About Me

I am an independent member of the BACP and have been assessed and accepted onto the BACP Register a register that is approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.

I am bound by the BACP Code of Ethics & Practice.

MY COUNSELLING AND SUPERVISION QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
• Diploma in the art and science of Neuro Linguistic Programming
• Diploma in understanding and working with weight management
• BACP endorsed Hypnotherapy course
• Certificate in Transactional Analysis Counselling 101
• Certificate in Counselling Supervision
• Diploma in couples – family mediation

I have also completed training courses in youth counselling, bereavement, difference and diversity, and eating disorders, together with 7 years’ experience in group process encompassing CBT, TA and NLP models of counselling.

I am a qualified supervisor and provide supervision to qualified and trainee counsellors.

COUNSELLING HISTORY

I qualified as a counsellor in 2004 offering psychological support to a client base that encompasses both the private and voluntary sectors; I have worked extensively within the field of anxiety and depression and regard this as a specialism.

I worked for 9 years as a volunteer counsellor for Victim Support a national charity, supporting the victims of crime.

My counselling placement work involved 2 years at Turning Point supporting clients impacted by drug and alcohol misuse and also 2 years at Riverside ECHG supporting people in their recovery and longer-term housing needs

MY COUNSELLING APPROACH

My counselling approach is friendly, light, empathic and non-judgmental. I feel that my work and outlook benefits from both my life experiences working within the prison and probation service and from the extensive and diverse client groups I have worked with.

I work intuitively using the various elements of different counselling models that best tailor themselves to each individual client and their needs. I believe that at our deepest level everyone has the desire and capacity to fulfil their own true potential. I also believe that we all have within us a motivating force for positive change and growth if given the right environment to nurture this ability.

MEDIA CONTRIBUTIONS

I have in the past made several contributions to newspapers [1][2][3] and local radio in relation to mental health stigma and the misuse of food and alcohol and have taken part in a documentary for a SKY artsprogramme on similar topics.

Outside of counselling I enjoy chess, reading, sport and reliving my youth via my grandchildren.

I am also a trustee for a local charity (Gasped) which offers support for people encountering drugs and alcohol.

MAY I HELP?

If you’re thinking of seeking counselling within reach of the Wakefield area, either as an individual or as part of a couple then do give me a call or text on 07599 386481 or contact me by email.

There is more practical information about fees, the meeting place etc. on my Practicalities page. And don’t forget you can book a 15 minute consultation on the phone to see if I can be helpful to you. I look forward to hearing from you.