AREAS of EXPERTISE
Addictions and supporting others affected, Childhood and Adult Trauma, Boarding School Syndrome, Grief and Loss, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem and Confidence, Isolation, Motivational Issues, Anger Management, Bullying.
ABOUT ME
The road that led me to becoming a professional therapist and counsellor was long and winding. I had always enjoyed helping others in any capacity that I was able to do so from a young age.
Life experience was a big factor, the realisation that with professional training and support I would be able to enable others to face their issues and challenges led me to the decision to make a career out of something I felt and do feel so passionate about.
MY EXPERIENCE
What I bring to the table as your potential counsellor is not only my professional training but also the experiences that led me to becoming a counsellor. I have worked voluntarily for both Barnardo’s as a young person mentor and as a community mediator with a voluntary organisation in the past where I was able to assist individuals, neighbours and families to make positive changes in their lives.
Working in this environment required a need for really listening to my clients and getting a deep understanding of the issues that they were facing and working together alongside them to reach the goals and make the changes that they desired, much like my role as a counsellor. Often these goals would be solution focused.
I also have lived experience of addiction on both sides of the fence. I have a deep understanding of the struggle to beat an addiction and the devastation it can cause to both the addict and those around them. The affected others are often forgotten, and the emphasis is given to the person struggling with addiction. My belief is that all parties need support and to be heard.
Working together with the clients that I have met over the years has been a great privilege, it has shown me that no matter what stage or level of society a person is from, everyone can struggle with their lives and thought processes. How individuals deal with their issues is where I and other counsellors may be able to help.
As I continue my counselling career it is of upmost importance that I continue my personal and professional development also. This leads me to strengthening my toolkit to enable positive change for my clients.
MY APPROACH
I am an Integrative Relational Counsellor. I draw upon a number of different theoretical models to enable me to assist my clients in making the changes they may want to make in their lives. These include Person Centred, Transactional Analysis, Existentialism, Attachment Theory, some CBT work and creativity.
I review the sessions with my clients on a regular basis to ensure that the client feels that they are moving forward, and to see if there any other approaches that we could work together with.
The relationship is all important between the client and me, and the sessions are client led.
I work within the ethical framework laid down by the BACP to ensure professionalism and good practice is maintained at all times.
MY QUALIFICATIONS
PG Certificate in Interpersonal and Counselling Skills
PG Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy
BA International Relations
MA Conflict, Development and Security