I came to counselling and therapy work later in life, after realising that my skills weren't being fully used in 'jobs'. After a marriage crash, various illnesses, bereavement, and leaving a dead a very pressured job under enormous stress, I had to prepare for my own 'what next'. I realised that I wanted a career involving helping others. Giving help to others felt like, and still feels, a way for us all to reach a feeling of wholeness. For everyone to feel less restricted, more empowered, experience more love in their life and feel happier inside their own skin. I've been working in this way with people since 1999. A friedn of mine tells me that I've done this forever, just calling it different things.
Here is a lot of academic, technical information about qualifications and theories. It is relevant and important to many people seeking help. I'm happy to discuss this, I won't be asking quiz questions about about it though, so skip it if its meaningless to you.
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 was BACP Accredited, and had an integrative stance, blending psychodynamic theory and systemic theory on a person-centered platform.
> I am Relate couple 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 training was with the Quest Institute in London in 2007/8, and I hold their diplomas in Cognitive Hypnotherapy and Nwuro Lingusitic Processing, and the NCFE Level 4 Diploma in Hypnotherapy.
I am a trauma-informed counsellor and have taken several specialist advanced training courses to equip me for this work.
I also have academic and lived experience of working with Neurodivergence.
