Qualifications
1994 - Certificate in Counselling (Exeter University)
1992/1994/1995 - Advanced Certificate in Counselling (Counselling South West)
1995/1996 - Diploma in Counselling (Counselling South West) - Awarded by The Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body.
1995 - Awarded Certificate in Counselling Survivors of Sexual Abuse
1998 - Attended University of Bristol for an MSc in Counselling Supervision and Training.
Experience
I began counselling as a volunteer in 1989 working with survivors of rape and sexual abuse. My work initially consisted of telephone counselling. I gradually moved into face to face counselling and this became my working life in 1996. In 2000 I became an independent therapist and supervisor. I continue to form therapeutic relationships with individuals who have been sexually, physically, emotionally abused in childhood and to help these individuals reclaim their lives. I have worked in Primary Care, using Brief Solution Focused Therapy aimed at enabling patients to have a more positive self image, and an improved sense of well being, which often reflected well in their functioning within the workplace and the family.
I bring professional, competent experience based on my own therapeutic practice and supervision within organisations and with individuals to date. I provide clinical supervision for the National Probation Service, healthcare professionals, counsellors and trainee counsellors. I supervise counsellors working in the field of abuse and addiction both of substances and co-dependency.
As a supervisor, I provide a restorative, safe and managed forum for counsellors, healthcare professionals and professionals to think and reflect, either together or individually. They are encouraged to become aware of the impact of the work they are doing, with the clients and upon themselves. Supervision can be a rewarding space for individuals, to enable them to work more effectively and learn to monitor what is happening for their clients and themselves. Ultimately learning to continue to work with respect and understanding whilst considering and validating their own vunerabilities, frustrations, confusions and perceptions that can be encountered when working in therapeutic relationships with clients. Supervision is about establishing clear boundaries, facilitating the self development of the professional and ensuring and developing the efficacy of the professionals' practice.
As a therapist, I am aware that suffering abuse in childhood can be permantly debilitating and may destroy your ability to function in the world in a variety of ways. The therapeutic relationship is aimed at reclaiming your life. We cannot erase the past: I am interested; I listen and I hear, I will not judge. In this confidential professional relationship built on trust and honesty, you are encouraged to tell your story in safety. It's your life.