About Me
I offer individual counselling on the edge of Frome, for individuals, ranging from the age of 11 years old to 90 years old or more. I believe that the therapeutic relationship between the counsellor and the client is the "key" for positive growth and change, and if we have a trusting relationship then we can move towards developing our full potential.
Many clients come with different issues and problems, these range from relationship issues, trauma, health issues, relationship difficulties, divorce, work related issues, anger issues, family or family breakdown difficulties, self esteem and confidence issues, parenting, pregnancy, loss and bereavement, neuro divergent, to diagnosed mental health issues for instance depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder and bi polar.
I work with communication, build confidence, self esteem, and self worth.
As a Person-Centred counsellor, I strive to be genuine, accepting and understanding within the therapeutic relationship. I believe that for self-healing to occur, it is through the relationship that is the key, so that you can find the resources and answers to your issues and problems. I believe that every individual has their own internal resources we need for personal growth, and a more fulfilling and satisfying experience of life. I strive to help you to uncover these resources to find your own answers, empowering you to develop self-belief towards a greater feeling of self-worth. The approach I use is known classically as Client Centred Therapy, this was developed by the humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers back in the 1950s.
I draw on my continuing professional development training received, such as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT,) and I frequently incorporate this in my work. This technique is useful for anxiety and calming the nervous system and working with trauma.
I am committed to equality and diversity, I base my practice around these principles with a strong belief in equality and diversity, incorporated within what I strive for as a counsellor, see both my Home Page, and Is Counselling for You page. I welcome everyone irrespective of age, class, culture, race, ethnicity, marital status, gender, sexuality, physical abilities and religious views.
Please see my "experience" as below for further information of what I can offer you.
Qualification
I hold a Diploma of Higher Education in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy ( Level 5 or Foundation Degree Equivalent)
Counselling skills Level 2
Counselling studies Level 3
I hold a certificate in counselling young people and children ( An introduction to level 7. The certificate is a level 5 Equivalent)
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) level 1 and 2 - skills for Healing - Practitioner
Safeguarding of children level 2 training
Safeguarding of vulnerable Adults level 2 training
Experience
My counselling experience includes working with adults as well as young people and children. I use to work voluntary for an agency with adults coping with a variety of mental health issues. I am currently working for an organisation for the past 10 years with a wide depth of experience counselling young people with a whole variety of issues, and experience working in a community setting, schools both primary, secondary, and 6th form, both main stream and special educational needs schools, college of further education and a youth centre, as well as having my own clinical private practice. In my private practice I work with both adults, and young people.
I have a considerable amount of experience and knowledge working with individuals with neuro divergent, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC,) Attentions deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD,) I also work with individuals who have Dyslexia, and Learning Disabilities such as global delay.
There has been a recent focus on addressing the issue of young people being absent from school and education, an area that aligns with my work in counselling.
I have a special interest working with individuals who have issues with Health, Self Esteem, and Overeating, or Binge Eating (BED.)
My professional background involves over 25 years experience working within Health and Social care, mainly supporting adults with learning disabilities. This included the role of a registered Manager. I managed 2 small registered care home services.
My background experience has deepened my passion for becoming a counsellor.
Professional Standards
As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP,) I adhere to their ethical framework and code of professional conduct which assures confidentiality. Any information held is in the strictest confidence according to the GDPR
I attend clinical supervision on a regular basis to ensure that I am working ethically, and in your best interest. The supervision is my support and you will not be identified in anyway.
I attend regular training to keep my continuing professional development and my current practice up to date.
I have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS.)
I am fully insured with my own Professional Indemnity Insurance.
I am a member of the Counsellors and Psychotherapists in Private Practice (CAPPP) networking organisation for the South West.
I am registered with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)