Professional Qualifications/Accreditation/Memberships
I work from a confidential and tranquil setting located between Guildford and Woking. I see people who sometimes require short - term counselling to think about a problem or dilemma that is impacting on their life. Other's want a longer term space to look more in depth at relationship difficulties or problematic feelings, thoughts or behaviours. In the initial session this can be thought about in order to ascertain what will be most helpful.I work with both men and women with all sorts of issues around being human. I put high value on the need for confidentiality when one is trying to grapple with the complexities we can encounter as human beings. This can be complicated because of the vulnerability we can feel when articulating our inner most thoughts to another. My work involves offering a space where one feels free to articulate these thoughts and feelings and apply meaning to there presence.
I have worked in private practice for a number of years after spending many years in different organisations. Some of my other work experience over the years has included working with frontline staff in the NHS as a staff counsellor, as the Senior Counsellor working with adolescents 14-17 years who were excluded from mainstream education, this also included working with the family.
I have worked with students in a number of Universities who have been diagnosed with a mental health problem and struggled with their chosen course. I have a wide range of experience in working with those who struggle with addictions, in treatment centres where alcohol, drugs or other compulsive behaviours were the primary concern. I have a particular interest in helping those understand the meaning of these repetitive and often harmful behaviours.
I worked as a Senior Counsellor in Palliative care for a number of years with patients facing death and bereaved relatives and facilitated bereavement groups for those affected by the loss.. I also helped train bereavement counsellors in this role. I have lectured on Counselling courses at The University of London, Birkbeck College and at the Institute of Group Analysis on the Group Supervision course.
In all of my work experiences the capacity to build a trusting relationship has been central to my counselling philosophy and to the process of change. I have gathered together over a number of years a way of working that enables those I work with to quickly feel at ease in my presence which enables trust to develop and can enhance development.
My Professional Qualifications so far are as follows:
-Institute of Psychoanalysis- Foundation course 2021
•Institute of Group Analysis (IGA) Group Supervision Training (2012)
•MSc in Psychodynamic Counselling & Psychotherapy (2002-2003)
•Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling (2000-2002)
•BA in Social Work (1997-1999)
I am accredited and a member of:
•BACP Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist
•BACP/UKRCP Registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist
•Full Member of the Birkbeck Counselling Association
•Associate member of the Institution of Group Analysis
•Full member of the Guildford Centre for Psychotherapy
FAQ's
When did you qualify?
I completed a 3 year Masters Degree in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2003. I have undergone further training in Group Supervision and have regularly attended professional development training courses and events to maintain, improve and broaden my clinical knowledge and skills. I continue to do this on a regular basis. I am currently embarking on further training at the Institute of Psychoanalysis.
What does Psychodynamically trained mean?
It means I specialised in Psychodynamic theory during my training and believe that early experiences in our lives can continue to impact on here and now current experiences. I am skilled in listening for both conscious and unconscious communication either verbally or through the body.
Have you had your own personal Psychotherapy?
As part of becoming a therapist one is required to undergo some level of therapy depending on your theoretical orientation. I have had many years of intensive 5 x weekly psychoanalysis and 2 x weekly group analysis over these years in order to enhance my capacity to think with clients.
What about other theories?
I have extensive knowledge of most counselling theories along with group analytical ideas. This has been gained through many years of working in health and educational settings and lecturing on counselling courses,
Are you accredited by a professional organisation?
I received professional British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accreditation in 2007.
Do you subscribe to a professional code of ethics?
I adhere to the Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy as set out by the British Association For Counselling and Psychotherapy.
What is your confidentiality policy?
All sessions are confidential, except in circumstances where a) I believe a client or third party to be at serious risk or b) where I would be liable to civil or criminal proceedings if information a client had shared was not disclosed. I would always think with you first about this.
Do you receive regular supervision?
In line with the professional requirements of the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy I meet on a regular basis with a clinical supervisor and always maintain client anonymity. The aim of supervision is to help me reflect on my clinical work and is essential in my maintaining an ethical and competent work practice and attitude.
Where do sessions take place?
I practice from a confidential and tranquil setting conveniently situated between Woking and Guildford.
What happens in the initial session?
The initial session provides us with an opportunity to explore why help is being sought and whether what I can offer is appropriate, and most importantly, that we both feel comfortable working together.
What happens after the initial session?
If at the end of the initial session, it is felt to be appropriate to continue working together, we can, dependent on your presenting issues/needs, put in place either a short-term focused counselling or longer-term in-depth psychotherapy contract.
What is your availability?
Monday - Friday.