Shona Gibbs
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hello there and a warm welcome to my profile. I understand it can be daunting taking that first step in contacting a therapist. You may feel you want to make changes in your life, you may want to share some difficult experiences from your past, you may want clarity over a life event, you may have family issues that are troubling you or you simply feel that things cannot continue the way they are, whatever your situation, I offer a warm, safe and welcoming space.
I am eager and willing to work across many issues but particular areas of professional interest include relationship issues, trauma, grief, despair, loss, sexuality, 'third-culture kids', those who have attended Boarding Schools, International schools and The European School system, cross-cultural relationships, partners or family members of those with addictions, the affects of domestic, sexual, and/or spiritual/religious abuse, issues of/around twins, issues around sex work, the mother-daughter relationship, low self-esteem and low self-worth, and The HSP (Highly Sensitive Person).
Whilst I practice in the English language I have worked with many clients for whom English is not their first language. In particular, having lived in Italy for 12 years, I have a good understanding of the Italian language and culture.
I use what is known as a Pluralist approach, meaning that whilst I draw on some of the more widely known psychological methodologies such as Person-centred, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), as well as using creative techniques, I seek to create an equitable, collaborative relationship with each client. We work together to find the best course of counselling for you, one that reflects your unique personality, needs, wants and life experiences and where you are at in your life’s journey.
I strive to treat each client with a non-judgemental attitude, with respect, acceptance, openness, honesty and integrity.
My hope for you is that we use our time together to explore the impact of whatever you have come to counselling with and that you feel safe enough to express your burdens, worries, concerns, pain, grief, anger etc. and eventually we can look at strategies to enable you to live a more positive, fuller life.
I offer online and in-person 60-minute sessions. In principle, I also offer longer 90-minute sessions (pro rata).
Please note that I only work with individuals over the age of 17 (in Scotland) and 18 in the rest of The UK and Europe. I do not work with couples and I offer weekly sessional slots only (i.e.not fortnightly, monthly or on an ad hoc basis).
Choosing to come to counselling is an act of real bravery, self-compassion and self-love. I gently invite you to take that first step today.
Training, qualifications & experience
- BSc (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Irish Institute of Counselling and Psychotherapy)
- Diploma in Integrative Counselling (Vital Connexions/ COSCA accredited)
- Level 5 qualification in Management Coaching (Institute of Leadership and Management)
- Diploma in Social Work (Northern College, Dundee)
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 mother-daughter relationship
- Cross-cultural relationships
- Spiritual or religious abuse
- 'third-culture' kids
- Expatriation
- Issues of/around twins
- Issues deriving from working in the sex industry
Therapies offered
Fees
£45.00 - £65.00
Free initial online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
My standard rate is currently £60 per 60-minute session, however, I am happy to hold a few clients at any one time at the lower rate of £45/£50 a session should their needs reflect this. Similarly, clients who can afford the higher rate of £65 are welcome to pay this as a way of supporting those who may need reduced fees, ensuring therapy remains accessible to a wider range of people.
I also accept clients pro bono who are referred through the organisation Beyond The Streets (https://beyondthestreets.org.uk/).
When I work
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I am available for sessions until 8.30 pm on Wednesdays.
Further information
I offer in-person sessions from a safe, dedicated room in my home as well as online sessions. Clients can choose either or have a mixture of both.
Please note that I only work with individuals so I do not work with couples, nor do I work with anyone under the age of 17 (in Scotland) or 18 in the rest of the UK and Europe.
