About Me

Approach

I am a qualified ‘Integrative’ counsellor/psychotherapist, this means my knowledge, tools, techniques and experience encompasses psychodynamic, humanistic and cognitive behavioural therapies. I am also training as a mindfulness practitioner as part of my personal and professional development. I can therefore tailor my approach to suit your individual needs and wishes.

My way of working is described as relational, which means that I consider relationships to be very important and we will endeavour to build one that allows you to feel safe, understood and respected. We will explore your past experiences (including relationships) and identify ways in which they may still be influencing your thoughts, beliefs, behaviours, emotional well-being and current relationships.

I am approachable, compassionate and trustworthy; offering a safe, confidential environment for us to collaboratively explore your individual concerns and experiences and work towards the goals, change or acceptance you desire. There will be ongoing reviews to assess the way we are working together and make sure you are getting what you want from therapy.

I attend regular supervision and am a Registered member of the BACP (091133) and therefore I adhere to high professional and ethical standards.

Qualifications

(BACP registered Registration number 091133)

  • PG Diploma Integrative Counselling  - University of South Wales (Newport)
  • PG Certification Counselling Skills  - University of Wales (Swansea)
  • PhD and BSc Genetics and Cancer  - University of Wales (Swansea)

Experience

  • Private Practice (04/15 - present)
  • Counsellor working with ABMU local health board (12/15 - present)
  • Counsellor working with 2 Wish Upon a Star (09/15 - present)
  • Counsellor and Trainer at a residential home for young people (08/15 - present)
  • Counsellor with The Exchange (11/15 – 05/16)
  • Counsellor - Cancer Information Support and Services (CISS) (11/12 – 01/16)
  • Counsellor and Research Associate - NCCS (02/14 – 06/15)
  • Contracted Researcher -Newport Community Counselling Service (NCCS) (01/13 – 07/14)

I have experience in the following areas:-

Anger Abuse Anxiety Bullying
Bereavement and Loss Cancer Carer Support Childhood Related Issues
Depression Domestic Violence General Counselling Health Related Issues
Low Self-Esteem/Confidence Low Mood Mental Health Issues Negative Thoughts
Patterns and Behaviours Relationship/Family Issues Suicidal Thoughts Stress
Sexual Identity Sex Problems Spirituality Terminal Illness
Work Related Issues Many other areas    

Additional Training

I believe it is very important that I continue my professional development and regularly attend courses and training to increase my experience, knowledge, skills and tools.

  • Compassion Focused Therapy and Depression (02/18) - Compassionate Mind Foundation
  • A Relational Primer in working with couples (06/17) -  Therapy Works.Training
  • The Therapist’s personal safety and care in the workplace (ongoing) - BACP
  • Female Genital Mutilation: Recognising and preventing FGM (ongoing) - Home Office
  • Infant loss training (10/16) - The Foundation for Infant Loss Training (Dr Chantal Lockey)
  • Working with Trauma in the Body and the Mind (10/16) - BACP
  • Using ‘Focusing’ when working with children and young people (09/15) - The exchange
  • Working with Trans-identified and Trans-historied clients in your own practice (97/15) - Tina Livingstone (BACP)
  • The Mindful Practitioner (06/15) - Lorraine Sherman
  • Skills in counselling children and young people (05/15) - Lorraine Sherman (Coleg sir gar)
  • UK/European Symposium on Addictive Disorders (05/15) - BACP
  • The Mindful Practitioner (stage 1) (03/15) - Lorraine Sherman
  • Beginning, developing and strengthening the way we work online (03/15) - OCTIA and BACP
  • The Mind of the Perpetrator and Sexualised Trauma - Zoe Loddrick
  • Art Psychotherapy with Clay work, update on organisation and Research - NCCS
  • Case conceptualisations and working with Young People, updates on organisation and Research - NCCS
  • PTSD, Impact on Refugees, Trauma, Dissociation and Vicarious trauma - Mike Davies
  • Domestic Abuse Awareness - Karon Eryes (Newport DA Unit)
  • Loss and Bereavement - MacMillan Cancer Support
  • Child Protection - CCH
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion - CCH
  • Mindfulness Course for Counsellors - Sarah Millaband