About Me
I am a qualified and experienced Psychodynamic Counsellor and Psychotherapist.
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I undertook a Psychodynamic Counselling training, followed by further post-qualifying training in working with couples and a further two-year post-qualifying training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.
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Prior to my work as a therapist, I trained and worked as a mental health social worker. I have a combined experience of over 20 years supporting people through all kinds of life events and distress. I have worked in a wide range of settings including mental health charities, NHS, local authorities, probation service, drugs and alcohol services.
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Steeped in the psychoanalytic tradition, psychodynamic counselling emphasises the importance of our earliest relationships and experiences and the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Over the years I have been influenced by a number of theories and approaches within the psychodynamic tradition, but find attachment theory, with its abiding focus on our attachments, our separations and our losses, the most compelling way to understand emotional and relational difficulties.
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I work with a strong emphasis on trust, safety, cooperation, confidentiality and boundaries. You will determine the focus, pace and depth of our work.
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Questions you might have...
Are you professionally registered?
Yes.
I am a registered member of the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC) and the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). Both organisations are accredited with the Professional Standards Authority.
I am bound by their ethical guidelines and codes of practice, including their requirements for supervision and continued professional development.
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I also hold the graduate level of registration with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
How soon can you see me?
I may be able to see you fairly soon, or there may be a wait. This depends on a number of factors, including your own availability.
Appointments outside of the 9-5 are often popular, which means the wait for a particular evening to become available, might be longer than a daytime apointment.
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If you chose to get in touch, it's helpful to let me know when you're free. I will get back to you as soon as possible with a view of exploring this with you.
What are your qualifications?
I hold the following qualifications:
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Psychodynamic Psychotherapy - Wessex Counselling & Psychotherapy (2 years)
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Advanced Certificate & Certificate in the Study of the Couple Relationship - Tavistock Relationships (2x 1 year)
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Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling - Wessex Counselling & Psychotherapy (4 years)
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DipSW & MA in Social Work (Specialism Mental Health) - Cardiff University (2 years)
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BScEcon Psychology & Sociology (Joint Hons) - Cardiff University (3 years)
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What are the practicalities?
Who do you work with?
I work with individuals and couples.
I work with adults and there is no upper age limit.
However, I do not work with children and adolescents as this is a different specialism.
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What will it cost?
The fee for individual therapy is £50.00.
The fee for couples therapy is £75.00.
I offer concessions to counsellors or psychotherapists seeking therapy as part of their training.
How long can I come for?
I do not practice in a time-limited way. Your regular appointment is yours indefinetely and you can continue to work with me as long as you find beneficial.
Where is your practice?
I practice from a dedicated room in my home in Melksham.
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The room is located on the ground floor.
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Free parking is usually available on the road. There is also a public car park within 2 minutes walk.
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Melksham is within easy access of Whitley, Atworth, Seend, Semington, Lacock, Corsham, Chippenham, Pewsham, Calne, Hilperton, Trowbridge, Westbury, Holt, Bradford-on-Avon, Bromham, Rowde, Devizes, Potterne, Box.
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What happens next?
The first step is to contact me via mobile or email, to see if we can identify a day and time when we're both available to meet. My standard practice is to offer you a free 30 minute chat simply for you to meet me and explore if you would like to work with me.
If you wanted to go ahead, this would then be followed by at least two (and possibly up to four) consultation sessions initially, to work out with you the nature and development of your difficulties and whether I would be able to help you. These are charged for at the normal rate.
By the end of the consultation process, we will have worked out a focus, frequency and time frame for therapy.
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If I did not feel able to help you myself, I have a network of colleagues with experience and expertise in different areas whom I would be able to recommend. If I did not believe that therapy would be helpful at the time of your consulting, I would be upfront about this and discuss possible alternatives with you.
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