Similar to many of my fellow therapists and counsellors, I firstly found joy in the world of helping others; for myself, I discovered this through volunteer youth work and mentoring. However it was counselling, specifically the work of Carl Rogers' and the person-centred approach that captivated me.
This approach allowed me to see more of myself and my experience. I discovered first-hand that the non-directive ethos returns the power to the individual; counter to the tendency within our culture to disengage our intuition and lived experience - that may leave us viewing ourselves too heavily through the lens of an unhealthy cage of standards.
I believe freedom can begin to occur when distress is heard by an authentic, understanding companion. . This I have experienced through many viewpoints, each time confirming that, being deeply heard should never be underestimated.; In accord this approach demands respect and trust in humanity, as well as trust in the human resourcefulness to adapt, grow or settle, depending upon what is unique to them.
As such, this faith offers a way of being rarely promoted in ‘normal life’ and I am fortunate that my training, personal-development and experience have afforded me an element of my liberation, necessary to practice this modality.
All client work requires regular clinical supervision; meaning, that I talk through some of our session with a trusted professional, to ensure I practice in your best interest. I also partake in continued professional and personal development - all are part of my responsibility to offer best practice and avoid harm. Accordingly my aim is for an attentiveness of your reality and experience, along with recognising my own; as such, I partake in self-care, keep up to date with present social issues and continually work to enhance my respect and understanding of your world.
My work is regulated by the ethical standards of good practice outlined by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (of which I am an accredited member). Also underpinning my practice is my dedication to providing an equal service to all clients, this means that I work to affirm individuals within marginalised, socially excluded groups, thus improving upon the standards set within the Equality Act (2010). I also comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) therefore, I recognise the safety of your personal details, and so reduce the possibility of a breach in confidentiality.
There are limits to the confidentiality that I can offer you. This means, we may break confidentiality if there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or another. If however a child under 19 or young person with a disability under the age of 24 is at risk of harm then confidentiality will be broken; this legislation is thoroughly outlined within the Children’s Act (2004). I am also bound by the law, to break confidentiality if there is disclosure of money laundering or terrorism.
I have full membership to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, I am registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO). For remote working, I mitigate risk by keeping up to date with secure protection on my computer and phone. I also hold full liability insurance, and my working premises, belonging to Hound Parish Council, are regularly risk assessed. Furthermore, I hold an up to date enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Because of Covid-19 I offer remote sessions as well as risk assessed face to face sessions that adhere to up-to-date safety guidance. There is also flexibility on our cancellation procedure to mitigate risk of infection.
You may request or remove any personal stored data and information in accordance to GDPR. If we are unable to discuss a concern with my practice with me, then you may contact the BACP if you have a complaint.
