About Me
I have worked as a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor in
local agencies in Brentwood and Rayleigh, and also run my own private
practice.
I am a qualified and experienced Psychotherapeutic Counsellor with over 30
years experience in the therapy field. I use an Integrative approach to
counselling, within a Person Centred base. This means that I have trained in
a number of counselling approaches and bring these together to provide a
highly flexible therapy approach, which is individually tailored to your
unique needs. I may also use some creative techniques at times, as
appropriate.
I gained my degree in Integrative Counselling through Middlesex University,
an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling with Matrix College of
Counselling and Psychotherapy and am an Accredited Counsellor with the
Association of Christian Counsellors (ACC). All ACC
therapists are competent to work with clients in most areas of therapy and I
work within their codes of ethics and professional conduct.
I am also on the Accredited Voluntary Register (AVR) of the ACC, which is a
register of therapists that has been accredited by the Professional
Standards Authority (PSA). Under this scheme, practitioners are registered
as meeting the high standards of quality set by the
PSA,
which is a government accountable organisation. Where you see the AVR logo you can be assured that the registrant is required to meet high
standards of personal behaviour, competence and practice.
As part of maintaining these high standards I engage in regular clinical
supervision and continuous professional development, expanding my knowledge
and understanding of therapeutic practice through attending workshops,
training days, and running a local training and support group for
Counsellors.
I originally trained as an Occupational Therapist,
working in the NHS for many years and specialising in Neurological
Rehabilitation. This gave me a wide range of experience working with
patients and their families as they faced difficult and often life changing
problems, providing them with support and input to maximise their abilities
and improve their quality of life. I am also trained as a Complementary
Therapist and developed a small private practice in this area. I am
therefore able to bring my knowledge and experience in these areas into my
practice where necessary.