Counsellors

I am a semi-retired person centred counsellor, having previously worked for 20 years in the NHS; where I developed a counselling service for people who had some learning needs and those on the autistic spectrum, including people with Asperger’s. This vulnerable group experienced frequent and regular bouts of anxiety and depression and were often victims of bullying and harassment. I have experience of working with women who were victims of abuse and have also worked in a college where I provided counselling sessions for young people struggling to deal with anorexia and body dysmorphia disorder. I have more recently supported clients aged 60 years and older in confronting a range of issues faced by people in their later years. I have completed a course in Mindfulness and practice regularly and can run groups for Mindfulness skills, bereavement, and assertiveness. I am an accredited registered member of the BACP.

Amanda has worked as a clinical psychologist with people with learning disabilities for many years. She is also trained as a Disability Psychotherapist. Amanda has now left the NHS to focus on providing 1:1 therapy for people with learning disabilities and their carers. She currently works with a charity that supports people who have been in secure settings. Amanda is skilled at working with people who have been through trauma, loss and other distressing experiences. Her approach helps people to ‘process’ and understand the things that have happened to them. When a person can understand why they feel as they do, this can be a great relief. The person can then find other ways of doing things to make their lives better.

Qualified as an integrative counsellor 4 years ago and is currently finishing her postgraduate work. She has worked with Beacon Counselling at Disability Stockport for 3 years. Michelle is experienced in working creatively within therapy. e.g. using art materials and stones. Michelle is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Michelle has direct experience of autism within the family. Michelle was employed for 6 years working with the Disability Design Reference Group as both a group member and group facilitator for Transport for Greater Manchester providing disability equality and access for disabled people.

Steph has been with Respect for All for seven years. She holds a Post Grad. Diploma in counselling, a second diploma in couple counselling and has cognitive behaviour therapy training. She plays a major part in facilitating our support groups for people with Aspergers and also provides training to other professionals about this condition. Steph has a partner with Aspergers and a son with learning difficulties and autism.

Daniel brings many valuable experiences to his role a counsellor. He has worked in the arts and creative education for three  decades,helping adults with learning disabilities and young people to express themselves and to take control of their choices. Daniel’s approach  uses careful listening, empathy, creativity and non-verbal communication to “tune in” to  clients.  His aim is to help a client to clarify questions or needs, to look for their own solutions, to find ways to express themselves and find their voice.  Currently studying integrative psychotherapy, Daniel also has a certificate in psychodrama and many hours training in related communication studies.           

Wayne has worked within Children’s Charities and Social Care, also as a Communication Support Worker for deaf learners. He also used to support adults with mild learning difficulties getting back into education. Wayne qualified as a counsellor in 2002 and as a Supervisor in 2005. He also qualified as a teacher in 2005 and taught the Introduction to Counselling course. Wayne now teaches British Sign Language and is very interested in opening doors for deaf people to access counselling. His counselling experience includes colleges, post adoption support, homeless centres, prisons and voluntary generic counselling services.

Dave is a clinical supervisor, a relationships, family, adult, children's and group counselling psychologist. He he is on the accredit register of the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and psychotherapist). He has worked with young offenders, and is PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence) trained. He has been a community development officer for adults with learning disabilities, and a manager of a local authority children’s home. Dave is a qualified teacher of further and higher education, and holds workplace assessor awards. He has been an administrator within a private organisation developing programmes to assist parents of children with disabilities. Dave is ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). His counselling experience includes colleges, schools, mental health organisations, substance misuse, bereavement and loss, anger and passivity, anxiety, depression, suicidal clients, and gay clients.