My Counselling Models
I have a diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling. This is a model of counselling which aims to make us more aware of what goes on for us unconsciously and so awakens the possibility of conscious change. The model uses a triangle of insight: our relationships with significant people in the past; our relationship with ourselves and others in the present and the relationship in the room between counsellor and client. Psychodynamic counselling is suitable for open-ended work where ideally the work continues until we both feel it is complete. I find the psychodynamic model effective in bringing about deep and lasting change.
I also have a Post-Qualifying Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. CBT is a therapy recommended by NICE (the National Institute for Clinical Excellence). CBT explores the relationships between our thoughts, feelings and behaviour and facilitates change through enabling realistic thinking. I find CBT particularly effective in helping with anxiety, panic and challenging negative thinking. I offer 12 sessions of CBT for the resolution of specific problems.
Psychotherapy
I also offer psychoanalytic psychotherapy. This therapy has many similarities with the psychodynamic counselling model but is a deeper, usually longer term process. It aims for significant and lasting change in our personality and gain in our emotional development. I offer twice weekly sessions for psychotherapy.
Professional Membership
I understand the trust that is placed in me whenever someone contacts and then contracts with me for therapy. It is very important that you know that your therapist is a qualified professional and has been accredited by a leading professional body as competent for independent practice.
I am a qualified counsellor and an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and work within its framework for good practice. The BACP defines an accredited counsellor/psychotherapist as someone who has “achieved a substantial level of training and experience that has been approved by BACP”. In order to achieve BACP accreditation the counsellor/psychotherapist needs “to demonstrate the capacity for independent, competent, ethical practice.”
I am also on the United Kingdom Register of Counsellors/Psychotherapists. This is a voluntary register of independent counsellors/psychotherapists held by BACP. It is in preparation for statutory regulation of the industry and the opening of the Health Professions Council Statutory Register.
Continued Professional Development
Seeing people grow into all that they are and can be is what really excites me. This journey of personal growth is one that I am committed to myself. To that end, I regularly engage in activities which facilitate my personal and professional development.
Supervision
Good practice dictates that regardless of qualification or experience, therapists should undertake regular supervision. It is also a requirement when applying for re-accreditation annually with BACP. I have regular supervision to ensure that therapeutic standards are maintained in my work.
