Dr Sharon O'Driscoll
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist having completed my training at the University of Roehampton in 2012.
I am acutely aware that it takes significant courage to reach out for help. I provide a safe space to share your innermost thoughts and feelings and you can be assured that when we meet you will be greeted with compassion and understanding. From here we will develop a trusting relationship, something I consider to be essential for effective therapy. I find it important to spend time understanding what has brought you to therapy, exploring potential contributing factors both past and present.
I would say that broadly, my personal philosophy is a relational one. I have a fundamental belief that psychological distress has its roots in our association with other people, in particular our formative relationships, and accordingly my work is informed by theorists who support this view. I consider myself to be an integrative practitioner, underpinning my practice with a blend of humanistic and psychodynamic theories. From here I am able to draw on thinking from CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), CAT (Cognitive Analytic Therapy) and various other therapeutic models with a scientific knowledge base.
Since beginning to practice in 2009 I have worked in various counselling settings both in and out of the NHS. I have been practicing privately since 2014. I have worked predominantly with addiction, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, meaning in midlife, relationship issues, mental illness, OCD, self esteem and self development, self harm, sexual abuse, and suicide.
Our first session would be an assessment session, an opportunity for you to explain what has brought you to therapy and what you would like from the process. From here we can work out what would be the most beneficial way forward and decide treatment based on how many sessions you feel able to commit to. I am able to offer both long and short-term work.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist having completed my training at the University of Roehampton in 2012. Prior to this I gained a BSc in psychology and counselling from the University of Roehampton in 2009.
I have been practising privately since 2014.
I have had an honorary contract within a busy Community Mental Health Team in the NHS. Here I worked with severe and enduring mental health issues including; addiction, eating disorders, OCD, bi-polar, emotional intensity disorders, self-harm, sexual abuse and suicide.
Between 2015 and 2020 I worked for the Priory Group as an addiction therapist, facilitating both group and one to one therapy. I developed and delivered psychoeducational workshops, conducted assessments and supervised trainees.
I have worked in several community and charity projects working with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, eating disorders, relationship issues, and midlife worries. I have also worked in several addiction centres working with drug, alcohol and behavioural addictions.
In my private practice I have developed my work with young people, both widening and deepening my understanding of adolescent psychology. I am able to help young people understand their behaviours and learn how to cope differently, find alternative ways to respond to problems and expand their social skills. I have worked with issues such as loss, bullying, self harm, anxiety, low mood, changes in family life, relationship issues and tragic events.
I am registered as a psychosocial volunteer for the British Red Cross, providing psychological support during major incidents.
During my work as a therapist I have had the privilege of working with people spanning many walks of life. I believe that I have gained a breadth and depth of experience which enables me to work professionally, effectively and competently. I am registered with the BPS (British Psychological Society) and the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) and work within their codes of ethics and professional practice guidelines.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
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British Psychological Society
The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£60.00 - £110.00
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Fee's can be discussed at our assessment session.
When I work
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Various by appointment