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My approach to counselling is a very practical one.  I see my role  in 'the room' to be about helping my clients to achieve clarity, empowering them by teaching problem solving techniques, and giving them the courage to take responsibility for their own being.  Nothing motivates me more than helping my clients to let go of old ideas about themselves and take control of their own happiness.  I blend together tools from CBT (sometimes we'll write stuff down), Psychodynamic methods (sometimes we'll look at the past), Gestalt (we will definitely look at the present) and Solution Focused methods (we will definitely set goals). My background is in Art, Literature and Drama, so I enjoy encouraging my clients to approach their challenges in a creative way. I am a trained Hypnotherapist and will introduce techniques from this field if clients wish to try it. I'm also a qualified teacher and use my skills to design and deliver stress management workshops. I was recently invited to deliver the 'Monday Motivation' slot on BBC Radio Berkshire.

Qualifications & Skills

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• I hold an AIMS Advanced Level 4 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and Hypnotherapy

• I am an accredited member of the National Counselling Society and adhere to their code of ethics

• I  am fully insured and attend regular supervision sessions with a qualified supervisor

• I hold a full DBS certificate

• My training is in integrative counselling, meaning that I combine the most suitable tools from a number of different therapeutic approaches. I also use tools from hypnotherapy

• PGCE Sec.Ed - 15 years' worth of experience in education

• I attend regular CPD sessions to ensure I am always enhancing my skills and knowledge Some of the training  I have attended  include: 

Treating Social Anxiety - with Practical CBT

Trauma & The Body - with Carolyn Spring

CBT [Cognitive Behavioural Therapy] Diploma [distinction] - The Centre of Excellence

Self Talk and the Inner Critic - Mind Body Breakthrough

Understanding Anger & Emotional Management - Cornerstone

Couple's Counselling Toolkit - The Counselling Academy

Working with Men -  Synergy Counselling

Anger & Aggression Management -  The Centre of Excellence

Gestalt Therapy - The Centre of Excellence

Law of Attraction - Foundation level & Level 2 - with Laura Shawfelt

Advanced Autism Awareness Diploma - The Centre of Excellence

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Issues with Which I Work:

I am trained to work with most of the issues people seeking counselling might need help with. Below are the things I specialise in:

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• Helping you to manage your anxiety & stress more successfully

• Helping you to raise your self-esteem and confidence

• Helping you to raise yourself out of depression or low mood

• Helping you find your purpose and direction

• If you feel burnt out in your career, I can help you to rediscover balance in your lives

• Helping you to experiment with healthier ways of building relationships

• Helping you to find your way out of a situation in which you feel 'stuck'

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Whether you see yourself reflected in the issues above or not, a powerful first step towards change for you would be to text or email me to arrange your Taster Session.