Counselling and Psychotherapy

We all experience times when things aren't going the way we might like. We can find ourselves anywhere from a bit grey and unhappy to extremely dark and depressed, overwhelmed, stressed and spun out. We can get stuck in negative patterns of thinking which are difficult to break, become worried or anxious about the future, or unable to reconcile past decisions. A neutral space to think and feel can be extremely useful. People come to counselling for a variety of reasons; it may be that you would like to:

· Develop better self awareness.

· Work through a loss, bereavement, relationship break-up, or redundancy.

· Increase your confidence, self-esteem or self-image.

· Work on patterns of behaviour that may be causing you concern.

· Discuss feelings of depression, anxiety, sadness, loneliness or emptiness.

· Find more of a sense of purpose in life, to feel less stuck.

· Try and resolve some issues from the past.

· Feel more comfortable expressing your sexuality.

· Work through a situation currently affecting your work life.

· Develop a better understanding of your relationship issues.

· Be able to resolve a family conflict.

· Talk about something you have been bottling up.

· Work on social skills to connect with people and make lasting relationships.

· Develop better communication skills & become more assertive.

· Develop better understanding of your partner & yourself.

Counselling may be able to offer insights into these and other concerns in a safe, confidential, genuine, accepting and non-judgmental environment.

About me

I am a registered, qualified counsellor and supervisor.

I am an accredited member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I adhere to their ethical framework for The Counselling Professions. Accreditation is a thorough and meticulous process. It shows high standards of training, competence and experience. It demonstrates personal awareness and an understanding of how the way I work helps my clients.

I have undertaken unpaid voluntary work, providing a free of charge counselling service for local charity, Autism Wessex for over 7 years. During this time I offered pro bono counselling sessions and facilitated psychoeducative groups to autistic people. My specialism is the Autism Spectrum and this was the focus of my Master's research. I have worked with autistic people since training as a counsellor.

I hold a MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice (with merit) from Bath Spa University, also a CPCAB Level 6 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision, a CPCAB level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and a CPCAB level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. I also hold a teaching qualification.

I am committed to undertaking regular, continued professional development. I undertake a minimum of 30 hours CPD per year. I hold a current, clear, enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Baring Service) certificate.

I have a keen interest in health, wellbeing, resilience and education. I am passionate about autism, neurodiversity and learning. I specialise in working with people with Autism Spectrum Conditions and neurodiverse differences, and this was the focus of my Master's.

Counselling offers a safe and confidential space to think and talk about yourself, your experience, and your life. It can help you to make any changes that you would like to happen. I believe in creating a safe and confidential space to allow you to explore any issues that you wish to bring to therapy. I am warm, sincere, caring, non-judgemental and transparent in the way that I communicate.

In terms of supervision, I beleive in providing a supportive space in which to do the work. Supervision is an essential element for therapists to help ensure safe and ethical practice.

I can facilitate a range of workshops and groups on wellbeing, personal development, neurodiversity and loss and bereavement.

I am currently employed as a Bereavement Lead for a charity. In addition to this, I also do a small amount of private work. Previously I was employed in counselling education for a leading awarding body (examinations board). My role involved supporting counselling training and upholding standards. This involved assessing, moderating and standardising qualifications from levels 2 to 6.

I am passionate about my work and I feel privileged to be able to help people.

Fees, location & contact details

I am able to see clients or supervisees in the Dorchester area. I can also offer online counselling. Please feel free to get in touch for a free telephone consultation.

Counselling - my fees are £45 per 50 minute session for individuals and £65 for couples. For organisations my fees are slightly higher to cover resources provided.

Supervision - I offer integrative supervision for trainee and qualified counsellors and psychotherapists and my fee is £50 per 1 hour session, or £75 for 1.5 hours supervision.

