Confidential, non-judgmental and down-to-earth, I take a compassionate view and will aim to develop a supportive relationship with you, where you feel able to talk about any difficulties you are experiencing and to be yourself.
 
I use an integrative counselling approach, which has a basis in humanistic/person centred practice. I also consider other ideas such as family systems and attachment theories to help you understand and make sense of your experiences. What this means in practice is that I will work to understand your experience from your point of view. I believe that counselling works best as a collaborative process and would plan to incorporate regular reviews throughout a course of sessions. 

I am experienced at using creative approaches to therapy - sometimes this helps when words can't be found or are not enough.

Qualifications & Training

I qualified as a counsellor in 2008 with a Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.  Since then I have completed Post-Graduate Diplomas in Counselling Children and Young People and in Consultative Supervision (with distinction).  I have also studied couple and family therapy at Masters level, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and undertake regular and on-going CPD. 

Experience

I have worked as a counsellor in various settings, including a drug and alcohol treatment centre and Relate.  In recent years much of my work has been focused in schools and community settings, with children, young people, parents and school staff.  I have worked in nine different schools (primary and secondary) as counsellor, supervisor and project manager.

In the past I have lectured in both Counselling and Child and Adolescent Mental Health at degree level.

Professional matters

To ensure my work is safe, ethical and professional I have the following:

  • Accredited Registered Member of the BACP, following their Ethical Framework www.bacp.co.uk
  • Fully insured to provide counselling to adults and children and to provide supervision.
  • Enhanced DBS certificate.
  • Registered with the Information Commissioner's Office as a Data Controller.

Terms & Conditions

  • Sessions are 50 minutes long and usually take place once a week.
  • The cost for each session is £60.
  • Some discounted spaces are available, in particular for single parents; this can be discussed during the initial session.
  • 24 hour notice is required for cancellations, otherwise the cost of the session may be charged.
  • I am based in a practice room in Redland, BS6 and in normal circumstances I work from a practice room at home.  
  • Please note there is not a waiting area available.