About me
WHY did i decide to train as a COUNSELLor?
I experienced the loss of a significant person in my life at a young age. I tried to access counselling support at various points during adolescence and young adulthood, but felt completely unable to connect with the professionals working with me. When I was eventually able to find someone I could connect with, it made a huge difference and enabled me to work though my grief. This positive experience brought me to the conclusion that I wanted to do for others what had been done for me, so I trained as humanistic counsellor and qualified in 2013.
In 2010 I trained to be a Samaritans listening volunteer, a role I continue to undertake today. I have also worked as a volunteer for Cruse Bereavement Care providing emotional support to bereaved individuals, as an honorary counsellor in a community setting for YMCA Downslink Group and a telephone counsellor for Care for The Carers, both of which provided counselling support to adolescents and young adults. I have been employed as a college counsellor through YMCA Downslink Group since 2017 and work with adolescents and young adults in two school settings alongside my private practice.
Qualifications
Post-Graduate Diploma in Humanistic Therapeutic Counselling - University of Brighton
EMDR in Therapy and Coaching - EMDR Centre London
Ascentis Level 2 Awareness in Bereavement Care: The Foundation Course
Professional Training in the Applied Use of Mindfulness in 7-11 Year Olds - British Mindfulness Institute
TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems
TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism
Further Info
I attend regular clinical supervision, am registered with the ICO, hold professional indemnity insurance and an enhanced DBS check which covers me to work with both children and adults.
As a registered member of the BACP I am bound by and adhere to the Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
work experience
2021 (6 month contract) - Telephone Counsellor, Care for the Carers 2018 - Present - Private Practice
2017 - Present - College Counsellor in school/6th form via YMCA DLG
2013 - 2017 - Honorary Counsellor Adolescents & Young Adults ,YMCA DLG
2012 - 2014 - Bereavement Volunteer, Cruse Bereavement Care
2010 - Present - Listening Volunteer, Samaritans Brighton, Hove & District
ongoing training
As part of my commitment to my clients and my membership to the BACP, I undertake regular continuing professional development by attending training and undertaking courses. The following are a selection of these:
ASIST - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
Covid-19: Helping Young People Manage Low Mood & Depression
Anxiety in Children and Young People During Covid-19
Grief, Loss & Dying During Covid-19
Safeguarding in a Digital Age - A Practical Guide to Keeping Children Safe Online
Working with older people who use substances
ru-ok? Sustance Use & Young People, Recognition, Response & Referral
Meeting the needs of BAME children
Eating Disorders in Children & Adolescents
Adolescence, Angst & Anxiety: How to Support Young People
Understanding Depression & Low Mood in Young People
Brain Development - Understanding Baby, Child & Teenage Brain Development
Trans Awareness: Supporting The Needs of Young Trans & Gender Questioning People
Domestic Violence and Abuse: The Impact on Children and Young People
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Speaking Through The Skin: Self Harm & It's Meanings
Separation & Loss
Addressing Postnatal Depression as a Healthcare Professional
Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance