Counsellor in Bridgwater
About Me
Sometimes it is painful events in our lives that can lead us on to a new path. This was certainly the case when I decided to become a Counselor in Bridgwater and Taunton. Having experienced a good deal of pain at a certain point in my life I felt lost. At times things felt hopeless but I was lucky enough to get help. This help developed into a life-changing experience for me, compelling to committing to helping others.
My Journey
So my journey to becoming a Counselor in Bridgwater and Taunton began. I started to train, first of all as a counselor. After several years I decided to further my studies at a post-graduate level and trained to be a psychotherapist. This allowed me to work at a deeper level and this has been most helpful.
I also found that I was being approached by couples who wanted help with their relationship. So I decided to train in couples psychotherapy. Which has been incredibly useful. Opinions vary as to what the difference is between the two is. However in a brief description would be that counseling tends to be used for shorter term work and psychotherapy for deeper, long-term work – whether for individuals or for couples.
My Qualifications
I have been through three major pieces of training (details below) and each has left a strong impression regarding how best to serve the needs of clients – in different ways. I am eternally grateful for these training institutions and the profound values they hold as they are essential to this work.
Integrative Psychosynthesis
I originally gained a Diploma in Integrative Psychosynthesis which I took over a three and a half year period in London. Integrative Psychosynthesis seeks to look beyond the immediate issue and see the bigger picture of a person’s life so they can see what is troubling them in terms of its deepest aspects and therefore get in touch with who they truly are.
Master’s Degree in Psychotherapy
I then went on to do further training in Buddhist-inspired psychotherapy. Studying at the Karuna Institute in Devon for two and a half years – an incredibly inspiring period of study. With this training, I gained a Master’s Degree in Psychotherapy. Here, the emphasis is on mindfulness and compassion.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
I also undertook a training in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Family Systems (Family Constellation Therapy) and Substance Misuse having worked at the Kaleidoscope Centre for drug misuse in Kingston upon Thames, London. www.kaleidoscopeproject.org.uk
I have also worked with Cancer sufferers in a charity offering counseling to those who need support in what is a most stressful time in their life.
BACP – I am an accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
Couples Psychotherapy at CCPE
I then had a further intensive training for one year in Couples Psychotherapy at CCPE (Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy Education) in London which was exceptional in its scope and professionalism.