Please call me to discuss your counselling, psychotherapy, training or supervision requirements on: 07470-089338 or email: emmawestoncounselling@gmail.com

Testimonials from counselling clients

'Emma combines a low key, warm approach with skill and enthusiasm. Counsellors with good experience in autistic spectrum disorders seem to be pretty hard to come by so we're very grateful to have found Emma. Thank you!' SM

'Emma is helpful in getting to the crux of my issues; very friendly and kind and I can highly recommend her as a counsellor'. JW

'Emma's approach really worked for me. I felt like she really understood autism and social anxiety and she has helped me to find strategies that work. I would have no hesitation in recommending her'. PJ

'Thank you so much for helping me to cope better in social situations. Coming to counselling each week has been enormously helpful'. NG

'Counselling has been life changing. Thank you for helping me to make positive changes in my life. I am far happier and coming to see you has enabled me to make important decisions and to think about things differently'. FH

'I highly recommend Emma as a counsellor and I feel that she was able to put me at ease as she is an excellent listener. Since working with Emma, I feel more confident and better at communicating. I understand myself better and Emma has taught me some useful assertiveness techniques'. TR

Supervision

I offer integrative supervision for established counsellors and therapists. I also supervise students in training. I believe supervision should be a collaborative working partnership, where therapists can discuss not only their day-to-day client work, but also their professional and academic development, in a safe and restorative environment.

Supervision is essential to maintain our well being and ensure good practice throughout our working life. It provides us with regular and ongoing opportunities to reflect in depth about all aspects of our practice in order to work as effectively, safely and ethically as possible. Supervision also sustains our personal resourcefulness which is required to undertake the work.

I am happy to support supervisees through the accreditation process.

Workshops, Training, Groups and Events

I am an experienced group facilitator and trainer.

I have run workshops whilst volunteering for Autism Wessex for autistic people, these included: what is autism? understanding sensory needs, managing anxiety, communication skills, relationships, and understanding ourselves.

I have been involved in standardisation training events for a leading Counselling Awarding Body.

I have assessed, moderated and standardised counselling qualifications from levels 2 to 6.

I have presented my MA research on working therapeutically with autistic people.

Feel free to get in touch if you would like me to deliver a workshop, seminar, therapeutic group, or a development group.

Books that I like

Autism Spectrum Conditions and Neurodiversity

·The Complete Guide to Asperger's syndrome by Tony Attwood

· Neurotribes by Steve Silberman

· Asperger Syndrome and Anxiety by Nick Dubin

· Martian in the Playground by Clare Sainsbury

· Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome by Luke Jackson

· Different Like Me - My book of autism heros by Elder

· The Asperger Couple's Workbook by Maxine Aston

· The Guide to Good Mental Health on the Autism Spectrum by Purkis, Goodall & Nugent

. Living Well on the Spectrum by Gaus

Counselling and Psychotherapy

· A Way of Being by Carl Rogers

· Working at Relational Depth by Mearns and Cooper

· On Psychotherapy by Petruska Clarkson

· The Skilled Helper by Egan

· Love's Executioner by Yalom

· Staring at The Sun by Yalom

· Existential Psychotherapy by Yalom

· TA Today by Stewart and Joines

· Making and Breaking of Affectionate Bonds by Bowlby

. Standards and Ethics for Counselling Action by Tim Bond

· Windows to Our Children by Violet Oaklander

· Supporting People through Loss and Grief by John Wilson

· Grief Counselling and Grief Therapy by J. William Worden

Useful Contacts

A to Z

Anxiety UK

Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.

Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 7.30pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 2pm)

Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Bipolar UK

A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.

Website: www.bipolaruk.org.uk

CALM

CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.

Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)

Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Men's Health Forum

24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.

Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk

Mental Health Foundation

Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.

Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Mind

Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.

Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)

Website: www.mind.org.uk

No Panic

Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Offers a course to help overcome your phobia or OCD.

Phone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10am to 10pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider's Access Charge

Website: www.nopanic.org.uk

OCD Action

Support for people with OCD. Includes information on treatment and online resources.

Phone: 0845 390 6232 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider's Access Charge

Website: www.ocdaction.org.uk

OCD UK

A charity run by people with OCD, for people with OCD. Includes facts, news and treatments.

Phone: 0333 212 7890 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Website: www.ocduk.org

PAPYRUS

Young suicide prevention society.

