My Counselling Story
NCS Accredited Therapeutic Counsellor
About me
If you or someone you know, are trying to live with depression, social anxiety, isolation, loss or neuro diversity (dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autism), I have 15 years of experience and training in helping clients with these issues.
I also work with clients struggling with bereavement, self-harm, lives impacted by addiction and attachment issues.
My motivation is for my clients to feel they can move forward in their lives, believing that they have the potential to reach their own aspirations in life. I have the therapeutic skills set to help enable you to be proactive in the choices you make in your life.
We all need a safe space to talk without judgement. Building a trusting, professional relationship with my clients is embedded into my working practice at all times.
Training, qualifications & experience:
Advanced Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (CBT, Gestalt & PCT)
Level 3 Foundation Certificate in Counselling
Diploma in Foundation Bereavement Training (Cruse)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Open 2:1 Social Sciences: (Working with young people and their families, Understanding Social Change, Equality, Participation and Inclusion: Learning from Each Other, Personal Lives and Social Policy).
Dyslexia and Dyspraxia Awareness.
Safeguarding
Attachment Training.
I work with Young Devon as a therapeutic counsellor to young people from 11 to 25 years of age who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self harming, emotional, physical abuse, bereavement and loss of family support.
I also work with adults and young people as an independent counsellor, supporting clients with loss, anxiety, low confidence, physical abuse and attachment issues.
My previous roles have included working within a fostering agency. I supported both the carers and families in care. I gained an understanding of the historical traumas, loss, emotional and physical abuse, that had been experienced by the families in care. Working with their vulnerability empowered me to help all my clients have a voice so that they can start making their own choices in life.
Prior to this, my experience has been as a pastoral and safeguarding manager within an educational setting. I believe when working with young people and their families, it is important to adopt a non judgmental approach. I have worked with students struggling with self harming, anxiety, school phobia, learning difficulties, brain trauma, physical disability, addiction, family breakdown, bullying and low mood.
I have volunteered as a telephone counsellor to Age UK clients. Working with vulnerable adults who were isolated with overwhelming feelings of anxiety, depression and historical traumas such as sexual, physical, emotional abuse and bereavement.
On a personal front, I have experience of living with cancer and the sudden loss of 'normal' life and how impossible it can feel to move forward. I am acutely aware of how isolating any loss can be, whether through bereavement or an unexpected life event and the depths of despair it can take you to.
Through my own experience and professional knowledge, I offer empathy and therapeutic support for anyone wishing to move forward with their lives.
As well as my diverse life/work experiences, I offer all of my clients kindness, understanding and a safe haven in a very fast moving world.