About me
I have been working as a Person-Centred/Integrative Therapist for over 10 years in Private Practice. I hold a Level 5 Person-Centred CTI Counselling Training Initiative Diploma. My Practice has level access suitable for people with mobility difficulties. I have Dissociative Identity Disorder Complex PTSD. I have Cerebral Palsy Quadriplegia and rely upon a wheelchair to move around.
I work with adults, and individuals who are Pensionable age who may have a preexisting disability or condition that is profound or hidden eg depression Dementia or arthritis, as well as their carers, friends, and NHS services.
I provide a Free Confidential Counselling Service for individuals from 19 to those who have reached their Senior years. I hope to give those I work with, a safe space to explore how they are feeling in whatever way they feel is appropriate. As we embark upon my clients individual journey I will through the Core Conditions of Empathy Congruence and Unconditional Positive Regard discovered by Dr Carl Ransom (1902 -1987) in a new search for a more Client led approach to working therapeutically. Carl’s aim like mine is accompany my client on their own unique journey towards a better understanding of themselves and their relationship to the environment as a whole.
I can offer short, medium, and long term work tailored to the clients needs, and those who support them. I am keen to remove the barriers and predjurdice that can get in the way of inclusion and diversity. The aim being that with encouragement and Unconditional acceptance the individual can learn to experience themselves and their place in the world with a renewed sense of themselves and the acquired positivity needed to propell the person to meet all that the journey has to share with them.
What to expect
The first step is for us to arrange an initial Assessment Appointment. This will last approximately 90 minutes to ensure we have plenty of time to explore your presenting issues and so we can get to know each other a little. If we do decide it will be beneficial for you for us to work together you will usually be offered a 50 to 60 minute appointment on a weekly basis. If for any reason we decide I am not able to give you the support you need I will help you to find someone who can.
I know what it feels like to start counselling with a stranger, so I make my sessions as welcoming and comfortable as I can.
Free counselling Service
I give my time and share my skills for free as I wish to use what I leant to help others. Even though the above is given free I feel this in no way changes the service being offered. I would like to spend a little time each week offering a service that gives back to others the benefits of Counselling.
Training, qualifications & experience
I began training to become a Person-Centred Counsellor in 1998/99 with the Introduction to Counselling Skills and Theory Level 2 (Open College Network) which was followed by the Counselling Skills Certificate (University of East Anglia) in 1999/00. I then qualified as a counsellor by successfully completing my Counselling Training Initiative (CTI) Diploma in Counselling Level 3 which was awarded in June 2004 (College of West Anglia, Kings Lynn) following practice completion.
I have completed some basic formal training in this area of Dissociative Identity Disorder and am looking to do more in the future. In 2016 I attended a Pods (Positive Outcomes for Dissociative Survivors) Training Event which focused on Dissociative identity Disorder and Attachment. This is personal/professional area of interest and development. I have also attended a training event Run by Karen Amis looking at Suicide and Suicidal Ideation. I have skills in other areas too. I read books and take time for Self-Care and Professional Development
I have completed the following training:-
Person-Centred Certificate Working with Children (age 4 - 12 yrs.)
First Person Plural - Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder
PODS Working with Disorganised Attachment.
PODS Working with Dissociative Disorders in Clinical Practice
Of COURSE Training. Brainspotting Enhance Performance and Heal Trauma
Counselling Children and Addolescents
Depression Diploma
lntroduction to Psychotherapy
Becoming a Psychotherapist
Understanding Mental Health
Dementia Awareness
Introduction to Psychology
Overcoming Anxiety - Psychology and Approaches
Sandplay Therapy
Therapet Art Diploma
Vita Training
Play Therapy Diploma
I am required to update my Professional Skills as part of my ongoing commitment to be a member of British Association Counselling and Psychotherapy whose Ethnical Framework for Standards Qualities and Professional Practice I adhere too.
As part of my future Professional Development I would like to develop my repertoire (Therapeutic Tool Kit) and Practice to incorporate Working with Children And Adolescence using Expressive Arts, alongside the Integrative and Person-Centred Modalities.
My personality and disability enable me to feel that due to my life experiences I have an understanding of discrimination and equal opportunities. I also recognise the importance of being non-judgmental, sympathetic and empathic to the real life situations of my clients. I have experience of using different techniques and skills to enable clients to explore their feelings.
I am committed to keeping up to date in my Professional Development. Whilst this is a requirement of my BACP registration, I also feel this is very important personally to ensure I continually develop my skills and learn new techniques that will assist me in helping my clients.
Iam also a Member of The BACP. My membership No is 59622.
Get In Touch
If you feel I may be able to help you then please get in touch by phone or email so we can arrange an initial assessment appointment.