My name is Claire and I am a qualified counsellor who is registered with the BACP. I realise that for some taking this first step can be difficult. My aim is to offer you a safe, non-judgemental place where you are able to tell your story. From there I will work with you to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and others which may provide you with an opportunity to bring about a positive change in your life.
Having always wanted to train as a counsellor I finally decided to start my training in 2013. This was after gaining a lot of experience working with individuals, families and my own life experience. I’ve worked in social care as a family support worker and as a social worker supporting families of children with additional needs. I also worked in education as a teaching assistant. During this time I became aware of some of the pressures individuals and families faced and the pressure it put on them and their relationships. I also noticed how traumatic events in life can sometimes affect a person’s ability to live a fulfilling life.
While training and since qualifying I have volunteered with Twelves Company, where I counselled victims of sexual violence. I trained and volunteered as a Bereavement counsellor with Cruse. At present I work in a secondary school as a counsellor for young people and I have trained and work for Relate as a Couple’s Counsellor. Alongside this, I also see clients in my private practice.
I have found that counselling can be of great help as we get to explore what is going on in ourselves and to some extent in those around us. As we do that in a safe place, my hope is that as an individual or as a couple, awareness will provide an opportunity to explore and maybe develop new ways of thinking and behaving, providing a possibility to bring about a more fulfilling life.
