I would like to share a bit about myself with you here. I qualified as a counsellor in 1997, but originally I studied medical laboratory science. During the 70s I worked in several NHS hospitals in Essex and London.
I planned to continue this work after having a family, but in 1979 I became pregnant with triplets and not surprisingly, my life really changed. For the last part of my pregnancy I needed to stay in hospital for 8 weeks. During this time I spent many hours talking to other patients, their families, and the hospital staff. It was often a worrying and sad time for some patients, and talking helped us to feel more supported and less anxious. Looking back now, I can see that this experience was very significant as I became aware of the immense value of strong emotional support.
In 1993 I gained an Open University degree in psychology. During my studies I had become very interested in ‘talking’ therapies and I began working as a counsellor and information worker at a busy centre for young people in Brighton. In 1997 I gained a Post Graduate Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, and for the next few years I worked as a counsellor in various settings. These were:
St Wilfrids hospice - Eastbourne
‘Open Door’ - Eastbourne
Young Peoples Centre - Brighton
Downs College in Eastbourne
Because I have a physical disability I decided to work from home, and I began my own private practice. I understand how important it is to clearly communicate with my clients and for that reason I use voice recognition software from Dragon Naturally Speaking. I have worked as a clinical affiliate for AxaPPP healthcare as well as seeing face-to-face and online clients. In 2004 I took further training in online counselling, in order to specialise in working solely with clients via e-mail, text and telephone. Now I also work for two Internet counselling services, and as a telephone counsellor with for The Eastbourne Multiple Sclerosis Society. This brings me to where I am today.
| My relevant qualifications |
|
B.Sc Hons (Psychology) The Open University
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Advanced Certificate in Online Counselling
Online Disaster Mental Health Service Delivery
Certificate in Bereavement Counselling
Certificate in Time-Limited Counselling
RSA Certificate in the Development of Learning
Cert On Line Disaster Mental Health Service Delivery |
click here to view my BACP Accredited Counsellor / Psychotherapist cert.
click here to view my BACP letter of authentication. |
My professional memberships
I am a graduate member of The British Psychological Society
I am a Senior Accredited Member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
I am a UKRC Registered Independent Counsellor
I am a member of The Association for Counselling and Therapy Online |
