About me
Hello, I'm Shona. If you think counselling might help, please feel free to get in touch to see if we could work well together.
As well as bringing empathy and understanding, I work in an appreciative way by acknowledging your strengths and resources. We can explore what is helping you to cope. When you are ready, we can work towards your best hopes for the future.
Counseling is very personal, but many people find over time it can make problems seem far more manageable. To have somebody deeply listen and validate your experiences can often make all the difference.
Effective
As a qualified Counsellor and Applied Psychologist, I offer effective, specialist help. Areas of expertise: anxiety, depression, loss and bereavement, narcissistic abuse, social challenges including neurodiversity (ADHD, autism, etc.) or gender/lifestyle differences, stress and work issues. I also have over 20 years of career and workplace coaching experience.
Safe space
Starting counselling can be daunting, even if you've tried it before. To reassure you, I offer a strictly confidential, non-judgemental, inclusive and safe space for you to work through your difficult experiences.
Convenient
We can meet in person or remotely by video or voice call for some or all sessions. I offer daytime and evening appointments.
We would usually start with weekly or fortnightly sessions, to suit you, and potentially spread them out as things improve. There is no obligation to have a specific number of sessions. Equally, if you feel the need for longer term support I can offer this.
Meeting with me, simply come as you are and be yourself. We will go at your pace.
Testimonial from a recent client:
"Thank you for being so welcoming, warm and making such a safe space for me talk. You have been incredibly helpful."
Please contact me for a free introductory call.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold Diplomas in Person-Centred Counselling and Solution Focused Brief Therapy, with a Masters in Applied Psychology. I have also been supporting people in the workplace as a Coach for over 20 years. I have previously lectured in Psychology and Counselling at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, for some years.
Qualifications and current professional memberships:
- COSCA Practitioner Member (Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland)
- Accredited Practitioner with The UKASFP (UK Association for Solution Focused Practice)
- Registered with the Professional Standards Authority
- Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society
- MSc in Applied Psychology (RGU)
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling (University of Aberdeen)
- Diploma in Solution Focused Practice (BRIEF, London)
- Mental Health First Aid trained (NHS)
- MA in Natural Sciences (University of Cambridge)
Member organisations
COSCA is the professional body for counselling and psychotherapy in Scotland, and seeks to advance all forms of counselling and psychotherapy and the use of counselling skills by promoting best practice and through the delivery of a range of sustainable services. COSCA Counsellor Accreditation is a pathway to entry onto the UKRC. It is a requirement of all individual and organisational members of COSCA to abide by its Statement of Ethics and Code of Practice and be accountable to the Complaints Procedure. 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
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£75.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
My standard rate is £75 per session, with a discount available for those on lower or no income. I'm able to be flexible depending on your financial situation. I offer a free, no-obligation phone call as the first step.
When I work
I offer face to face sessions in the Horwich/Lostock area, and also online or by phone. I can offer evening appointments, if this might be more convenient please feel free to ask.
