Trainee Counselling Psychologist

Hi and welcome to my profile. My name is Gillian and I am a first-year Doctoral Counselling Psychology trainee.

Before beginning my psychotherapy training, I worked as a special educational needs teacher and dyslexia assessor. My first degree is in Psychology, and I am a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society and a trainee counselling psychologist.

I have extensive experience supporting young people with literacy difficulties, developmental differences, and emotional needs. This background informs my holistic understanding of how learning experiences, identity, and emotional wellbeing can interact over time.

I have also supported adults in the community as a support worker for a mental health charity, where many individuals were experiencing loneliness, isolation, or uncertainty about where they belong. In addition, I have experience working on a listening helpline, offering a compassionate and non-judgemental space for individuals in distress, including those experiencing crisis.

I hold a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies. I place strong value on the therapeutic relationship, and my approach is grounded in empathy, active listening, and creating a safe and supportive space for clients.

During my current stage of training, my clinical focus is on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques. I work collaboratively with clients to help them understand the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and to identify patterns that may be maintaining difficulties. I aim to tailor therapy to each person’s unique experiences and support them in developing practical tools to move towards their goals.

I work with adults and young people aged 15 and above who may be experiencing, but are not limited to:

• Low mood and depression
• Worry and anxiety
• Low self-esteem and self-criticism
• Trauma-related difficulties
• Stress, burnout, and adjustment challenges
• Neurodivergent presentations where psychologically informed therapy may be helpful
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)