Qualifications, Experience, and my Approach
Professional Qualifications
BA (Hons) Cantab, MA, CQSW, CTA. Dip mental health. Dip Supervision
I am a registered practitioner with UKCP/ UKATA/ EATA
I have also trained in Critical Incident Debriefing, Mental Health First Aid, and Suicide First Aid.
I have worked as a health and social care professional for 40 years, and as a therapist for the last 20 of those.
I have supervised staff and trainees in social care, health, voluntary organisations, and therapy.
I have a wealth of experience in different life issues including:
• anxiety or an inability to cope or concentrate
• problems dealing with stress or recovering from stressful situations
• lack of confidence or self-esteem issues
• coping with the effects of abuse
• feelings of depression, sadness, grief or emptiness
• mood swings
• difficulty making or sustaining relationships, or repeatedly becoming involved in unsatisfying or destructive relationships
• difficulties coming to terms with losses such as bereavement, divorce or loss of employment
• self-harm
• obsessive behaviour
• panic attacks and phobia
• addiction.
My Approach:
I am a Certified Transactional Analyst Psychotherapist. I have worked in the NHS for 17 years and private practice for 20 years with a variety of mental health issues. I work with individuals, couples and groups. As well as using Transactional Analysis (TA), with its key concepts of Lifescript, ego states, and psychological games, I also use my understanding of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Emotional Literacy, and Brief Therapy, to inform my approach. TA seeks to establish a mutual agreement (contract) between client and therapist as to what you wish to address. However, this can evolve over time if you do not feel clear about your objectives at the start. The therapy always moves at your pace and I will be guided by you about what you wish to explore. If you are interested in theoretical ideas to assist change I am happy to share these with you, but if you prefer more to use the therapeutic relationship to explore your feelings and thoughts in discussion this is entirely your choice.