Hello.  My name is Denise and I live in the north-east of England.  A former civil servant, I then went on to work as a disability adviser, a sign language communicator, a person-centred counsellor and a manager of residential homes for young adults with disabilities, these responsibilities overlapping regularly.

Training in person-centred counselling took place over several years and I achieved a certificate in further counselling skills in 1996, followed by the diploma in humanistic counselling in 1999.

In December 2016, I upgraded my knowledge of counselling, to be able to be there for those who have lost a beloved pet.  Not everyone understands the grief experienced when an animal friend dies and lack of others’ understanding leaves the grieving person with no-one to turn to.

This month (April 2020) will see me complete an online and telephone counselling foundation course (particularly relevant in these times of the COVID-19 coronavirus situation), designed to allow the experienced face-to-face counsellor recognise the differences between the process of counselling clients physically present and those on the phone and online.

My counselling experience includes:-

John Richardson trust – voluntary work

British Deaf Association – paid employment

James Cook Hospital (staff counsellor) – both voluntary and paid employment

Private work with GPs and hospitals

Private clients (both face to face and over the phone).

Relevant Qualifications Held – diploma in humanistic counselling / diploma in health and social care / diploma in pet bereavement counselling / up-to-date police check / stage III British Sign Language / disability awareness training + working experience / dysphasia support training + experience / trained mediator + experience / registered managers’ award for young adults  + relevant work experience within residential care homes.