Counsellor and Psychotherapist 

Ann is a fully qualified and experienced counsellor offering a warm, professional and non-judgmental approach.  Her aim is to support clients in understanding their difficulties, in developing clarity of thought, and in re-connecting to personal strengths and values. 
 
Ann's core approach is relational and person centred but she also draws on a range of therapeutic modalities gained from her training and qualification in Integrative Counselling, which she tailors to each person according to presentation and needs.

It is fundamental to Ann to respect human rights and dignity and she is committed to working with adults of any gender, ability, race, sexual orientation, and culture to the best of her skills and capabilities.

Ann is a Registered and Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and adheres to their Ethical Framework, a copy of which is available on request. 

Alongside Ann's private counselling practice, she worked for 15 years in the NHS Psychological Therapies Team as a Counsellor for GP patients.

Ann has extensive experience of working with people experiencing drug and alcohol dependency having been employed for 14 years in a Mental Health Trust as a Substance Misuse Practitioner.  

Prior to becoming a counsellor, Ann worked as a qualified nurse in hospitals in the UK and Kenya.
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What to expect in counselling sessions

At a first meeting, Ann explores the issues clients are bringing to counselling and will mutually decide on further sessions and goals as appropriate.  

Ann offers a counselling process of careful listening, checking, exploring and reflecting, which respects and values each client and their experiences at all times. 

Ann does not directly give advice, but will work closely with each client, enabling a recovery of trust in personal worth and capabilities. 

Coming to counselling can take courage, and the counselling process can be challenging.  Ann offers a safe and confidential space to allow fears to be faced and painful issues to be addressed.   Ann supports and stays with clients through the challenges to work on gaining insights, acceptance, and moving towards resolutions.

Ann offers brief interventions as well as long term therapy.   She will regularly review and check that the counselling is meeting client needs and will make necessary adjustments as the work together progresses. 

The counselling sessions are confidential and Ann does not discuss cases with anyone other than her Clinical Supervisor, should she need guidance.  If there are serious concerns about safety Ann may need to break confidentiality in order to provide appropriate support but she would aim to discuss this with the client first.

Experience

2011 – to current day:   Integrative Counsellor in Private Practice, working face to face in Macclesfield;  also online via a professional platform, and also by telephone, as per client requirements.

2007 – 2022:  Primary Care Counsellor for GP patients; employed initially by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Mental Health Trust, and latterly by The Big Life Group (commissioned to provide NHS Services since 2017) 

2000 – 2014: Substance Misuse Practitioner offering psychosocial support and interventions, for Drug and Alcohol Services, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Trust. 

2004 – 2007: Counselling trainee and post-qualification placements in NHS Occupational Health Counselling Services, independent Community Counselling Services, Addictions Recovery Counselling Service, and in Primary Care G.P. surgeries.  

Accreditations

Ann is registered with the BACP Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists which is accredited under a scheme set up by the Department of Health and approved by The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care. 

Email: Ann