Qualifications

Geoffrey: I have been a counsellor for over 15 years, but my experience dates back much earlier than that. I became interested in therapy in the late 1970s and participated in many groups.

In the 1980s my wife and daughter and I moved to California where we took part in experiential trainings including spending time at Esalen Institute, Big Sur , where we met Richard Price, Janet Zuckerman, Janet Lederman, and Betty Fuller. In 1986 we returned to England and I began to take formal training. In the early 90s I gained valuable experience as a nurse on an acute admission ward in a psychiatric hospital. I learned a lot from the patients. Then I worked at a drug and alcohol agency counselling people with various forms of addictions. In 1994 I was employed as a counsellor at the University of East London in the student services department. This gave me the opportunity to counsel people from cultures and countries all over the world. I am now in private practice.

In 1994 I was awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling with Distinction. In 1996 I was Accredited with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy; I am now a Senior Accredited Counsellor. In 1998 I was awarded an M. A. in Counselling and Psychotherapy. I am also a UKRC Registered Independent Counsellor.

Heidi: I have been a counsellor for 11yrs working mainly in the field of addiction with young people. I was a work scholar at Esalen Institute in California in 1992. I was employed and trained by Thurrock Health Authority in 1995 and have continued my professional development ever since. I gained C.S.C.T. Certificates in Counselling Skills and Theory from 1996-1998.

I have been studying Neuro Linguistic Psychotherapy for the past 4 years. In 2004 I was awarded Practitioner in NLP and completed foundation training in Systemic Neuro Linguistic Psychotherapy. In 2005 I qualified as Master Practitioner in NLP and obtained a certificate in Intermediate skills in Contemporary Psychotherapy, and a certificate in Ericksonian Hypnotherapy. I am also a registered NADA auricular acupuncturist.

I have worked for various services across East London and Essex , including Newham Drugs Advice Project (1996-97), Drugsline in Ilford (1997-98) Axe Street Project in Barking (1999-2002). I have been employed by Open Door, a young people's charity in Grays, Essex , for the past 5 years where I am Project Manager for the Young Peoples' Drugs Service, The Network. I am also employed as a Contemporary Psychotherapist for the Interventions team.

I have a passion for my work with people. I am committed to good ethical practice and I am a member of the Community for Contemporary Psychotherapy.