Ultimately, my intention is to listen, understand and accept each client for the person they are. Through support and challenge, I work reciprocally to create insight, enabling clients to move towards making the choices and decisions needed to live their lives in a way that is meaningful to them.
My approach is humanistic and person-centred. This means I value people for the individuals they are and the experiences that contribute to this. In this sense, therapeutic work is about creating acceptance and freedom so that clients are able to explore the issues that are important and unique to them. I'm also influenced by psycho-dynamic traditions when uncovering underlying beliefs, motivations and defences that shape and drive individual behaviour, Where appropriate I combine elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients understand and work through potentially limiting thought patterns. Increasingly, I am drawn to what it means to live in today's world; what this creates for people emotionally, cognitively and relationally.
I value working with people of all ages, from many different social, economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. I currently meet with clients across the North-East, including Durham, Stanley, Consett, Chester-le-Street, Sunderland and Newcastle. I am able to offer appointments in a face-to-face capacity at various locations (within social distancing guidelines) or via Zoom or telephone.
- 2020 Understanding Trauma, Sollihull Approach
- 2019 Understanding and Preventing Suicide, The National Counselling Society
- 2019 Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Ad Dip PC),
Chrysalis Not For Profit Ltd
- 2018 Diploma in Counselling Skills and Theory (Dip CST), Chrysalis Not For
Profit Ltd
- 2016 Certificate in Hypnotherapy and Counselling Skills (Cert Hyp CS), Chrysalis
Not For Profit Ltd
- 2003 Accredited Coach, Advanced Coach Training Programme, Peter Bluckert
Coaching
- 2001 MBTI Step 1, Oxford Psychologists Press
I currently work with the national mental health charity, Mind (Darlington branch). This includes office-based appointments for clients with moderate to more complex mental health issues, where individuals either self-refer or are referred by their GP. Increasingly my focus has been working with clients from Mind's Rapid Response Suicide Prevention Service (RRSPS). Clients accessing this service are assessed as being at risk of suicide by NHS Crisis or Access teams. Therapy takes place at various NHS surgeries across Durham and Chester-le-Street and involves providing recommendations for GPs for ongoing support for clients (within the bounds of client confidentiality). Given the nature of RRSPS referrals, I regularly work with clients who have clinical diagnoses including personality disorders (Borderline Personality Disorder/Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder), psychosis, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
I also provide sessional therapeutic services to North East Counselling Services (NECS) which includes telephone and secure video conferencing appointments.
Additionally, my training involved placement at St. Cuthbert's Hospice, Durham, where I supported clients with life-limiting illnesses, including terminal diagnoses.
I have professional indemnity insurance and hold a current Enhanced DBS Certificate.
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