My experience and qualifications

My experience in the NHS was initially as a nurse but primarily as a midwife. Although my job obviously involved clinical and physical care it also gave me the opportunity to support people of many ages and cultures in varied stressful and emotionally challenging situations. Much of my role involved forming trusting and therapeutic relationships, sometimes long-term—for weeks and months—and sometimes only hours. The skills I developed from these experiences I have transferred to my counselling work. From this role I also have extensive experience of teaching and mentoring student midwives, doctors and nurses.

During and after my counselling training I have worked for Cruse in bereavement counselling. I have also worked for Leicester’s Mosaic, counselling people with ongoing chronic health and disability issues (including mental health). I have worked since I qualified for De Montfort University for 2 years counselling students. I work as a self-employed counsellor with private clients who present with a broad spectrum of life experiences. I also work for BUPA and a number of EAP agencies.

Qualifications:

• CPCAB Advanced Diploma in Counselling.
• CPCAB Intermediate Certificate in Counselling,
• Ascentis Accredited Supervision Trained
• BSC Honours in Psychology (University of Leeds)
• Registered Midwife (registered with the UKCC May 1991)
• Registered General Nurse (registered with the UKCC May 1988)

I am DBS (CRB) enhanced checked nationally.

Ethical statement

I am a full, accredited member of the BACP and work within their professional and ethical framework.

As a member of the BACP, and with my previous experience within the NHS, I have always held to a code of ethics and practice that safeguards both my clients and myself. I feel strongly that counsellors—as therapeutic workers within/supporting an overall health care system—should have a means of evaluating their work in place when working with clients and continue to update/enhance their skills as professionals.