DACAP committee

We think that people visiting the DACAP website, maybe as potential members or looking for a counsellor/therapist, might like an introduction to the committee members, to get some idea of what sort of an association this is. So here’s a bit about me.

Currently I work three days a week as a counsellor, with individuals, couples, and short and long-term groups, in private practice and the NHS. My background was in journalism and book publishing. After moving to Dorset from Berkshire 21 years ago, I did a three-year diploma training with Counselling South West/CPCAB and, later, an honours degree in counselling at Southampton University, and I am now studying more about group facilitation at the Gestalt Centre in London.

It’s not always easy getting going when you are newly-qualified or an incomer to an area and I joined DACAP in the hope of becoming involved in the therapeutic community locally and making new friends. Both have happened. DACAP is run by and for its members and, after serving on the workshops committee and as minutes secretary, I took on the role of Chair at the 2010 AGM. This is a time of regeneration, with lots of new people joining and new activities being planned, so it feels an honour, and lots of fun, being part of that.

The association has various organisational aims, as a look through the Constitution (posted on the website) will explain. But, in what can feel rather an isolated job, one of the things I particularly like is getting to know other practitioners. After meetings we often go out to supper together. Also, at the CPD workshops that DACAP runs throughout the year you meet up with an interesting mix of members and other professionals and there is time to talk over the very good lunch. Having access to a network of experienced and well-qualified practitioners is useful for referrals. It feels safer offering the name of someone you know and trust.

I have been involved in Dacap for about 10 years, since moving to Dorset from London. It has been really useful to me – meeting other therapists, an opportunity for professional growth, making good friends. I have been an active member, taking my turn as the Workshops Organiser, Secretary, and now Administrator. It does seem to be true that “the more you put in, the more you get out!” I have gained a lot from my activity in Dacap.

I work 3 days a week from my home (Litton Cheney) which is within easy reach of Dorchester, Bridport and Weymouth. On the other 2 days of the week I am based in Yeovil at the Nine Springs Natural Health Centre.

Prior to qualifying as a Psychotherapist I worked as a Probation Officer in London. I have worked in hostels, field and court teams, and prisons. It was an excellent grounding for my therapy training.

Dacap has evolved from a few therapists sitting round the kitchen table exchanging ideas (long before my time) to a group of about 20 therapists currently. It has been through many phases as it has developed, quite organically, over the years. We are currently in an energetic, more extrovert phase – a mini-rush of new members and a change of style to meetings. We welcome new members and believe strongly that it is important that Dorset has its own professional association for therapists.

I am one of the newer members of DACAP, joining in 2009. Like a lot of therapists I have private practice and work in isolation. DACAP provides professional support and the opportunity to network with other local counsellors I find extremely valuable.

I work with the Gestalt method of counselling, which is a creative and experiential approach. Gestalt addresses the individual's experience in the present moment and aims to help each client achieve wholeness by integrating the emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual aspects of self through the development of awareness. This method encourages a sense of inner peace and wholeness.

At present, I am also a group facilitator for Dorset Mind, where I work with people with Agoraphobia, panic attacks, OCD and other related anxiety states.

I have been practicing as a counsellor for over 10 years and find my work to be both challenging and rewarding.

My Background
I have a background in Management Training and Consulting and I worked for several years in the Corporate environment. I decided to retrain as a Psychotherapist as I wanted to work with people on a deeper and more meaningful level.