Training and Qualifications

Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy (Postgraduate level 7)

This qualification combines a variety of theoretical bases including Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, CBT and Solution-Focused with very practical, hands on counselling skills. The course cannot be passed without a period of time working as a Counsellor; but before being allowed to counsel, the course supervisors closely examine the candidate's suitability. I was drawn more naturally to the humanistic elements of psychotherapy and particularly to the work of Rogers. In addition I understood and appreciated the works of Bowlby on Separation, Attachment and Loss. It was powerful learning to find how much of our later life is affected by our early years, and how help in understanding this can undo some of the less desired outcomes. The main strength of the course though was that it imbued in its students the importance of the relationship between Counsellor and client in bringing about change.

BACP Accreditation

BACP accreditation schemes aim to recognise the achievement of high standards of knowledge, experience and development in counselling and psychotherapy.

They help clients, employers, practitioners and students to make an informed decision when choosing a therapist, service or training course.

To be an accredited memeber of the BACP you must be able to demonstrate that you meet the required standards and complete a rigorous application and assessment process. All the BACP accreditation schemes require current and ongoing membership of BACP.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Transactional Analysis

Certificate in Counselling Skills

SINCE QUALIFICATION

I have maintained my Continual Profession Development (CPD) in line with BACP recommendations. This has entailed attending courses on a diverse range of presenting issues, understanding causes including social/environmental as well as the increasingly important role of the neurological processes which underlie the need for therapy.

Since qualifying, I have worked in a variety of Counselling environments. These include:

• 'Addaction': specific training to work with drug and alcohol addiction, and related issues. Addaction is a charity that works to help improve the lives of people who are constrained by addiction to drugs and alcohol. Counselling plays an important role in working with the underlying issues without which the outcomes of addiction are more likely to re-occur. I gained an invaluable amount of experience working with Addaction.  
  
• 'Your Space': West Sussex County Council: working with adolescents in schools,(DBS clearance held). I have specialised in working with young adults. Issues such as exam-anxiety, family breakdown, anger, depression, bereavement, bullying, low self esteem, relationship issues, rejection and separation can be addressed and in so doing help their potential to be realised.
  
• 'As You Are Counselling Centre': working with a variety of presenting issues such as depression, anxiety, bereavement, stress, relationship problems, childhood trauma and abuse.
  
• Various Schools, large and small: Working mainly with 11 to 16 year old students as well as their families when appropriate. I also run group work to help with anxiety and the stresses of exams.