Phil Hoffer, MBACP (Accred), MA in Counselling (Integrative), Certificate in Education (PCET)
I'm a compassionate, caring counsellor that strives to 'meet' you in your world. I work to help you untangle your difficulties so that they become more manageable. I can then help you to acquire new perspectives &/or new skills to help you overcome the issues that you face.
I am the founder of Sunflower Counselling. I've studied Counselling to Masters level (University of Wales, Newport) and my MA focused on the role of intense personal development upon my model of psychotherapy.
I have completed OnlineCounsellors.co.uk training in order to offer counselling in an online environment either via email or secure ‘chat’ software.
I've also completed a Certificate in Education for Further Education from Cardiff University.
I'm an Accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
I'm also a member of the Association of Counselling and Therapy Online (ACTO) and Online Therapy Institute (OTI).
I've have previously worked for 3 years as a part time school counsellor in Cardiff. I have also worked as a volunteer in the Student Counselling Service in Newport University. I also volunteer at Sesame Counselling Service where I sit on the Management Committee.
I'm a Pru Health recognised provider of Counselling & Psychotherapy
As of October 2011:
I'm a Relational Integrative Counsellor (more >>), which means that I blend theory and techniques from the Humanistic (Person-Centred), Relational Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy schools of therapy.
I attempt to work in a straight forward manner, keeping mumbo jumbo to a minimum. In the sessions, there is no magic, no hocus pocus. I strive to really listen to your story and to understand your position. I listen for patterns in your story and if appropriate offer you an alternative perspective that might enable you to gain a new understanding of your story ... or yourself ... or both.
I am particularly interested in your relationships ... to yourself, to those who have helped to shape your personality, those around you, the wider world and our counselling relationship as we work together.
My integrative approach looks to utilise creative techniques such as artwork - don't worry you don't have to be Picasso :-), poetry, music, dreams, guided imagery all of which can help to reveal aspects of your story that is hidden in your subconscious. Additionally meditative techniques can be useful to combat the symptoms of a wide range of issues.
After a successful seventeen year career in IT, I woke up one day and decided that it simply wasn't enough. I wasn't satisfied, so I started a journey of transformation involving deep personal reflection and soul searching. These journeys take courage and I sincerely hope that you find the courage to take your own journey and that you find the support you need to sustain it.
Good luck with whichever path you choose!
With best wishes,
Phil
Judy Evans, MBACP, PG Dip Supervision and PG Dip Counselling
I have Post Graduate Diplomas in Counselling and Supervision from the University of Wales Newport. I have recently completed a Post Qualifying Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and have a Certificate in Life Coaching from Derby College.
In addition, I also have an NVQ Level 4 in Careers Counselling plus Level A and B in Psychometric Testing and am qualified to deliver 16PF and Morrisby Tests. I also have a Post Graduate Certificate of Teaching (PGCE).
I am a member of both the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the Institute of Careers Guidance (ICG). I am currently working towards BACP accreditation.
For the past 18 years I have been counselling in a variety of settings: Further Education, NHS Young People’s Clinic; BBC Telephone Helpline; Private Practice; Voluntary Sector.
I am one of the founder members of Sesame Counselling, a charity based in Newport, where I continue to work as Counsellor, Supervisor and Management Committee member.
I have been a Careers Consultant for nearly 18 years, helping people to work through issues such as redundancy, unemployment, barriers to employment, a lack of job satisfaction to gain a clearer focus for the future.
My interest in counselling developed over a period of time whilst teaching adult returners and disadvantaged young people. I became aware of the enormous struggles some people face, again regularly highlighted in my careers counselling work.
I realised early on the importance of being able to talk in confidence, to gain support and to find the courage to take what are sometimes very difficult decisions. I had earlier reached a crossroads in my own life and had needed that same help myself. Relationships are key in life and over time I have developed an interest and expertise in working with couples.
My approach is to give you, my client, my whole attention so that we can establish a warm, trusting relationship which is the foundation of the work we do together. I hope to create a safe place where you can try out new ideas and ways of responding to the world which may be more supporting and rewarding for you.
Counselling is hugely rewarding but can be a challenging process and takes courage and determination. I will try to understand some of your challenges and offer you support on your journey to find greater peace or happiness.