I bring to my counselling practice a warmth and sensitivity combined with an honesty and strength of character that I feel is important to help you to feel safe and supported in exploring any fears or concerns.
My background training is within the Person Centred approach to counselling, this means that I will work at a pace and style to suit your individual needs and requirements. Working within a Person Centred approach means that I work in a non-directive way so that I won’t tell you what you should be talking about but instead will help support you to explore your thoughts and feelings in order to develop new insights and awareness into what is troubling you. By providing a supportive non-judgemental presence in the counselling room my aim is to help you to better understand your own experience and devise a course of action that feels right for you.
Whilst working within the Person Centred approach I am also able to offer a range of creative therapeutic tools and techniques which some clients might find a helpful alternative.
Although my theoretical background is within the Person Centred approach I recognise that for some people including individuals on the Autism Spectrum a more structured therapeutic relationship maybe helpful. I believe that flexibility in my therapeutic approach is important to allow all clients equal opportunity to gain the most out of our time together.
As a young man growing up with Cerebral Palsy I am mindful of some of the additional challenges that can face individuals with an additional physical or learning difficulties. I am also conscious that this can at times place additional pressure on family members, so that having a space to release daily stresses and strains can be life changing.
My qualifications include:
- Post graduate CPD training on Understanding Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
- Post Graduate CPD training on Working with Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
- Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Cumbria
- Graduate Certificate in Counselling from Keele University
- Awareness in Bereavement Care from Ascentis Awarding Organisation
I am currently an affiliated with a professional counselling organisation the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). In addition to the qualifications listed above I undertake ongoing Critical Person Development training (CPD) across a number of institutions and organisation through the UK.
Experience
I have worked with a number of clients across different settings, these include:
- As part of a befriending scheme I mentored undergraduate freshers with additional learning needs including individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
- A charity offering bereavement counselling and support
- Supporting individuals and families within a Hospice Setting
- the University of Cumbria
- Samaritans
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