Introduction
I am a Leicester based psychotherapist / counsellor specialising in grief, depression, anxiety, anger issues, infertility, sexual issues, anorexia, bulimia and over eating, stress, relationship difficulties (including couples therapy), sexual abuse, cult involvement and support for ex-members or concerned family, lack of confidence, domestic violence, cancer and suicidal ideation. However, I think it is important to keep in mind that this is an inexhaustible list, and only gives an overview of some of the difficulties I work with. Each person enters psychotherapy with their own unique struggles; no less important than those listed. Psychotherapy and counselling offer an unhurried, non-judgemental space to begin making sense of, and finding strategies to cope with these struggles.
I have quiet, purpose designed counselling rooms in both central Leicester and in Birstall, North Leicester (which is easy to reach from Loughborough, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire via the M1 or A6).
Qualifications and Experience
I trained for four years on a BACP accredited course at the University of Leicester and then went on to gain individual BACP accreditation. I completed specialist training for two years in the NHS and hold a PG qualification in clinical supervision from the University of Derby. In addition to academic training I have covered a diverse range of issues in the private and the voluntary sector. I have worked for 7 years in the NHS as a visiting therapist in the Dynamic Psychotherapy Service, 2 years as a supervisor to counsellors working for the bereavement charity Cruse, and 4 years as a counsellor for Coping with Cancer. I am also a parent support for ARC (Antenatal Results and Choices).
Besides working with private clients in either long or short term therapy, I also work with EAP (Employment Assistant Program) clients in short term focussed psychotherapy which usually lasts for 6 sessions.
What is BACP accreditation?
The British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists or BACP, describe accreditation as a ‘kite mark status': 'BACP accredited counsellor / psychotherapist has demonstrated a commitment to high standards and enable the public to have confidence that the practitioner works ethically and is trained and qualified'.
Not all BACP members are accredited. BACP accredited members are subject to rigourous vetting, auditing and professional standards, including a requirement for courses in Continued Personal Development; a minimum of face-to-face clinical practice and time in practice, and regular supervision for ther work.
Confidentiality
All psychotherapy sessions are held in confidence and anything you would like to discuss will be respected. The only exception to this is a potential terrorist threat which I am obliged by law to disclose. If I have any other concerns, for example that you might be a threat to either yourself or others then I may involve the relevant services on the basis of disclosable information. However, I would always discuss this with you first before any action was taken. If you have any concerns around confidentiality, I would be happy to discuss this with you further at our initial meeting.
If you would like to arrange an appointment, please contact me on 07724 623310 or email me at: diannepole@aol.com. Please see the contact page for more information.
