I am a professionally trained, qualified and experienced Counsellor.
Before training as a Counsellor, I worked as a Librarian in the public, academic and commercial sectors. After this, I spent a number of years working with adults in lifelong learning and helping unemployed people get back into work.
I decided to become a Counsellor because I have a passion for helping people to grow and develop and reach their potential.
Furthermore, I discovered first hand, that counselling and therapy work. I have experienced them myself having been a client in Psychodynamic, Gestalt and Person-Centred Therapies, at various points in my life.
Apart from helping me on a personal level, my time in therapy has contributed more to my development as a Counsellor than any training courses I have taken. Furthermore, I know what it’s like to be a client which I believe is very important for any Counsellor or Therapist.
When I’m not counselling, I enjoy browsing in bookshops, going to the cinema, travelling and singing.
Training and qualifications
- Post-graduate Diploma in Counselling (BACP Accredited course) – University of Strathclyde
- 2 years training in Gestalt Psychotherapy – Edinburgh Gestalt Institute
- Relationships Scotland Certificate Course in Couple Counselling (ongoing)
- Certificate in Bereavement Counselling – Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland
- Certificate in Counselling Skills – Confederation of Scottish Counselling Agencies
- SCOTVEC Introduction to Counselling course
- Post-graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management – Dundee College
- MA (Hons) – University of St Andrews
Counselling experience
I started off Counselling as a volunteer Counsellor with Cruse Bereavement Care from 2003 – 2008. At the same time, I continued building up my experience in various counselling placements during my professional training. After this, I moved into paid work.
Currently, I work as an Independent Counsellor in my own practice working with private clients, and employees referred by their employers.
The organisations with which I have worked include:
- Cruse Bereavement Care, Glasgow
- Tom Allan Counselling Centre, Glasgow
- The Wynd Counselling Centre, Paisley
- Glasgow Caledonian University Student Counselling Service
- MASA (a service for male survivors of sexual abuse), Glasgow
- GP Surgeries in the The Therapeutic Counselling Service, Lanarkshire
- Diabetes UK Scotland, Glasgow
- Ayrshire Cancer Support
- Clydesdale Counselling and Human Development Project, Lanark
- Employee Counselling Service, Glasgow
- Various Employee Assistance providers
Continuing professional development
I attend various workshops and training events, on a regular basis, to keep my knowledge and skills up-to-date and to learn more about other counselling orientations. Recent courses include:
- Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) Level 1
- Mental Health First Aid
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- Introduction to Solution Focused Brief Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Interventions
- Person-Centred Couples Counselling
- COSCA Certificate course in Counselling Supervision
- Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
- The Practice of Self-compassion
- Redeeming the Spirit: Counselling, Psychotherapy and Spirituality
Professional memberships
- Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Member of Person-centred Therapy (PCT) Scotland
Ethics
I adhere to BACP’s strict Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Supervision
I attend clinical supervision of my counselling work with a senior counsellor for 1.5 hours per month, as required by the BACP.
