About Me

As a counsellor, certain personal qualities are helpful in this work. People say that I am quiet, calm, and make them feel safe.

Since I have experienced some of life's challenges myself, I know the benefits of acceptance and so I don't judge you. Working as a therapist is central to my life as I embody the values that allow me to be genuinely present as a sensitive human person in the room with you.

I see life as an ever-changing journey of discovery and feel that my life is meaningful. I see my counselling work as entirely congruent with Christian values.

I actively encourage self-care and do this by taking time out for:

• Family and friends - the pandemic has taught me the value of spending time with other people
• Exercise - I go walking in the countryside and do tai chi
• Good diet - I'm a bit of a foodie and we grow our own
• Spiritual nurturing - I try to live mindfully and go to church. I find these are the foundations of good mental health!

A History of Helping Work

I began helping people many years ago, realising that others seemed to identify me as someone easy to talk to. It was as if random people I had never met before couldn't help but tell me their troubles.

I started working in mental health in 2002, when I volunteered at a local mental health helpline, and whilst there, took my first steps in training to become a counsellor.

Now, after some years in counselling private practice, I really love doing this work but understand fear of stigma can make coming to counselling seem rather daunting. I will do my best to make you feel at ease so that your counselling is as effective as possible.

A Non-Judgemental Approach

I see difficulties as the start of a learning experience, and rather than judge you, I respect you for your struggle to make things right in your life. I see you as unique and the expert on your own life, so I don't give advice. Advice, however, is often given, but can bring you a sense of dependence on others and feelings of disempowerment; whereas I would like you to find and practice engaging your whole person and overcome.

"To reach something good, it is useful to have gone astray."

Saint Teresa of Avila
(16th Century Christian Mystic)

Qualifications

• Certificate in Counselling Studies
  2014, CPCAB
• Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
  2016, CPCAB
• Diploma in Online Counselling (Credit)
  2017, OCST

Training

My work is constantly being updated by regular training - Continual Professional Development. Here are a few of the courses I have completed.

• Working with Dreams and Imagery
  2014
• Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect
  2015, Core V5
• CEOP ThinkYouKnow
  2016
• Working with Trauma Short-Term
  2016
• BACP Relational Depth & Emotional Connection in Online Therapy
  2016, BACP
• Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness
  2016, Pathways, Barnsley
• Solution Focussed Approaches
  2016, Solution Focus Sheffield
• Identity
  2017, BACP
• Introduction to Gestalt
  2018, Gestalt Sheffield
• Grief Works: Stories of Death and Surviving
  2018, BACP
• Practical Counselling Strategies and Interventions in Addiction Work
  2018, BACP
• Loss-What Does Life Mean For Me Now?
  2018, BACP
• Man Up
  2019, BACP
• Working with Relational Trauma
  2019, PODS
• Understanding Eating Disorders
  2019, SYEDA
• Shame - Trauma
  2019, BACP
• How to Deal with a Narcissistic Personality
  2020, Mind Body Training Institute
• Dealing with Distress
  2020, Carolyn Spring
• Working with Trauma Memories
  2021, Carolyn Spring
• Working with Trauma in a Time of Trauma
  2021, Carolyn Spring
• Working with Trauma that has Become Stuck
  2021, Carolyn Spring
• Working with Trauma Triggers and Flashbacks
  2021, Carolyn Spring

Experience

My work in Occupational Health and also in a local family support centre has given me experience of working with a range of issues including workplace stress and domestic abuse. This is how I came to specialise in anxiety and relationship problems.