I am a BACP accredited counsellor. I originally trained at The Gestalt Centre London on their BACP accredited clinical Diploma and graduated in 2011. Since qualifying I have trained at practitioner level 7 in Systemic family, couple and individual therapy with the Tavistock and Portman Trust, NHS – accredited by the University of Essex and Association of Family Therapy (AFT). I also have an accredited CPCAB Relate post qualifying clinical qualification and a professional certificate of competency in working with couples and relationships and a level 7 accredited professional certificate in psychosexual therapy with CICS. I am a member of the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA) and have completed their foundation in working with infertility.
Prior to working in my private practice, I worked with several counselling services within the NHS specialising in depression, anxiety, stress and bereavement. I have also worked as an experienced relationship counsellor with Relate working with individuals and couples and I have managed a busy college campus counselling service.
I am registered with the UKCP as a trainee in psychotherapy. I am currently working towards a UKCP PG Diploma in Gestalt Therapy/MA in Gestalt Psychotherapy and offering one low cost psychotherapy space - please see contact and info page for details.
Training and professional qualifications
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Diploma in Counselling, from a British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accredited counselling program (The Gestalt Centre, London). Included clinical practice working with individuals as the leading key therapist.
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A specialist training in working with sexual problems for qualified and practicing counsellors, couples therapists, psychologists and medical professionals. With the Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology (CICS) - A level 7 accredited thematic training course (COSRT) - the professional body for Psychosexual and Relationship Therapists.
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Intermediate Post Graduate Certificate in Systemic Therapy (couples, individuals and families) with the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust. This qualifying practitioner course is validated by the University of Essex and accredited by the Association of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (AFT) – a pre-requisite to the qualifying MA in Systemic psychotherapy. Included clinical practice working with couples as the leading key therapist.
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Level 5 Post-Qualifying Certificate in Relationship Counselling from Relate, accredited by CPCAB. This was a 12-month professional practitioner qualification in relational counselling, which covered all the key aspects of couple counselling from a psychodynamic and systemic framework. Included clinical practice working with couples as the leading key therapist.
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I am a BACP accredited therapist. Being awarded BACP accreditation is an recognition of ‘the achievement of high standards of knowledge, experience and development in counselling and psychotherapy’ (bacp accreditation). I was awarded accreditation for my clinical work and experience with adults, couples, children and young people.
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Foundation in working with clients with infertility, awarded by the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA). I am working towards BICA accreditation. I work with couples and individuals who are having or have had fertility treatment.
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One academic year long training, which fulfilled the requirements for training on a BACP Diploma in Counselling.
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Not a qualifying course – included experiential workshops and lectures on art therapy from a Jungian perspective.
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An introduction to working with people with eating disorders and body dysmorphia based on a psychodynamic frame of reference. Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust – 1 year CPD cert.
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Supervised placement working as a volunteer counsellor with children in schools, included clinical workshops and training.
Professional Memberships
Accredited and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Member of the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (AFT) – I am trained in systemic practice at intermediate level.
Member of The Gestalt Centre.
Member of the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA).
Trainee psychotherapy membership status with UKCP.
Professional organisation counselling roles
Relate relationship counsellor, provided relationship and couples counselling to couples and individuals - Relate Sussex
College counsellor, managed a busy college campus counselling service for staff and students - Sussex
Honorary counsellor, provided talking therapy for emotional or psychological difficulties, such as stress, anxiety and depression, NHS Health in Mind, Sussex
Volunteer bereavement counsellor, BARTS Health, NHS Trust, London
School Counsellor, across London and Sussex.
Placement year volunteer counsellor, London primary school (Place2Be)
Background
My first degree was in Art, through this training I became interested using art experientially as form of therapy to express and communicate emotions and life stories. Throughout my art studies I worked part time in supportive roles with vulnerable adults and children, such as in end of life care and with children with disabilities. After I graduated I spent a few more years gaining experience working in paid positions in NHS clinical settings, mostly with adults with mental health conditions or learning disabilities before my therapy training.
Whilst in training I worked as a University disability advisor in a few London universities. I specialised in advising and training academic and support staff on disability equality. I also managed a large case load of students who had disabilities, such as a neurodiversity, sensory disabilities, mobility disabilities, medical conditions, autism and mental health conditions.
I also worked for many years as a specialist Mental health mentor and a specialist autism mentor in Sussex and London Universities providing students (including mature students) mentoring / coaching throughout their MA/MSc/BA/B.Sc. studies.