More about me
Hello!
I'm Clare, a psychotherapeutic counsellor. This page is about me, and why I think I can help you.
I've believed in the power of therapy to make a difference in people's lives since a friend died at a very young age. It changed my life; not just to get through such a painful time, but also to lead a life that's more genuine and fulfilling to me and my values.
My story
Before training as a counsellor, I worked as a trainee clinical psychologist with people with learning disabilities or on the autistic spectrum. As rewarding as this was, I started to understand that I needed more life experience to find my place in the world. But I'd always held a passion for the power of psychology. Twenty years of working in the public sector helping people to access services has instilled a real need to continue to help people within me.
After entering therapy to find support with bereavement, I also found the power to stop trying to fit myself into other people's, and society's expectations of me. At each stage of my counselling training I found new ways to understand my values, mindset, behaviour and emotions, and change them when they no longer helped me. Through my own counselling journey, I'm now exactly where I want to be.
Therapy has had such an important impact on my life that I'm passionate to help my clients not only through life's difficult times, but also to a more fulfilling life.
Because I'm trained to work in different ways, there's no one therapy that fits everyone - if it doesn't feel right, then there's always a different way to try. All my sessions are client-led because you're the expert on your life, so I'll always explain my thoughts around what we could try and what we focus on, but you'll decide. You can always say no! You're the boss.
Outside of work you may find me forest-bathing in nature (I specialise in outdoor therapy) or trying (badly) to get better at yoga! Hope to see you soon. Contact me
My Qualifications
MSc (Master of Science) in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Post Graduate Diploma (PD Dip) in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Post Graduate Diploma (PD Dip) in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
To extend our understanding of the client's experience in outdoor therapy.
Passed with Distinction.
Post Graduate Diploma (PD Dip) in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Post Graduate Diploma (PD Dip) in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Post Graduate Diploma (PD Dip) in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
From Staffordshire University.
BACP accredited course.
Passed with Distinction.
Certificate in Counselling
BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sports Science
BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sports Science
From Staffordshire University, through which I won the academic award.
Passed with Distinction.
BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sports Science
BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sports Science
BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sports Science
Batchelor of Science with Honours from the University of Birmingham.
Passed with 2:1.
Further training includes:
Rewind Trauma Therapy
Affirmative therapy for those with a disability /impairment
Internal Family Systems
A technique that supports you to be less impacted by traumatic memories, phobias, anxiety and more. You don't need to retell the story of what happened to you in this technique, which can be really distressing. It safely moves the memories from the anxiety part of the brain and files is where it is meant to be. It's not about forgetting your memory; it's about impacting on the overwhelming emotions that accompany it. I offer this therapy free to emergency services veterans and emergency service personnel.
Internal Family Systems
Affirmative therapy for those with a disability /impairment
Internal Family Systems
This approach recognises that we are all a result of our experiences and that they are different parts of us that all need to be heard. This approach can be used for everything from relationships to anxiety, addictions and more. It suggests that these different parts are "families" that make up a person's mental system. It helps people understand and heal the parts of their family that cause conflict or unhappiness. It's about stepping into life with the 8 Cs: confidence, calm, compassion, courage, creativity, clarity, curiosity, and connectedness. Find out more here
Affirmative therapy for those with a disability /impairment
Affirmative therapy for those with a disability /impairment
Affirmative therapy for those with a disability /impairment
I understand the daily struggles and frustrations that an 'ableist' society imposes on those with any sort of impairment. I offer affirmative and empowering therapy to support you, as well as appointments at your home to suit you.
Taking Therapy Outside
Competently working online and on the telephone
Affirmative therapy for those with a disability /impairment
Various short courses in managing therapy outside to help the client to look on their problems in various ways inspired by nature. I have trained with leading ecotherapist Hayley Marshall from the Centre for Natural Reflection to offer therapy incorporating the power of nature.
Natural Mindfulness Guide
Competently working online and on the telephone
Competently working online and on the telephone
Accredited by the International Mindfulness and Meditation Alliance, I also practice as a Natural Mindfulness Guide. This approach, led by Ian Banyard, highlights how we can experience, understand and connect to our own nature better when we connect with nature. This is not therapy in a psychotherapeutic sense; it's techniques and approaches to help you connect to nature to be calmer, be healed and to feel more like yourself.
Competently working online and on the telephone
Competently working online and on the telephone
Competently working online and on the telephone
I have undertaken various BACP courses to ensure that I am a safe and competent counsellor whilst working with clients over Zoom or telephone.
Inner Child and trauma
Inner Child and trauma
Inner Child and trauma
I have undertaken various courses to help people recognise how past experiences are impacting on their day to day. This type of therapy is extremely helpful for those that find they're sometimes acting in ways that 'don't feel like me' and gets in the way of good experiences.
My Professional Memberships
