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Hello

I'm Heather and I've been working therapeutically with adults and young people since 2010 when I began teaching meditation to children.  In my personal life, I've been thrown many curve balls, some of which I've dealt with better than others.  In the process, I've learned how to hold hope for a brighter future.  Some of the 'downs' of life have taken me to some dark places and yet here I am, somehow stronger than before.  Having faced a number of life-changing events and lived to tell the tale, it is my privilege to work as a counsellor and offer support to those who are facing their own difficulties.

Life for me is pretty good now... it wasn't always that way.

My Story

For decades, and following a childhood that was at times traumatic, I carried my pain alone - not knowing properly how to trust or let anyone get really close to me.  My father had died when I was young and my mother, not knowing how to cope with her pain, became an alcoholic.  Shortly after turning 30, following the breakup of a relationship and experiencing the trials of being a single mother to my two young children, I found that my heart was hurting so badly that I could either sink into complete despair and give up, or choose something different for myself and my children.  Had I not had guidance and support at that time from a couple of inspirational therapists, my life might have taken a very different path.

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Life for me is pretty good now, with a supportive partner, a blended family situation, two little dogs and a slightly angry cat (anyone know a good pet therapist?!).  Life isn't always simple, but it certainly is rich!

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I believe that the greatest gift we can give another person is our presence: to feel seen, heard and understood is the best medicine in the world.  We can then learn to thrive, rather than just survive.  

 

If you would like to have a chat to help you decide if I would be the right person to support you then book a free initial chat. If you don't see any hours of availability that suit then If you can't find a suitable slot, then please email me at heather@springvalewellbeing.co.uk or text 07472164574 because there's usually more availability than the calendar displays.

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My experience and areas of specialism

I have been working therapeutically with children (aged 4+), young people and adults for over 13 years in the world of complementary therapies, mindfulness and meditation teaching.  My PhD research into the effects of a mindfulness & self-compassion course that I created for teenagers was sponsored by the Mindfulness Association and earned me a PhD in education in 2020.  I work with adults, teens, tweens and children offering talking therapy and, for clients aged 4-11, therapeutic play in a purpose-built playroom.  

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I am a person-centred integrative counsellor and am experienced in working in the following areas:

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  • anxiety & low mood

  • Autism & ADHD

  • mild to moderate depression

  • Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity (GSRD)

  • miscarriage and fertility issues

  • personal growth

  • relationship difficulties

  • self-esteem & self-confidence

  • spirituality

  • work-related stress

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I am LGBTQ+ affirmative.

Close Up Owl

My qualifications

Postgraduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling, Psychotherapy and Psychological Wellbeing

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  • PhD (Education) researching mindfulness & self-compassion

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Studies in Mindfulness

  • Associate Tutor with the Mindfulness Association

  • Qualified as a Connected KidsTM Tutor and Trainer

  • Online & telephone counselling course (80hrs)

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Post-qualifying training (Continuing Professional Development)

  • CPD Certificate in CBT (PESI)

  • Certificate in Relationship Counselling (Heartful Therapies via Grove Practice)

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Children & Young People (University of Strathclyde)

  • CPD Certificate in Attachment-Based Play Therapy for Trauma, Emotional Dysregulation and Behavioural Challenges (PESI)

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play from the Academy of Play & Child Psychotherapy (APAC Ltd)

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I am an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy and abide by their code of conduct.  

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