ICO Registration Number: ZA401337
I have practised as a Counsellor and Psychotherapist for many years in private practice and within the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Services (IAPT), NHS Primary Care Counselling and Secondary Care (Community Mental Health Crisis Team), Universities, Colleges, Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP’s), leading mental health charities MIND and The Nottinghamshire Carers Federation.
Over the last few years I have focused more on developing my private practice and working part-time within the NHS as a dual trained clinician in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy and Counselling. I offer psychological assessments and treatment for different problems including Depression, Stress Reduction, Anxiety, Panic, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Phobias, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/M.E, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD), Post-natal Depression, Occupational Issues, Somatoform Disorders/Hypochondriasis, Trauma, Habit Reversal, Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), Relationship/Family problems, Bereavement, End of Life, Couple Counselling, Anger, Low Self-Esteem, Abuse – Emotional, Physical, Sexual, Relationships, Mediation and more complex issues.
My private clinical practice includes Psychological Assessments, Brief and Longer -Term Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Face- to- Face Therapy, Home Visits, Remote Therapy including Skype and Telephone Counselling/CBT, Therapy Groups, Mediation, Couples Counselling, Supervision and delivering Mental Health Training.
I have undertaken extensive continued professional development. These include Mindfulness (MBCT), Trauma, Palliative Care and Clinical Supervision I am experienced supervising counsellors, psychotherapists, psychological well -being practitioners and cognitive behavioural therapists.
Training, qualifications & experience
MA in Professional Development in Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2008
Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, 2010
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, 2011
Certificates in Clinical Supervision, 2011
Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2004
Qualified in Low Intensity Supervision 2010
Qualified in High Intensity Supervision 2012
Clients I work with
- Adults
- Older Adults
- Groups
Referrals
- Direct contact from clients
- GP’s
- Medical Practitioners
- Employee Assistance Programmes
- Solicitors and Legal Representatives
- Insurance Companies
- Private Health Care Organisations
- Other organisations
I am a registered practitioner for healthcare providers and insurance companies including Bupa, Nuffield Healthcare, Aviva, AXA PPP Healthcare.
Some healthcare providers will refer you directly to me, others may provide you with a list of therapists and then you contact your preferred therapist from the list to arrange an appointment.
For healthcare providers and insurance companies an authorisation and membership/policy number will be required at your first appointment. Please note that sometimes depending on your policy there may be an excess payment required. Any excess will need to be paid directly to me unless otherwise specified by the healthcare provider/ insurance company.
Home Visits are possible and I can travel to other locations.
On occasions my availability can become quite limited, my evening appointments are particularly in high demand, however at these times I do hold a waiting list for clients.
Specialisms
Abuse – Emotional, Physical Sexual, Relationships, Adult Mental Health Care, Anger Issues, Anxiety/Panic, Behavioural Problems, Bereavement, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/M.E., Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Post-natal Depression, Occupational Issues, Phobias, PTSD, Somatoform Disorders/Hypochondriasis, Low Self-Esteem, Stress Management, Trauma, Palliative.
Therapy Approach
I aim to help clients feel at ease from the outset of therapy by offering a safe, private and confidential space to talk about problems. I regard the therapeutic relationship as being paramount, built on trust and respect. By listening carefully it helps attain a real sense of how it is for a client without making any judgements and with a genuine interest.
I endeavour to create an environment where clients feel comfortable to talk freely about their current problems/difficulties. Therapy is at each individual client’s own pace and tailored to meet their unique specific needs. Client expectations are explored at assessment and any goals of therapy discussed. I am experienced in different modalities of therapy and consider myself an integrative therapist who always practises in the best interest of clients.
Testimonials
"Paula was very helpful and easy to talk to, showing empathy and understanding. In addition to the conversations, Paula provided me with materials to take home which we felt would be of benefit both in between sessions and following their completion.”
Counsellor Paula (Psychological)
October 24, 2018
"It helped me get my life back and gain my independence. It has given me the skills to help me control my anxiety in lots of situations.”
