PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Professional standards are one part of creating a safe and trustworthy counselling relationship. They provide reassurance that my practice is ethical, accountable and continues to develop throughout my career.
Why do standards matter?
Professional standards help create a safe foundation for counselling. They provide reassurance that your counsellor is accountable, works ethically, continues to develop their practice and is committed to offering the best possible support.
Accreditation & Professional Membership
I am an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), one of the professional bodies for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK.
Like many professional organisations, the BACP has different levels of membership that reflect a counsellor’s training, experience and professional development. After qualifying, counsellors can become registered members. Accreditation is a voluntary, additional level of professional recognition awarded to experienced practitioners who have demonstrated their knowledge, experience and ethical practice through a detailed independent assessment.
Achieving accreditation represents an important milestone in my professional development. It reflects not only my commitment to safe, ethical and thoughtful practice, but also the experience, reflection and continued learning that have shaped the way I work today.
While qualifications and professional standards are only one part of choosing the right counsellor, I hope accreditation offers reassurance that my work has been independently recognised as meeting nationally agreed standards of ethical and professional practice. I also believe that feeling comfortable with your counsellor and building a trusting therapeutic relationship are just as important, which is why I offer a free consultation before we begin.
Safe & Ethical Practice
I believe that good counselling begins with creating a safe, ethical and trustworthy relationship.
To support this, I am:
- An accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
- Fully insured
- Registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), ensuring personal information is handled securely and in accordance with UK data protection legislation.
- Committed to regular clinical supervision.
Clinical supervision is an essential part of ethical practice. It provides a dedicated space for reflection, accountability and ongoing learning, helping to ensure I continue to work safely, thoughtfully and in the best interests of every person I support.
Continuing Professional Development
Learning is an important part of how I work.
Alongside my clinical practice, I continue to develop my knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development.
I have recently completed the taught and assessed elements of an MSc in Advanced Psychotherapy and Counselling Studies and am currently awaiting my final results.
I will also begin EMDR training in September 2026, reflecting my ongoing commitment to developing the ways I can support people safely, thoughtfully and effectively.
Working Creatively
Every person makes sense of the world in different ways. While conversation is often at the heart of therapy, words are not always enough.
When it feels helpful, we may also use writing, drawing, timelines, psychoeducation, mindfulness or grounding techniques to support our work together.
These are always invitations rather than expectations. Together, we decide what feels most helpful for you and your unique way of understanding your experiences.