Welcome
Why counselling?
If you've arrived here and you're thinking of seeking counselling then you may be experiencing some difficulty or challenge with where you are in life at this present time. Or perhaps events and experiences of the past are being inexplicably triggered in the present.
My practice focuses on the client while working collaboratively and creatively in a safe and confidential environment; a place to be heard and gain understanding without judgement where desired change, clarity or discovering a different way forward can be explored.
Welcome
About Me
As a Counsellor, I'm an experienced practitioner having worked primarily for a national cancer charity within a major NHS Essex hospital for over 7 years.
During the COVID-19 pandemic I have worked with front-line staff and inpatients which has provided me with a valuable insight into the effects and pressures of this global virus. My role includes facilitating courses in effective communication and Mindfulness, and providing supervision for clinical nurse specialists.
I have worked as a schools Counsellor and another large regional cancer charity alongside private practice. I supported bereaved adults and children in local hospices over a 5 year period and provided support for deaf and hearing adults with learning difficulties in the community.
Prior to training as a Counsellor, my work was in the public and private sectors working in community health, children's centres and privately with parents and babies-to-pre-school children providing early years services for over 10 years.
Prior to that, I worked in a very different field; Engineering, in the Automotive and Defense Industries which provided opportunity for travel across Europe.
I work with others through issues around bereavement, loss, mental health, self harming behaviours, depression, PND, anxiety, work related stress, loss of purpose/goals and direction in life, sexual issues, sexual identity, trauma, physical/emotional and sexual abuse, childhood issues, relationships, cancer and life limiting illness.
Qualifications
Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
An extensive 5 year training modulated by the CPCAB (Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body)
Child protection modules 1 & 2
attained through Barnardo's and the ESCB (Essex Children's Safeguarding Board).
Continual Professional Development certificates in areas such as Mindfulness, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Hoarding Disorders, Suicide, Abuse, Sexual Violence, Trauma, Dissociation, Attachment Theory, Vicarious Trauma, Erotic Transference, Personality Disorders, Eating Disorders, Drama Therapy, Loss and Bereavement, Shame, Transpersonal Psychology, working with the Inner Child, working with shame and Relational Trauma Therapy (working with the body in connection with past trauma).
British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherpists
As a registered member of the professional body, the BACP, I work to their ethical framework and have a Certificate of Proficiency. This also means I have attained sufficient qualification to practice; I maintain continual professional development; I have regular supervision; I have full professional indemnity insurance; and I am open to their inspection and review. They also provide assurance for you as the client should there be anything you are unhappy with.
I am an Associate Member of the Anglia Ruskin Counselling Society (ARUCS).
I am registered with the ico. (Information Commissioners Office) conforming to the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations).
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An Integrative Approach
I trained as an Integrative Counsellor which essentially means integrating different theories, techniques and skills into my practice through in-depth training together with continued professional development and exploration of my own self to be able to welcome and view the client as a whole person tailoring the therapy to the client and not the client to the therapy.
My integrative training had a Psychodynamic focus where the past can be explored to help provide clues on the present while building a therapeutic relationship. I have a keen interest in the Transpersonal which looks at the development of the individual beyond the personal; the spiritual element of being. Working with the Inner Child can begin to provide inner healing of childhood wounds and trauma providing relief from depression and anxiety. I find the key elements of Person Centred Theory i.e. Unconditional Positive Regard, Empathy and Congruence, underpinning my work so believing in the individual's ability to work towards their full potential. Observing and exploring our roles in the family, past and present can help understand current relationships and make sense of who we are.
Where appropriate, I like to suggest the use of art, visualisation and working with images and objects to help provide insight and understanding into issues which may initially seem unclear.
My personal interest in Mindfulness sometimes enters into my practice as appropriate or when the client expresses an interest where it can benefit in helping with stress and anxiety.
I believe building a trusting relationship and working creatively together can help provide understanding and insight into concerns towards discovery of what it is that's needed at this time from resources within one's self.
About Sessions
I offer face-to-face counselling both short and long term for adults.
There may be some occasions or arising circumstances where we may need to use alternative methods of connecting for sessions. We have the option of online sessions, telephone and walk and talk therapy.
Counselling sessions are 50 mins and ideally take place weekly; this helps with consistency and continuity to help build a full picture. I consider short term work to be around 6 sessions when we would have opportunity to review and agree on a way forward as would be the case during longer term therapy which would suit more in-depth issues.
Entering into counselling is an important decision so I feel it is vital for us both to feel that we can work together and for you to feel cared for, safe and supported to begin the work. This is something we can explore in the initial session and of course if you feel I am not what you are looking for then you are under no obligation to continue counselling.
Fees
I charge £40 per 50 min session.
An initial session is £20 for 50 mins.
On some occasions I may be able to offer a reduced or low cost fee, so please ask if this is an important consideration and we can talk about this.
My student Counsellor concession rate is £35 per 50 min session.
I do ask for 24hrs notice of cancellation; anything less, then I reserve the right to charge the full session fee. It may be possible to reschedule, so please ask.
It may be worth checking with your employer, if you work, as you may be entitled to financial support for counselling.
Contact Me & Location
Sessions take place in an outbuilding at my private residence. You will find me at the white house on the corner of Froden Brook and Froden Court before you enter the Court.
Please come to the side gate and ring the bell, no sooner than 5 minutes before your appointment time, and I will come and greet you. There is off-street parking available on the drive way.
Walk and Talk therapy would take place at a location advised on enquiry where we would be able to experience nature and space whist remaining safe and confidential.
Public Transport and amenities:-
The nearest bus stop is a 10 min walk.
Billericay Rail Station is within 2 miles (bus routes available).
If someone is accompanying you to your session:
-South Green is a 10min walk where there is an ATM and a bakery/café.
-The King's Head or The Duke of York within 1mile.
-Billericay High Street is within 1.5miles where you will find a Waitrose supermarket and many cafes and restaurants.
Private residence at:
17, Froden Court, Billericay CM11 2TF
07546 109930
