I have a First Class Honours Degree in Psychology and I am trained in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling. I have also been trained to teach clients to use mindfulness skills and learning how to use mindfulness skills has benefitted many clients in my counselling practice.
I am a qualified counsellor and clinical supervisor and I am listed on the register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists which is approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health & Social Care. My certificate number on the register is 082979. This shows that I have reached a recognised level of competent practice which complies fully with BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) guidelines and ethics.
I am also an accredited member of BACP. Being awarded accredited membership of BACP means that I have been assessed by BACP as achieving high standards of knowledge, experience and development. BACP accreditation is awarded through an in-depth application and assessment process. Gaining BACP accredited status shows that a therapist’s practice has been assessed by BACP as exceeding minimum standards.
I am also a member of the BACP Private Practice Specialist Division and the BACP Workplace Counselling Specialist Division.
You will find me listed on the ‘find a therapist’ section of the BACP website (http://www.bacp.co.uk/) and the Counselling Directory (http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/).
My Experience
I have over ten years’ experience in providing counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for a wide range of issues. My counselling training began in 2005 when I was trained by the Samaritans to work on their telephone helpline. Before setting up my private practice in 2014 I provided counselling in a variety of different settings – at a national drug and alcohol service, a charity for families and carers based in South Shields and a high school in Newcastle.
I set up my private practice in 2014 at the Westoe Practice in South Shields, a Centre for Health and Wellbeing established in 1995. I also see clients at the Clervaux Exchange Conference and Business Centre in Jarrow and at OH3, an Occupational Health Provider in Newcastle upon Tyne. I work with individuals who enquire about counselling directly, people who are referred by their employers and people who are referred by other organisations. I am experienced in providing therapy face to face and also via telephone and online platforms with video calling.
I provide employee counselling services for a number of organisations based in the North East. Since 2015 part of my work with organisations involves working in-house as the Counsellor for an Occupational Health Company. I have worked with many people who were struggling with the stress and pressures of work and helped them to return to the workplace and remain in the workplace.
Alongside my counselling work I have previously worked in Human Resources and I have a Masters Degree in Human Resources Management and Development (with Distinction). I understand the issues facing employees and the benefits of counselling for employees and the organisations they work in.
I am a qualified clinical supervisor and I provide supervision for trainee counsellors, newly qualified counsellors and experienced practitioners.
My Approach to Therapy
My work is influenced by the theory and practice of cognitive behavioural therapy but I believe that everybody is different and what works for one person does not necessarily work for another so I tailor my approach to suit each person. I use a client-focused approach and draw on techniques from other approaches too. This means that I have a variety of approaches that I am able to use and I am committed to finding the right approach or combination of approaches to suit you.
I am experienced in providing counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy for a wide variety of issues including, addictions, anger, anxiety, bereavement, depression, loss, personal development, relationship issues, self-esteem/low self-confidence, stress, work related issues and many other personal issues.
I have a special interest in working with anxiety disorders, such as generalised anxiety disorder, health anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety and any other anxiety related issues.
Main Qualifications/Professional Standards
2021 Audited by BACP and met the requirements of the BACP Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists
2020 Level 5 Diploma in Supervision
2018 Accredited Membership of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
2014 Level 5 Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (specialising in CBT)
2012 Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills
2007 Masters Degree in Human Resource Management and Development (Distinction)
2005 Level 1 National Award in Interpersonal Skills (a Counselling Skills Course)
2005 BSc (Hons) Degree in Psychology (First Class)
I attend regular training events and courses to ensure that my skills and knowledge remain up to date. I also adhere to the BACP requirement that counsellors must receive regular counselling supervision. I have also been DBS checked by the Disclosure and Barring service and I have an Enhanced Criminal Record Certificate.
