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For an informal chat feel free to call Martin on 01923 256999 or email martin@achievingbalance.net
I have worked as a counsellor for several years. Initially, I trained as a relationship counsellor, working with couples and individuals who were struggling to overcome relationship difficulties.
I then undertook two years’ training in systemic practice (part of a four year MSc. course) and a year’s clinical practicum, both with the KCC Foundation (KCCF). This training has enabled me to extend my counselling to include working with families, including children and young people.
Further to this I trained and qualified as a hypnotherapist at the National School of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (N-SHAP), gaining two diplomas including the HPD. This diploma is externally verified and accredited by the NCFE, a National Awarding Body and meets all the Learning Outcomes of the National Occupational Standards for Hypnotherapy in the UK.
I also trained and then worked as a therapeutic mediator (combining Systemic and Mediation approaches) in a homelessness pilot project commissioned by the Government and implemented by a national charity and several local authorities.
As well as running a busy private practice, I am employed in a counselling role by a national charity. I am school-based, providing therapeutic support to pupils, teachers and parents, as well as managing and providing clinical supervision to a team of counsellors.
I worked for 7 years as a Relate counsellor with individuals, couples and families experiencing relationship difficulties. I also worked with individuals often diagnosed with anxiety or depression, who were referred by their doctors.
My counselling and hypnotherapy is underpinned by a sound and broad theoretical foundation and I work flexibly, tailoring my approach to suit the client(s) and drawing on many sources of counselling and psychotherapy knowledge for my work.
Training & experience
Diploma in Therapeutic Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (N-SHAP)
Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma (NCH & NCFE)
Post Graduate Certificate in Systemic Practice (KCCF)
Certificate of attendance in the Clinical Practicum (KCCF)
Certificate in Marital and Couple Counselling (Relate)
Ongoing continuous professional development training, including: Domestic Violence/Abuse Awareness & Safety; counselling adult survivors of sexual abuse; mental health & couple counselling; therapeutic mediation; Translating Systemic Ideas into Creative Practices with Children & Young People; Assessing & Formulating; Basic Child Protection; Working with Couples & Families: Attachment Narrative Approach; Domestic Violence Abuse Individual Structured Interviews; Attachment in Schools; Groupwork; Developing Our Emotional Intelligence Through Awareness of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication (Transactional Analysis); Clinical Supervision Skills; Helping Children Tell Their Stories; Assessing & Formulating; Managerial Skills
Qualifications
I am an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy [MBACP(Accred)]. I am bound by its Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy and subject to the Professional Conduct Procedure for the time being in force.
(“BACP” is the registered Trade Mark of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.)
(“BACP” is the registered Trade Mark of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.)
I am a licentiate member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy.
The Department of Health recommends that, where CNHC registers the professional discipline in question, you consult with someone who is CNHC registered. I am registered as a hypnotherapist in the CNHC register.
I am of the firm belief that successful counselling and hypnotherapy depends greatly upon the relationship built up between counsellor/ therapist and client. I therefore strive to create a safe and collaborative working partnership with each client I meet, a relationship in which the clients feel able to open up, to explore difficult issues and to better understand their predicament.
I also stress that it is the clients who are experts in their lives and not me. My skill is in facilitating conversations and creating opportunities which are potentially useful in opening up new possibilities to the clients.
Although I’m trained in several counselling and hypnotherapy models, I choose not to rely too heavily on any one model for my work. I find that different approaches work for different people in different situations and it’s far more productive to match the approach to the client than vice versa. Between us, we can learn what works best for you and use this to help you move forward more fruitfully.
I also stress that it is the clients who are experts in their lives and not me. My skill is in facilitating conversations and creating opportunities which are potentially useful in opening up new possibilities to the clients.
Although I’m trained in several counselling and hypnotherapy models, I choose not to rely too heavily on any one model for my work. I find that different approaches work for different people in different situations and it’s far more productive to match the approach to the client than vice versa. Between us, we can learn what works best for you and use this to help you move forward more fruitfully.
Professional philosophy
I am a UKRCP Registered Independent Counsellor/Psychotherapist.
I am a member of the NHS Directory of Complementary & Alternative Practitioners
I 