An individual approach
I am an integrative counsellor, which means I have a wide range of counselling skills and strategies to help you which are adaptable according to your own personal communication style, needs and problems. I work from a person-centred base, which means that I go with what you are ready for and match my skills to what you want to get out of therapy. I work in a fully accessible room in South Liverpool and both my clinics are close to parking and public transport links for your convenience.
I also work using CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) strategies when appropriate. For example if you wish to work on an issue between sessions and formally plan an experiment to test a belief, or when working with sleep problems.
I am experienced in working with a wide range of common issues and specialise in the impact of chronic physical health problems on mental health. If you have a chronic physical condition such as arthritis, epilepsy, an injury that has changed your physical capability, or chronic fatigue syndrome/ME, you may be struggling to cope with the frustration, anxiety and uncertainty you experience. You may have become depressed as a result.
Specialist integrative counselling can help with these issues, giving you the chance to explore and address your feelings in a safe environment and also develop your coping strategies. I help people to look at their health from a wide perspective if wanted, to include self management strategies; nutritional approaches to fatigue; pacing; sleep and relaxation.
Experience
I currently work as a freelance counsellor, trainer, writer and consultant and have worked across Liverpool and Merseyside for the whole of my career.
From 2001 until 2013 I was employed as a counsellor in NHS Primary Care mental health in Knowsley IAPT service offering integrative therapy across the full range of common mental health problems: anxiety; depression; stress; postnatal depression; abuse; adjusting to disability; difficulty with life transitions such as retirement; grief and loss, and relationship problems.
In this role I also developed innovative patient programmes in, and delivered staff training on, Benzodiazepine Reduction & chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME).
I was part of the original team who set up The Basement Night Drop-In Centre in Liverpool, a service for homeless people offering a place to meet, make food and access support.
From 1997 until 2000 I was the manager at Toxteth & Sefton Park Victim Support Service, where I managed, recruited, trained and supervised a team of volunteers to deliver a support service to local people who had recently experienced a crime.
I have also worked as a student counsellor and educational support worker in Liverpool Community College, and as a carer for people with learning disabilities.
Qualifications & Registrations
Professional Standards Authority (PSA) UK Registered Counsellor.
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy Accredited Counsellor - MBACP(Accred). since 2011.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression Accredited Practitioner, IAPT, 2013.
Mindfulness for Stress Reduction, University of Wales, 2006.
Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, University of Manchester, 2004.
Masters Degree in Counselling, Liverpool John Moores University, 2000.
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling, Liverpool John Moores University, 1998.
Professional Development/CPD:
Integrating artwork into your counselling practice. BACP Professional Development Day, Liverpool. 23/09/19.
Working with Dissociative Disorders in Clinical Practice. Carolyn Spring, PODS, London. 26/01/19.
5 day Pain Management Programme. The Walton Centre, NHS, Liverpool. 10&11/12.
Safeguarding Adults – Principles & Practice, Level 2. NHS Knowsley. 20/02/12.
The Use of Telephone to Deliver Psychological Interventions. Karina Lovell, BABCP, Liverpool. 10/06/10.
Positive Therapy Day Course. Paul Grantham, SDS, Manchester. 25/02/08.
Core Energy Management 2 day Intensive. William Bloom, Holistic Partnerships. 28&9/02/04.
Body Dysmorphia Awareness Session. 5 Boroughs NHS Trust, Merseyside. 25/11/03.
Depression & Happiness One Day Conference. Dorothy Rowe. COMPASS, Liverpool. 11/05/02.
Drug Awareness 1 day course. HIT Liverpool. 10/07/01.
Supporting Families of Murder Victims. Merseyside Federation of Victim Support Schemes. 19/06/98.
Supporting Women Victims of Sexual Violence. MFVSS, as above. 27/10/98
Areas of Specialism
- Work related and carer stress
- Living with chronic ill health & disability
- Counselling for adults who were abused as children
- Tranquillizer & sleeping tablet (Benzodiazepine) Reduction
