Counselling JCT in Cumbria and Lancashire

I am a professional, qualified counsellor. I am knowledgeable and experienced in various mental health matters. Matters that can range from loss, depression, anxiety, right through to complex trauma. Whatever your problem please remember there is hope.

I undertake regular Continued Professional Development. This professional development is in all areas of counselling, but in particular on trauma related matters. (See training below).

I receive regular Clinical Supervision. This involves supervision, by an impartial third party, in the work of a counsellor, helping to resolve any areas of difficulty or dilemmas that may arise. This is a requirement of the counselling body, of which I am a registered member.

I am able to offer the reassurance of having an up to date Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Professional Bodies

• Registered Member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy) 
• Member of ESTD (European Society of Trauma and Dissociation) 
• Registered with PODS (Positive Outcomes for Dissociative Survivors)

I use an integrative approach to my counselling work that is underpinned by person centred qualities.

I offer one to one individual therapy, with adults and young people aged over 18, which can be time limited or open ended.

You may ask what therapeutic model do I work from in counselling. In my view, no one approach fits all. I individualise my treatment approaches to that of your individual needs. It will vary from person to person as to what it means to have a better quality of life and the route to getting that difference will depend on you.

Vitally important to any recovery, in my view, is the therapeutic relationship between client and counsellor. I see it as a relationship based on humanity. Where warmth and understanding are experienced alongside a genuineness and acceptance of who you are.

I will provide you with a safe therapeutic environment, from which you can explore your world with courage and dignity. I see you, my client, as someone who may have experienced difficulties and who need the time and space to recover and move forward with your life with positivity. I welcome you to my therapy room with warmth and appreciation of who you are and what you have been through.

I believe that we all deserve to feel loved and accepted, not only in our relationships but also with ourselves. My view is that, no matter what your life circumstances, with the right circumstances you can heal, grow and flourish.

I'M HERE TO HELP – AND I KNOW HOW TO HELP

I have always gravitated towards work within the trauma field.

Trauma can be described as a serious emotional hurt or shock to the body, due to an accident or an aggressive situation. It creates substantial, lasting damage to the psychological wellbeing of a person. For example, an event such as the loss of a loved one, violation of an individual, divorce, redundancy, or situations that cause great distress and disruption to everyday life.

I have a great respect for the way that an individual's mind and body can withstand trauma and find ways to cope and survive. As a counsellor, I wanted to have more than just a basic understanding of trauma and it’s impact. I wanted to have a deeper understanding of attachments and trauma, as well as being able to create the right environment for clients to feel safe and recover. Therefore, in my practice I keep an open mind to understand the complexities of healing and keep up to date with new information to enable my clients to heal, grow and recover.

Training in the specialist area of trauma: 

2018 - Working with Trauma in Clinical Practice
2018 - Essential Supervision Skills- British Psychological Society Approved Certificate in Clinical Supervision
2017 - Zoe Lodrick Lecture on Sexualised Trauma
2016 - Effective Supervision & Risk Management in Child Protection/Safeguarding
2016 - Working with Autism
2015 - Two day training Solution Focused Training with BRIEF
2015 - Clarke Baim: Attachment Training with Adults
2015 - Modules 1-3 Post Foundation Course, Working Therapeutically with Complex Trauma
2014 - Annual Conference with Dr Bruce Perry: The effects of trauma and neglect on childhood development
2013 - A selection of workshops facilitated by the European Society of Trauma and Dissociation
2013 - Attachment and Healthy Relationships
2013 - Trauma and the Body
2012 - Certificate in Teacher Training 1 Programme - Mindfulness-based approaches
2012 - The Neuroscience of Trauma and Loss– facilitated by Dr Margot Sunderland
2011 - Making Trauma Therapy Safer– facilitated by Babette Rothschild