So, who am I and what do I have to offer you?
I am a mature, very experienced, caring, relaxed and empathic person who gets a lot of value from helping my clients develop and find happiness. Personally, I have experienced ‘life’ and some of its frailties; I know what being counselled feels like and of how important that relationship is between you; how scary your first crucial appointment can be and what the repercussions can be to have to wait ‘too long’ to be seen. Conversely, I know what it feels like to become ‘whole’ again and find happiness. It was at this stage, over 30years ago, that I decided that I wanted to become a counsellor and do for others as someone had once done for me. My whole career has since been devoted to working with and studying relationships within the caring profession.
Over the past 34yrs I have gained a considerable amount of valuable experience through working as a Counsellor/Psychotherapist/Family Mediator/Lecturer. I have worked with all aspects and complexities of relationships from preparation for co-habitation or planning a baby, to reconciliation or divorce/Child related contact and residence Court cases and because of this I feel that I have been privileged in seeing relationships in a holistic way – ‘The whole picture’ is giving me valuable insight which helps me to help you. I look forward to meeting you 🙂
Relationship counselling can involve other issues such as loss, rejection, betrayal, domestic abuse, affairs, choice, change, loss of trust, trauma, other family members – the list is endless. In counselling, skills are learned and in particular communication, which is the biggest perpetrator of relationship breakdown. It is surprising what actually surfaces and how much you learn about yourself and each other once you have decided to take that first step towards recovery……….. The worst bit is making that first approach and therefore, I hope that some of the following will give you some guidance about your choices.
Because you visited this site, it is highly likely that you are looking for help, coaching guidance and support – AND quickly; it may be something which you feel is relatively minor or it may be something very distressing which could prevent you from thinking properly. A possible consequence might mean that it is difficult to make a decision, even about which therapist to choose and, it is very important that you do choose the right person because this is the person who has to be entrusted with some of the most delicate areas in your life. It is imperative for you to feel trust, respect and have confidence in your therapist – this will make a difference to your recovery.
What you will NOT want, I guess, is to have to wait for an appointment or to be put on a double list.
So, how do you choose the right therapist for you?
Instinct is always a good indicator but to satisfy yourself explore before choosing your therapist – ask questions.
Here are some of my answers to questions I might expect clients to ask.
- All my original qualifications are on display in my room – it is important that you actually see the qualifications.
- I have worked in excess of ten thousand practice hours
- I have been working for 32 uninterrupted years with the exception of the occasional week or two holiday.
- I work with singles, couples and families. I am a Psychosexual Therapist , Family Mediator, Coach, Children Counsellor and tutor of student counsellors.
- My specialist subjects are all aspects of relationships from pre-co-habitation/pre-natal guidance and counselling; reconciliation; divorce counselling. Sexual and Domestic Abuse, Childhood sexual abuse or trauma and Anger management.
- My fees are: Counselling fees £70 per hourly session – First session will be between 1 and 1 ½ hours (first half hour free for the initial appointment).
- Psychosexual Therapy £70 pr session
- Family Mediation £70 each pr hourly session
- Family counselling £70 or hourly session.
Training, qualifications & experience
Academic Qualifications:
University of Lincolnshire and Humberside 1996 BA (Hons) (Counselling). 2/1.
University of Lincolnshire and Humberside 1995 Diploma in Counselling
University of Huddersfield 1999 PGCE (Adult Education)
Professional Qualifications:
Herbert Grey College, Rugby 1996 Certificate CCMC (Relate)
National Family Mediation 1998 Certificate in Mediation
National Family Mediation 1998 Accreditation as Mediator
National Family Mediation 1998 Certificate in Supervision
Legal Aid Board 1998 Competent Assessment in Legal Aid Mediation
National Family Mediation 2000 Full Mediation Accreditation
Herbert Grey College, Rugby 2001 Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy (CBT/Psychodynamic
Professional Experience: Counsellor in Private Practice and with Relate
Thirty two years work as an Integrated Couples and 1-to-1 Counsellor; nineteen years as a Psychosexual Therapist; twenty nine years as a Children’s Counsellor/Mediator.
I was trained in many different theories including: Person-Centred, Family Systems, Solution Focussed, Couples, Psychodynamic, CBT & T.A. and use which ever is appropriate at the time.
In my private practice I have various contracts with: Chanel 4 TV; Private companies, Hull City Council, G.P’s, schools and private individuals. I have worked In excess of ten thousand practice hours.
Family Mediator
Twenty seven continuous years, mediating families in conflict, with Hull and District Family Mediation Service;
eight years mediating with DSS, SEN/LEA in schools and workplace mediation.
Professional Practice Consultant (Supervisor)
Twelve years work as a Professional Practice Consultant (Supervisor) for the Hull and District Mediation Service. In private practice I am a clinical supervisor for practicing and trainee counsellors. I train mediators to become qualified.
Further and Community Education Lecturer/Tutor
Nine year’s experience in community education outreaches, teaching various counselling and social skills courses, to adults.
Nine year’s experience teaching basic level to up to Counselling Degree courses.
I have worked for seven years at HM Prison Everthorpe, teaching social, life and basic skills.