Background
In addition to my counselling experience, I also have a background in people management, training, and teaching. I have over twenty years lecturing experience in the areas of Children’s Care, Learning and Development, Health and Social Care and Counselling.
My counselling training was based on an integrative counselling model, which allows me to draw on the strengths of the three main counselling approaches: person centred, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural therapy. This means that I may draw on different aspects of these therapies to suit you. We may use mood diaries (CBT), Inner child work (Psychodynamic) or talking therapies (Person Centred) during our sessions.
I have had the privilege of working as a respite foster carer for over ten years. During this time, I have worked with many young children who have been placed in the care system. Working with looked after children has had its challenges, but it also has many rewards.
My counselling work with children is based on their need to be seen, heard and valued. Seeing how children can form attachments and develop resilience through therapeutic parenting has enhanced my counselling role. My training with TESSA (Therapeutic, Education and Support Services in Adoption) has enabled me to provide support and training for those who are caring for looked after children.
Presently I work with the local health trusts to provide counselling services. I am fully insured and can offer counselling therapy in my main office in Coleraine, as well as Limavady, Ballymena, Whiteabbey, and Antrim.
I have many years of experience of working with adults, children, and young people, either through a training or counselling role. I am warm, caring, non-judgemental and empathic. This, together with my own life experiences, are the foundations on which my work as a counsellor is based.
Training, qualifications and experience
Foundation Degree Counselling
Master Practitioner NLP
Clinical Hypnotherapy Diploma
BSC (Hons) Psychology
Nexus - Childhood sexual abuse training
Adoption NI TESSA Training
Diploma in Child and Adolescent Counselling
BACP Certificate of Proficiency
Child Protection Certificate
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Diploma
Mental Health First Aid Certificate
Anger Management Certificate
Post Graduate Certificate Further Higher Education (PGCFHE)
Suzanne Zeedyk Early intervention training
Solihull Understanding Trauma Training
Accreditations and Affiliations
I am accredited by the National Counselling Society (NCS) and I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I am bound by their standards and ethics.
This means that you can be assured that I will act in your interests - and yours alone. It also means that you will be afforded the care, confidentiality and respect to which you are entitled.