Phone: HOPELINEUK 0800 068 4141 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 10pm, and 2pm to 10pm on weekends and bank holidays)

Website: www.papyrus-uk.org

Rethink Mental Illness

Support and advice for people living with mental illness.

Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)

Website: www.rethink.org

Samaritans

Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)

Website: www.samaritans.org.uk

SANE

Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers.

SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (daily, 4.30pm to 10.30pm)

Textcare: comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most: www.sane.org.uk/textcare

Peer support forum: www.sane.org.uk/supportforum

Website: www.sane.org.uk/support

YoungMinds

Information on child and adolescent mental health. Services for parents and professionals.

Phone: Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)

Website: www.youngminds.org.uk

Abuse (child, sexual, domestic violence)

NSPCC

Children's charity dedicated to ending child abuse and child cruelty.

Phone: 0800 1111 for Childline for children (24-hour helpline)

0808 800 5000 for adults concerned about a child (24-hour helpline)

Website: www.nspcc.org.uk

Refuge

Advice on dealing with domestic violence.

Phone: 0808 2000 247 (24-hour helpline)

Website: www.refuge.org.uk

Addiction (drugs, alcohol, gambling)

Alcoholics Anonymous

Phone: 0800 917 7650 (24-hour helpline)

Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

National Gambling Helpline

Phone: 0808 8020 133 (daily, 8am to midnight)

Website: www.begambleaware.org

Narcotics Anonymous

Phone: 0300 999 1212 (daily, 10am to midnight)

Website: www.ukna.org

Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Society

Provides information on dementia, including factsheets and helplines.

Phone: 0333 150 3456 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and 10am to 4pm on weekends)

Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk

Bereavement

Cruse Bereavement Care

Phone: 0808 808 1677 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Website: www.cruse.org.uk

Crime victims

Rape Crisis

To find your local services phone: 0808 802 9999 (daily, 12pm to 2.30pm and 7pm to 9.30pm)

Website: www.rapecrisis.org.uk

Victim Support

Phone: 0808 168 9111 (24-hour helpline)

Website: www.victimsupport.org

Eating disorders

Beat

Phone: 0808 801 0677 (adults) or 0808 801 0711 (for under-18s)

Website: www.b-eat.co.uk

Learning disabilities

Mencap

Charity working with people with a learning disability, their families and carers.

Phone: 0808 808 1111 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Website: www.mencap.org.uk

Parenting

Family Lives

Advice on all aspects of parenting, including dealing with bullying.

Phone: 0808 800 2222 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm and Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm)

Website: www.familylives.org.uk

Relationships

Relate

The UK's largest provider of relationship support.

Website: www.relate.org.uk

Statement of Legal Basis for the collection and processing of data and my privacy policy

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is concerned with the personal information about you that I collect, store, and share. As a counsellor and supervisor, under the above regulation, I am obliged to inform you that as part of my contract with you as your counsellor or supervisor I will need to collect and process information as detailed below. The BACP's (my professional body) requirement is that I seek regular supervision to ensure that I am practising safely and ethically and to help me develop insights and interventions that will benefit my clients, supervisees and myself. Third parties cannot identify clients or supervisees from our sessions due to its anonymous nature and information that is stored digitally will be kept securely for my use. Clients and supervisees will have had this explained and accept that the collection and processing of information from counselling and supervision sessions is a necessary part of their contractual obligation with me. This forms the legal basis for collecting and processing data. Your privacy is important to me and I endeavour to be transparent about the data that I collect and how I use it.

PERSONAL INFORMATION I WILL COLLECT

· Name

· Gender (or preferred identity)

· Age

· Date of Birth

· Relationships and Progeny

· Occupation

· Address

· Telephone/SMS number (plus permission to send SMS and leave voice message)

· Email address

· Counselling History

· Medical conditions relevant to counselling

· Prescribed medication

· Difficulties

· Session summary

HOW I WILL STORE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

STORAGE METHODS

· Paper: written notes, these will be kept in a locked cabinet.

· Smartphone: I will store your contact information in my personal iPhone; this allows me to contact you in case of emergencies. This phone is password protected.

