About me
I am an ex-NHS counsellor, therapist and EMDR practitioner based in Alnmouth Northumberland, specialising in helping individuals cope with stress, anxiety and trauma. With a compassionate and client-centred approach, I create a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their feelings and experiences.
I have a deep understanding of the impact that stress, anxiety, and trauma can have on mental health and well-being, and I work collaboratively with clients to develop coping strategies and techniques to manage their symptoms effectively.
I am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including the person-centred approach, mindfulness-based therapy, EMDR and trauma-focused therapy, allowing me to tailor my interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual.
As well as offering general trauma-focused counselling, I am a specialist practitioner of EMDR (a long-standing and evidence-based technique).
Please see my EMDR website for further information about EMDR, and to book an appointment.
I am committed to providing a non-judgmental and empathic environment where clients can feel heard, understood and supported, as they navigate their journey towards healing and emotional well-being.
In our first session, we will introduce ourselves, talk about what your hopes and wishes for the counselling/therapy are, and you will have the chance to find out how it feels to work with me; likewise I will get a sense of what it is that is bringing you. After that, you are free to take as many sessions as you wish. We will complete an EMDR assessment if you are interested in that approach.
I work in person in Alnwick on Mondays to Wednesdays (daytime and early evening) and also work online (except for EMDR) on these days.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have worked in private practice since 2005 and I’ve taken great pleasure in seeing my clients find new and creative ways of living their lives.
I was an NHS staff counsellor for 10 years, working extensively with people suffering from low self-esteem/self-confidence, anxiety, work-related issues and the aftermath of trauma. I have been a counselling supervisor for several years. I am an EMDR Europe qualified practitioner - I practiced EMDR in the NHS and now offer it within EMDR Alnwick.
My general counselling and supervision work is rooted in a person-centered approach, which emphasises deepening the client's own understanding of themselves and what is troubling them, beginning to value themselves more, and developing the strength and capacity to deal with what they may be experiencing.
I have found that teaching/cultivating body awareness and other creative aspects of therapy are powerful paths to self discovery and personal growth.
My qualifications and professional affiliations
BSc(Hons)Person-Centred Psychotherapy
Advanced Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Skills
Post-Graduate Diploma in Supervision
EMDR Europe qualified practitioner
Registered NCPS (Snr Accred) Counsellor and Supervisor
Ruth McIlroy Reg NCPS (Snr Accred) Counsellor and Supervisor, MA(Hons),BSc(Hons)Person-Centered Psychotherapy,DipCouns,Adv.Dip CBT Skills,PG Dip Supervision,EMDR Europe qualified practitioner.
As a Senior Accredited Practitioner of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society, I am bound by its ethical framework for good practice in counselling and psychotherapy and subject to the Professional Conduct Procedure. I hold full professional indemnity insurance.
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.
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
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
In addition to general counselling, since 2005 I have been offering a specialist service for personal development, self development and support for those in the helping professions, NHS or caring professions, for example NHS staff, teachers, social workers, psychotherapists and counsellors.
I offer counselling supervision and have been a clinical supervisor for several years. I worked with health service professionals in workplace counselling and and staff counselling for 10 years. I am an EMDR Europe qualified practitioner.
As a supervisor, my approach to supervision is collaborative and collegial while gently challenging when appropriate. I'm a supervisor for practitioners who work in the person-centred or humanistic modalities, and in the helping professions.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 - £55.00
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Fees are on a sliding scale from £50-55 per session based on self-assessed disposable income. You are welcome to come in person, or speak via Zoom or phone for an informal chat before deciding whether to come along for an introductory session - book on this website or get in contact.
When I work
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Appointments can be scheduled at a frequency to suit your wishes.
Further information
I appear on the The Anti-Discrimination Race Aware Directory (https://tadf.co.uk/)
When face-to-face, I work from quiet, private consulting rooms.
Working online, I use equipment with firewalls, virus protection and password protection.
Do contact me at ramcilroy5@gmail.com or on 07880 864 354 for further details.
