Qualifications

Geoffrey: I have been a counsellor for over 17 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 in various settings for 15 years and have a Diploma in Contemporary Psychotherapy. I began my training in 1992 as a Work Scholar at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California.  I have continued training over the years obtaining qualifications including Counselling Skills and Theory 1996-1998. In 2003 I started working towards my Diploma with the Beeleaf Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, completing training in Systemic Neuro-Linguistic Psychotherapy and Intermediate Skills of Contemporary Psychotherapy.

I believe strongly in professional development and have continued studying and completed courses in Ericksonian Hypno-Psychotherapy, Psychopathology in Psychotherapeutic Practice, Systemic Family Therapy and C.B.T (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). In September 2010 I acheived my FDAP Certificate in Supervisory Management and Leadership Techniques qualification with the Human Performance Group.

I have worked with a mixture of client groups across Essex and East London. In 1996 I was employed by Newham Drugs Advice Project as a School Counsellor. I continued my work in Barking at The Axe Street Project 1999-2002 working with clients with various addictions. I also co-facilitated training for volunteers at Careline Telephone Counselling Service in Ilford.

I have been employed for the last 8 years at a busy charity in Grays; Essex called Open Door as a Contemporary Psychotherapist for the Interventions Team and as Service Manager of the Young Peoples Substance Misuse Project- The Network.  I have a passion for my work with people and am committed to good ethical practice. I am a full member of the Community for Contemporary Psychotherapy and have regular supervision with a BACP, UKRC accredited Supervisor.