
My qualifications
Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People - 06/24
Certificate of Proficiency - 8/2/23 BACP
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling - 3/10/22 CPCAB
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies - 4/9/17 CPCAB
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills CPCAB
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health
First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace - 30/6/20 NCFE
Continued Professional Development (CPD)
Keeping my practice informed, reflective and continually developing
As a counselling professional and member of the BACP, I believe that learning does not stop when we qualify. Continuing professional development (CPD) is an important part of my practice and enables me to keep my knowledge and skills up to date, reflect on my work and remain informed by developments within counselling and mental health.
I regularly engage in further training, conferences, professional reading, supervision and reflective practice. I am particularly interested in developing my understanding of trauma, children and young people, neurodiversity, the therapeutic relationship and ethical practice.
My areas of professional development
Trauma and Therapeutic Practice
I have undertaken further training in trauma-informed practice, including learning around trauma, healing and the impact that our experiences can have on emotional wellbeing and relationships.
This has strengthened my understanding of the importance of creating a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship and of working at a pace that respects each client's individual experiences.
Children, Young People and Families
I have a particular interest in the emotional wellbeing of children and young people and continue to develop my knowledge in this area through specialist training and professional conferences.
My CPD has included exploring the wider systems surrounding children and young people, including family relationships, schools and other professionals, and how these can influence the therapeutic relationship.
Polyvagal Theory and Regulation
I have undertaken further learning around Polyvagal Theory, the nervous system and emotional regulation. This has developed my understanding of how experiences of safety, threat and regulation can influence how we feel and respond.
I continue to explore how this knowledge can complement, rather than replace, the therapeutic relationship and the individual experience of each client.
Ethical Practice and Private Practice
As a private practitioner, maintaining high professional and ethical standards is extremely important to me. I undertake ongoing CPD relating to ethical decision-making, professional boundaries, confidentiality, safeguarding and the responsibilities involved in working independently.
I also continue to develop my understanding of the practical and ethical considerations involved in providing counselling within private practice.
Learning is an ongoing process
I see CPD as much more than attending training courses. Every client, professional discussion and opportunity for reflection contributes to my development as a counsellor.
I remain committed to reflecting on my practice and continuing to learn throughout my career. My aim is to ensure that the counselling I provide remains ethical, thoughtful, compassionate and responsive to the individual needs of each client.
My experience
Private Practice
Community Counselling
Social Housing
I established DC Counselling Service in 2023, providing confidential counselling to adults and children and young people through private practice.
I believe that counselling should be a collaborative process, offering you the time and space to explore what is important to you without judgement.
My counselling experience began within a local charity supporting family and unpaid carers.
Working with clients from a wide range of backgrounds gave me valuable experience of supporting people through difficult and sometimes challenging periods in their lives.
I continued to work with the organisation after qualifying, alongside regular supervision and continuing professional development.
I also gained experience working within a local social housing setting, initially as a student counsellor and continuing after qualification.
This enabled me to work with adults experiencing a wide range of personal, emotional and practical difficulties, and strengthened my understanding of the different circumstances that can affect our emotional wellbeing.