About me
Counselling Qualifications
I have an MA (with Distinction) in Relationship Therapy through Relate.
I also enjoyed going on to train others to be couple and relationship counsellors.
I am a registered and accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
I am bound by its Code of Ethics and Practice and subject to its Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accreditation means that I have provided proof of my skills to the BACP.
I worked for Relate in Leeds city centre for many years and have had the privilege of working with a great variety of people. I have a broad experience of working with all sorts of problems and hopes.
My way of working is based on a blend of counselling theories:
- Systemic (thinking about the influence of your networks)
- Narrative therapy (concerning the stories you have about yourself)
- Psychodynamic (the impact of the past on the present)
- Attachment theory (regarding your relationship bonds).
Previously I was a hospital pharmacist specialising in cancer care. I also worked in community pharmacies. This has given me an interest in thinking about what is helpful in improving physical and mental health and managing ill health.
Other qualifications include:
· Couple Therapy for Depression: The Exeter Model
· Foundation in Groupwork practice
· Therapeutic Counselling Skills for Young People (The Centre for Child Mental Health)
I practice mindfulness and self-compassion."That best portion of a good man's life,
His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love."
William Wordsworth
Areas of Specialism - I specialise in couple and relationship counselling.
- Self-compassion and kindness flavour my approach
- I have a background in healthcare and understand the impact of physical and mental health on relationships
- Thinking creatively about problems and hopes
- I have a lot of experience helping people with life events such as an affair, divorce and redundancy
Personal Approach - It's important to me that the counselling is useful for you. I work collaboratively and flexibily.
- There are frequent opportunities for feedback about how things are going with the counselling.
- Previous clients have described me as kind and patient and my sessions often contain good humour.
- I'm very interested in wellbeing, combining counselling conversations with other ways to look after ourselves such as: diet; exercise; creative hobbies; music; and mindfulness.
