Qualifications and theory bases
> I hold a Masters Degree with Distinction in Relationship Therapy from The University of Hull via the Relate Institute (2015). This is a Level 7 qualification. This course is BACP Accredited, and had an integrative stance, blending psychodynamic theory and systemic theory on a person-centered platform.
> I am Relate couple and family counselling trained and qualified, and worked for Relate in Leeds for 7 years until they closed their doors. (This service has re-opened recently under a different structure, I have not returned to work with them).
> I hold a University Advanced Diploma in Couple Therapy from the University of Hull via the Relate Institute (2012). This is a Level 6 qualification.
> I hold a University Certificate in Integrative Counselling from the University of Leeds (2001). This was an integrative training blending person centered and psychodynamic theory. This is a level 6 qualification.
> My cognitive hypnotherapy and NLP qualififcations were taken with the Quest Institute in London during 2007/8 and I hold a Level 4 qualification with NCFE.
I am a trauma-informed counsellor and have taken several specialist advanced training courses to equip me for this work.
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)* techniques to help cients move to their own real-world solutions.
I am an Accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society and abide by their Ethical Framework. My major training is an integration of psychodynamic therapy (how the past shows up now); systemic therapy (how the families, work groups, friendships we are in affect us and inform our thinking) and solution focused/goal oriented techniques to get you to where you want to go.
*Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a form of psychotherapy and a branch of behaviour therapy from the same family as CBT. It is an empirically based psychological intervention that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies mixed in different ways with commitment and behaviour-change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility. I use elements of this therapy in most of my work; as a whole scheme of work it's particular goal is to enable an acceptance of the hardships we find in life to improve the overall quality of life, remove negative thinking or ruminating, choose a direction and implement mindful strategies to get there.
I am a trauma-informed counsellor and have substantial training and experience in working with trauma responses to both childhood and adult events.
I receive referrals from an expert in sex addiction, to help partners process and understand what is happening and how they might respond to their significant other who is taking addiction therapy, so if you have struggles in this area I can help you to regain your sense of self in a shifting world - this requires a commitment to a series of sessions.
I am committed to non-oppressive practice and acceptance of gender and sexual identity. I am opposed to conversion therapy.
My history
I studied my first counselling course at Leeds University in 1999/2000. I have more than twenty years experience as a counsellor and therapeutic practitioner.
I have worked as a counsellor in Leeds with Relate from 2011 - 2018, completing their couples training in 2012 and going on to complete a Masters degree with Distinction in 2015. Also as a counsellor in private practice in Wakefield since 2012, and therapeutically with hypnotherapy and coaching since 2006. From 1996 onwards I have worked with holistic therapies, these do not form part of my academically trained counselling work; however I do use my knowledge around health and wellbeing to help clients where appropriate, particularly in the use of mindfulness.
Prior to all this I worked for small and global manufacturers, so I'm familiar with the pressures of work, the demands of employers, and the need to fit in with the company ethos, keep pace, do more, and the burn out that can result.
