I studied management and business studies to post-graduate level, but I never felt entirely happy working in this area, so I decided to change career and follow my instincts. I began by taking the certificate in counselling, then went on to add advanced mediation (accredited): conflict resolution management skills to advanced level and in 2003 went on to take the Three-year Professional Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling and Person-centred Counselling. These skills I employed during the course of my work in the NHS.
At the moment I am studying for a Masters degree in counselling and a post graduate qualification in Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy as devised by Eugene T Gendlin an existentialist philosopher and psychotherapist. I also continue to attend regular workshops and seminars to study the different philosophies and theories in counselling. I feel this helps to keep my skills fresh and up-to-date. As previously mentioned, I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) and adhere to the strict Code of Ethics, Confidentiality and Complaints Procedure. I have worked in the NHS for over 20 years and have undergone an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.
I am also a member of the Association of Independent Practitioners (AIP). I attend regular supervision sessions in accordance with fitness to practice regulations.
My area of work includes individual and couple counselling and my experience covers:-
You don’t always need to have a major problem in your life to book a few sessions of counselling, I am seeing a large majority of people through my practice who, just like our American counterparts, want to gain more insight into themselves and decide what it is they want from their life. Clients sometimes say they feel like the 'passenger in their life, never the driver'. Counselling can provide you with the right conditions in which to contemplate this. I am happy to see people for short-term or long-term work. I will work with you on whatever you wish to bring to counselling.