Training, qualifications & experience

Over twenty years working as a Psychotherapist/Counsellor, and ten years working in the NHS as a Psychological Therapist / Specialist Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor in an Acute Mental Health setting, I hold a:

• Masters degree in Counselling Supervision

• BSc (Hons) degree in Integrative Counselling

• BSc (Hons) degree in Psychosocial Interventions for Psychosis

• Post Graduate Diploma in CBT at Advanced level

• A certificate in Mediation

• Coaching study at the LSC
  

• I am also a member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy (BABCP).

I have long experience of working with NHS patients at all levels (and supervising other NHS clinicians), working in Private Practice at all levels (Counselling and Supervision), working for voluntary agencies (Counselling and Supervision), Employee Assistance Programmes, Insurance Companies etc., and can confidently assure you that whatever it is that brings you to seek help, my experience in this field informs and underpins my approach to CBT oriented, future focused positive outcomes.

I have been an associate lecturer in counselling at a local university and facilitate men’s groups for men affected by cancer, and have trained other counsellors. I have also supervised  all level of counselling work including counsellors working in private practice, the NHS, third sector voluntary and GP referred organisations both on the mainland and the Island, Primary Care therapists, NHS Drug & Alcohol counsellors, Psychologists and Community Psychiatric Nurses. I also have long experience of offering group therapy, training other therapists on many counselling and therapy related issues (for example: CBT, OCD, Working with complexity, Mental health Assessment - when to refer, Counselling with Interpreters etc.) and facilitated the Doctors Reflective CPD group on the Isle of Wight for GPs, Consultant's SHOs and trainee Psychiatrists.

Gosh, I sound such a geek! There's more!

I am a fully qualified EMDR practitioner and if you are unsure what EMDR is, and you are suffering from any kind of trauma related problems (hyper-vigilance, flashbacks, nightmares, crying etc.) then do google it. It is an evidence based intervention ideally equipped to deal with trauma and post trauma. I can identify what would be the most help and signpost you to the best help and support.

I integrate CBT into how I work, and recognising the value of helpful tools, I produce disorder specific help sheets collaboratively with, and for my clients, that help them understand their problems better, and what maintains them. Some of these have been published on the now mainstream CBT website of downloadable tools for CBT therapists: www.get.gg.co.uk; one dealing with anxiety tolerance and the other, OCD repetitive symptoms. I'm sure there will be one or two more out soon. I recommend the website to you for many helpful concepts. It is free to check out and use.

One of my specialist areas (mega - geek mode) is dealing with OCD. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. If you have it - or think you do and are struggling with obsessive thoughts and compulsions to repeat meaningless ritualised activities like checking, touching, counting, thinking or cleaning - or experiencing any kind of distressing unwanted thoughts (probably really disgusting, terrifying or revolting in nature) then there is a good chance that you have OCD, and hence ideal for coaching through the process to freedom (Most people think OCD is about cleaning and germs, and only sometimes is) so if this is you or you are getting any distressing unwanted thoughts or compulsions to repeat senseless actions - call me! I can help you make sense of it very quickly, and help you overcome your anxiety.