Peter Appleton Dip. Counselling, NCS accredited, DCS, DHP, MNCH, AfSFH
About me
I work as a counsellor, consultative supervisor, trainer and as a hypnotherapist. My belief is that we all have the capacity to make changes we desire in life - whether this for reasons of personal growth or to face a particular challenge. This can involve increasing our understanding of ourselves and our challenges, learning how to access our own resources and learning and developing new skills. The most important part of therapy is developing a trusting, honest relationship and I pride myself on my ability to achieve this with my clients.
As an older man, I bring I have a wealth of experience both as a professional and as a person. I work well with people from all walks of life and age groups. I worked in mental health in the NHS for 34 years - specialising in eating disorders, recovery from trauma and abuse, addictions and men's issues - and am used to working with people with a wide range of challenges and from all backgrounds.
My counselling approach is integrative - drawing on person centred and psychodynamic principles. I am based in the Downend and Central area of Bristol. I work Monday to Friday - including evenings.
I value working with people from all ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities and of all sexual identities and orientations.
Training, qualifications & experience
I worked in Mental Health in the NHS for 34 years and am familiar with a wide range of challenges and difficulties. During this time, I developed services for the homeless and have specialised with working with people with addictions - including drugs, alcohol, pornography and exercise. For the last 15 years I worked as a specialist with people with eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, EDNOS). I am used to working with families and have extensive experience working with a family therapy service.
I completed my training as a counsellor in 1997 and have worked with people to overcome depression, anxiety and stress related disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, survivors of abuse and relationship difficulties.
In 2003 I gained a Diploma in Advanced Mental Health Studies (eating disorders) at Birmingham University.
In 2014, I qualified as a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist.
In 2019 I gained a Diploma in Consultative Supervision.
Within my role in the NHS, I have lectured and run many workshops in Universities and at Conferences for a range of professionals and have acted as an advisor and supervisor to professionals from a variety of disciplines in the NHS and associated services.
I have worked in private practice since 2014.
I currently teach Continuous Professional Development courses on Eating Disorders to a wide range of professionals.
CORONAVIRUS POLICY
I comply with Government guidelines regarding the pandemic. As such I am only offering online (Skype or Zoom) and telephone counselling.
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
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Pornography (porn) addiction
Therapies offered
Fees
I offer a free one hour initial consultation.
I ask £50 per session for counselling.
I have some concessionary sessions for NHS workers and for people who are low-paid or unemployed. Please contact me for more information.
Further information
I am married and my children have now grown up and left home. I am disabled and have restricted mobility (so please give me time to answer the phone!). I am a late onset musician - having only discovered my musical flare later in life. All of which acts as testimony to my own ability to continue to overcome obstacles, adapt and grow as a person.
