counselling
What is counselling?
I strive to create a safe space in which we can work together on exploring what has brought you to counselling at this time. Although fundamentally person-centred in my approach, I have integrated tools and techniques into my practice over the years, including some cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). I offer both short- and long-term counselling, during which we can manage the “symptoms”, explore the cause or a mixture of the two. A counselling session lasts 50 minutes, which is known as the therapeutic hour, and I generally recommend that it takes place on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
You can find further details about person-centred counselling at https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/person-centred-therapy.html.
Individual or couple
I offer both couple or individual counselling. While couple counselling is appropriate for people who are having interpersonal issues within their romantic relationships or marriage, it can also be helpful for people who are facing challenges within their non-romantic relationships, such as family or friends. It can also be appropriate for exploring issues that are not directly related to the relationship but are having a detrimental effect on it.
Individual counselling is, as it sounds, appropriate for people who are looking to explore personal issues on a one-to-one basis. Although it can be helpful to have the person in question in the session with us, individual counselling can also be helpful in identifying and taking responsibility for the role that we play in relationships and their issues.
Telephone, video or in-person
I offer both face-to-face or telephone and video counselling. The one you choose is very much a matter of personal preference since each has its own benefits. With face-to-face counselling, we have the benefit of the non-verbal communication in the room with us. Telephone and video counselling can afford a sense of anonymity, be easier to commit to, especially if your schedule is a busy one, and can take place in the comfort of your own home.
supervision
I completed my COSCA Certificate in Supervision Skills in 2022. I am able to offer additional supervision over and above your primary supervision until I am awarded the COSCA Certificate in Supervision.
I was a senior clinician within an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for seven and a half years, during which I used supervision skills to informally supervise the client work of the fully qualified counsellors who worked for the EAP. Having worked in an EAP since 2010, I might be a good fit for you if you would benefit from a supervisor who has extensive knowledge and skills working in the field.
cism & training
Critical incident stress management
Following extensive training, I have been delivering Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) since 2014. I provide psychological first aid to groups and individuals in the aftermath of, amongst other incidents, acts of terror, armed robberies, deaths in service, including from suicide, and industrial accidents.
Training
I am an experienced trainer, facilitating training in mental health awareness and relationship first aid since 2016. I am also a lecturer in counselling and forensic psychology on an undergraduate programme in a university.