I worked for many years in education before training as a therapist. Since then I have worked in schools as a counsellor, in a university counselling service, in a bereavement service, in a hospice, with groups for MIND and for several Employee Assistance Programmes. I also supervise counsellors, including student counsellors, and other professionals who may benefit from having some 'reflective space' in which to process the emotional impact of work.
My training was primarily in the Person Centred approach. Briefly, this means that I trust that you, the client, have your own potential and your own resources and that, by offering you a place to be listened to and accepted in a non-judgmental way, with unconditional respect for your feelings and empathic understanding, you will be able to find your own answers.
Within this framework I also use many of the techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and find an understanding of psychodynamic theory very helpful as well in my work. I have also been influenced by the existential approach to counselling and find this fits in very well with my own philosophy of life. It is particularly relevant in bereavement and loss-related work.
You can find further information about different theoretical approaches by viewing the BACP website here.
I regularly attend other training courses to keep my knowledge and skills up to date and also receive regular supervision.
As a member of BACP I adhere to its ethical framework.
I have a current Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Enhanced Disclosure (police check) both for working with young people and with vulnerable adults. I also hold civil liability insurance.