Counsellor Paula (CBT)
April 13, 2018
“Helped me to understand the pressure I face and to not bottle them up”
Counsellor Paula (Integrative)
April 13, 2018
“It helped me deal and recognise my anxieties amd cause. I was given tools to use when feeling anxious of which there were many which I hopefully will bring into my daily life”
Counsellor Paula (CBT)
April 13, 2018
"I have suffered with anxiety and OCD for most of my adult life, but have always just accepted “ this is how I am”. It was only when a friend recommended Cognitive Behavioural Therapy that I decided I had nothing to lose - I didn’t realise then that it would be one of the best decisions I ever made! CBT is a great way to help overcome anxiety because while Paula taught me the techniques and gave me the tools to tackle my anxiety, ultimately I had to put what I’d learnt into practice - it empowered ME to make the positive changes to my life. Paula helped me to finally see that the way my brain works isn’t “stupid” or something I just have to live with; I can challenge the way I think and improve my life so that I control my anxiety, not the other way round! The CBT was so successful that I made the decision to tackle my fear of flying; with help from Paula and CBT techniques, I have just taken my first flight in 17 years! This was something I never would’ve imagined I could overcome before I started CBT, and so I can truly say CBT has been life-changing for me. I would recommended CBT and Paula to absolutely anyone."
Counsellor: Paula / October 2017
October 28, 2017
"Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helped me get my life back and gain back my independence. It has given me the skills to help me control my anxiety in lots of different situations."
Counsellor: Paula / October 2017
October 20, 2017
"Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has helped me gain a better understanding of why I worry and the effects of it. I have developed strategies that are bespoke and work for me. Some subjects were awkward for me to discuss and Paula was clearly non-judgemental."
Counsellor: Paula
September 14, 2017
"Paula has provided incredibly helpful preventative measures, and therapy has allowed me to identify triggers and symptoms. I feel as though I have developed strategies through which to both manage and effectively combat what has been severe bouts of depression. Through engaged discourse and a warm environment, the therapy has been a perspective altering experience. A huge thank you Paula for the support and throughout this process. THANK YOU! It has truly given me confidence moving forward."
Counsellor: Paula
July 13, 2017
"Learning coping strategies like relaxation techniques and rationalising situations has helped me’. I can be more open with people now about things that are bothering me. I have been able to work on unhelpful behaviours."
Counsellor: Paula
July 13, 2017
"Paula put me at ease the first time I saw her, she gave me an excellent service. I was so depressed I never thought I could see a light at the end of the tunnel but after a few short weeks Paula helped me see there was a light it was just finding the right path to take, to get here. So once again I just want to say a Big Thank You"
Counsellor: Paula
July 6, 2017
"Counselling has been a very important learning curve for me both as a trainee counsellor and as a person. It has helped me to build better coping strategies whilst enabling me to see hidden areas I needed to work upon"
Counsellor: Paula
July 6, 2017
"At the time I was going through a difficult time in my life and lurching from one crisis to the next. I felt like I was in a black tunnel with no light at the end of it. From the moment I met Paula I felt reassured. I never felt judged as I discussed my problems with her or that she was anything other than professional. I was able to say whatever I wanted to her, secure in the knowledge that it was confidential. She ‘got me’ pretty much from the beginning of our sessions and helped me see I did have a future. It has been a revelation having Paula as a Counsellor and I would not hesitate to recommend her to others"
Counsellor: Paula
July 6, 2017
"I have found counselling has had a profound effect on my life, it has given me clarity and more understanding about the things that blacked my days. I found the pace helped me and feel that if I had been pushed I would have crumbled and not returned. I thank you for the care and consideration you gave to me"
Counsellor: Paula
July 6, 2017
"I would recommend to anyone who is being troubled by intrusive thoughts to make an appointment and not be embarrassed. This was my initial worry as my thoughts were quite bizarre and disturbing; yet I encountered a totally accepting environment."
Counsellor: Paula
January 12, 2017
"Paula has given me the techniques, understanding and confidence to manage my anxiety and underlying faulty thought patterns. Although I had a rudimentary understanding of the various CBT techniques from reading books; I lacked the confidence and direction to apply these in a sustained basis. I found that working with a therapist/Paula was like having a coach that could guide me."
Counsellor: Paula
January 12, 2017
"I didn’t believe talking to somebody would help so much. Never been a believer in therapy now I am a big believer."
Counsellor: Paula
January 12, 2017
"Counselling helped me understand what the underlying issues were and why they were happening. The ways to deal with the issues were particularly helpful for when similar issues arise in the future"
Counsellor: Paula
January 12, 2017
Photos & Videos
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Oak Room
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Willow Room
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Oak Room
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Poplar Room
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Reception Area
