms to fill out, on the day, that we will complete together at the beginning and end of your treatment; this enables us to see the progress you have made. These forms also help us understand how the different aspects of life and relationships have been affected and how anxious or low mood/depressed you are feeling. We can also think about any additional help, outside of therapy, that may be needed. We will define the goals of the therapy, which we will check during the process to ensure you have received the support you expected by the end of your sessions.
How can therapy help me: People I meet can often feel overwhelmed by their thoughts, feelings, symptoms, relationships and the many situations they find themselves in. We will make sense of why you feel this way and what manageable steps we can take to break any unhelpful patterns and thought processes that lead to doubt, confusion and feelings of rejection. I will help you make sense of your experiences and any judgements and self-doubts about them. We will work on your self-concept; assertiveness; and boundaries so that you feel much more self-assured and confident within yourself. There are many reasons why people turn to therapy, for example: some have had certain experiences that have changed them; some have felt themselves change slowly over time; some have lost sight of themselves; and others can struggle with extreme emotional reactions and a loss of control. Whatever your reason for turning to therapy, together we will make sense of anything you have gone through that has led you to this stage of needing change. Pacing the work so that you feel capable and in control is extremely important in developing your confidence and self-esteem.
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Training, qualifications & experience
AQA: Introduction; Intermediate; and Advanced Certificates in Counselling 2003-2005
Edexcel Level 5 BTEC Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling 2005-2007
I became a fully Accredited Therapist in March 2015.
I am also a BUPA registered therapist and link with other insurers and specialist organisations.
I work within all aspects of General Psychiatry including ADHD pre and post diagnosis support. I have also completed a variety of workshops on Trauma and Dissociation including in relation to childhood sexual abuse. My main areas of experience are:
Anxiety; Depression; Low Confidence & Self-Esteem; Equality; Disempowerment; Bereavement; Grief & Loss; Relationship Difficulties; Stress Related Issues including Work Related Stress any Bullying; Coaching; Mild to Moderate Psychosis; Bi-Polar Disorder; Adjustment Disorders; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; Dissociative Identity Disorder; Impact of Past on Present; Control, including Managing Difficult Emotions; Mild to Moderate Personality Disorder; Menopause; Sexual Difficulties; Support with the impact of Serious Physical Illness; Self-Harm; Suicidal Ideation; Physical, Emotional and Sexual Abuse.
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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.
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
Menopause.
Grief & Loss.
Self-Concept.
Complex Trauma, with special emphasis on what happens within the brain and the impact of this on life following trauma. We will increase your understanding of this process and work to re-establish a healthy response to external stimuli; so work to reset the brain. It's important to be aware that this is much longer term work. Euality and Personal Empowerment.
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Therapies offered
Fees
£80.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
When I work
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Further information
Therapy is my work and my passion, I've been lucky enough to see that good therapy changes peoples lives so I want to reassure you it really can help... Within our sessions, we'll make sense of the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing and then understand the impact these have on how you see yourself, your relationships and the situations you find yourself in. We'll use how we develop our relationship as a model for how you can be with others.
At the beginning we'll define the goals of your therapy together and adjust them if we need to along the way. My client's often find working on their self-concept, defining appropriate boundaries and assertiveness skills to be particularly helpful in the early stages.
I have connections with a number of specialists including a registered Dietitian should additional referrals be required. I hold an enhanced CRB check.
Before training to become a therapist, I worked in the fields of Distribution and Sales & Service for large organisations. I've found this has helped when work challenges come up for people and when coaching support is needed.
On a personal note my interests include: sports, though watching mainly; cooking; gardening; yoga; socialising with friends; creative crafts; and travelling.
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