Paula

I have many years of experience working in talking therapies, with a varied age group of individuals in various organisations including Newcastle College Counselling Service, Brainbox, a national charity as a bereavement volunteer and I currently work closely with Newcastle Vision Support as a group facilitator and delivering 1-2-1 counselling.

My training includes the completion of a Foundation Degree as well a BA Honours Degree in Counselling, during which I researched and wrote an article on the dearth of counselling for older clients, focusing on the lack of support for people with a diagnosis of Dementia. This research led to establishing A Time 2 Talk with the support of two fellow students, Sue and Jane.

I have worked extensively with clients in a state of grief who are experiencing bereavement and loss. My work has also included working with clients with a diagnosis of autism, other associated learning difficulties and people with visual impairment.

My core practice is Person Centred counselling, which recognises the value on the unique experience of the individual and the trust that the counsellor places in the clients’ ability to take responsibility to find their own solutions to the issues they are facing. I place my trust in the client and to support them I practice a non-judgemental, honest, empathetic approach in my work.

During my sessions I sometimes use techniques to break down communication barriers to help clients to express how they are feeling, supporting them to engage in the counselling session with the clients’ agreement. These techniques include art therapy, stone therapy, sand work and other strategies using tangible objects.

I have extensive knowledge of working within a multi-disciplinary team and understand the complexities of client support, gained when working with Newcastle College.

I am a member of the BACP and adhere to the ethical principles provided for practicing counsellors to follow, to ensure the safety of both client and practitioner. I engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) I have the appropriate indemnity insurance and DBS checks in place. My qualifications are available for inspection, via a written request to The Directors, A Time 2 Talk, Disability North, The Dene Centre, Castle Farm Road, Newcastle NE3 1PH