· Email/SMS/WhatsApp: your email address and correspondence will be stored in my email account (currently Gmail) by nature of you contacting me. My computer is password protected. Your telephone number may be stored in my SMS or WhatsApp app should we exchange messages this way. Electronic correspondence will also be held by the corresponding app (Gmail, Phone's SMS, WhatsApp).

· Website: none of your personal information is stored on my website and I do not use cookies.

PAPER DOCUMENTS HELD AND STORED IN A LOCKED CABINET

· Contact Sheet.

· Contract/Agreement.

· Assessment Record.

· Brief Session Notes.

· GDPR Agreement.

· Client Code (linking documents.)

ELECTRONIC

· Contact name and telephone.

· Email/SMS/WhatsApp.

HOW I MAY PROCESS/SHARE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION IN COUNSELLING SUPERVISION OR SUPERVISION OF SUPERVISION

I receive a monthly consultation called supervision with another therapist qualified in this process. The consultation process is for my practice and professional development, as well as to ensure that I am practising ethically and safely. In order to protect your privacy, my supervisor will not know you personally nor professionally. I will refer to you by your initials, and I may refer to your information verbally when it's helpful to my professional processes.

THERAPEUTIC WILL

Your name and contact details will be shared with my Therapeutic Executor in the event of my death. This is so that you will be contacted on the event of my death, should you still be in therapy or supervision with me.

EMERGENCIES

If your health is in jeopardy I may share your contact information with an emergency healthcare service (e.g. Mental Health Crisis Team), in most cases I would endeavour to get your consent prior to this happening. If I have become aware of your intent to cause harm to another person/organisation (e.g. terrorism), the law may require that I inform an authority without seeking your permission. In such a situation, the law may require that I share your personal information without your knowledge such as if my notes are subpoenaed by a court of law.

ERASING YOUR INFORMATION

When we have finished working together, I will erase electronic copies of your information and correspondence within one month. I will hold onto your written information for up to seven years past the end of our working together. This is so that I have a reference of our work in situations such as you returning to counselling or supervision in the future. After this time has passed, I will shred the written information.

YOUR RIGHTS

You have the following rights:

· To be informed what information I hold (i.e. this document).

· To see the information I hold about you (free of charge for the initial request).

· To rectify any inaccurate or incomplete personal information.

· To withdraw consent to me using your personal information.

· To request your personal information be erased (though I can decline whilst the information is needed for me to practice lawfully and competently).

DATA SECURITY

I maintain reasonable precautions to protect personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration and destruction. I store all paper records in a locked filing cabinet, to which only I have the key, and electronic records are stored and protected with a password.

A printed copy of this statement will be given to you when we first meet for counselling or supervision. If we agree to continue working together, we will both sign the printed copy of this statement to indicate our agreement.

I aim to transparently communicate my legal basis for holding, storing and sharing information. This includes explaining what I will hold, how I will hold it, with whom I will share it, for how long, and what will happen when data is no longer needed. If any of this needs further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me. As the Data Controller, I will deal with any issues or complaints and my contact details are at the top of my web page.

Welcome to my website Emma Weston MA, Dip Couns, Cert Sup MBACP (Accred)

Counselling and Psychotherapy

About me

Fees, location & contact details

Mentoring

Testimonials from counselling clients

Supervision

Workshops, Training, Groups and Events

Books that I like

Useful Contacts

A to Z

Anxiety UK

Bipolar UK

CALM

Men's Health Forum

Mental Health Foundation

Mind

No Panic

OCD Action

OCD UK

PAPYRUS

Rethink Mental Illness

Samaritans

SANE

YoungMinds

Abuse (child, sexual, domestic violence)

NSPCC

Refuge

Addiction (drugs, alcohol, gambling)

Alcoholics Anonymous

National Gambling Helpline

Narcotics Anonymous

Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Society

Bereavement

Cruse Bereavement Care

Crime victims

Rape Crisis

Victim Support

Eating disorders

Beat

Learning disabilities

Mencap

Parenting

Family Lives

Relationships

Relate

Privacy Policy

Statement of Legal Basis for the collection and processing of data and my privacy policy