Qualifications & Approach
Professional qualification and background
I have an accredited Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Mary Ward Centre WC1, 2008). I am an accredited member of the British Association For Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within their Ethical Framework, adhering to their guidelines for best practice.
Experience
A large part of my counselling experience was gained while working for Sanibel Counselling Service, in North East London, where I received in-depth training in Time Limited Counselling. Sanibel offered Time Limited Counselling of eight sessions. My clients were either self-referrals or referred by their GP. I practiced as a volunteer counsellor with Sanibel for two and half years (2006-2008), working with a varied client base across a range of ages and cultures.
In 2008 I worked for Youthreach, a youth counselling service based in Greenwich. The clients, aged from 14 to 24, were offered up to 52 sessions. Here I gained valuable experience and received excellent training, particularly in how to work creatively within the therapeutic process. Youthreach gave me the opportunity to work on a longer-term basis. This has enabled me to experience the difference of working short and long term and to understand the benefits of both, depending on the individual client and their needs.
Since 2013 I been working in own Private Practice offering counselling and psychotherapy. Since entering into private practice I have undertaken various short trainings including Online and telephone counselling.
My own personal approach
My approach to psychotherapy is influenced by a mixture of Carl Rogers’s core-conditions of empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence. However my diploma training was of Integrative Counselling integrated three of the main approaches used within counselling – psychodynamic, humanistic and cognitive behavioural. My knowledge of different approaches gives the client more choices and flexibility to work towards their individual goals.
As with most therapies I focus on the relationship between client and counsellor. I believe the quality of the relationship between the therapist and client is of great importance; it should be built on trust, respect and openness.
Please see the BACP website for further information on counselling approaches.