Background
My name is Jean Douglas.
I am a fully qualified and experienced counsellor.
I initially trained in couples counselling with Relate before undertaking further study for family work and I then completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Relationship Therapy.
Previously I have worked in the NHS as a nurse and then as a midwife before eventually retraining as a Counsellor.
It has taken me many years to finally find the right career path and I took the long way round to get here. However, like life itself there are no short cuts and the experience of the journey is often the best teacher.
Type of Counselling I Offer and How I Work
I work integratively using psychodynamic and systemic models. This basically means I work in a way which helps us think about how you relate to yourself and others and how you deal with closeness and conflict – this impacts on all that you do.
By using both psychodynamic and systemic models I will work with you to explore your attachments and family dynamics which impact not only how you relate to yourself but to others, For couples in crisis this is especially important and is proven to be an effective way of helping make sense and overcoming difficulties.
This way of working takes into account all of your strengths so we can help you draw on your own resources which may be undeveloped or overlooked. By drawing on your own innate qualities you can overcome existing challenges and equip youself for any future challenges which may arise.
Sometimes historic events and family issues may appear insurmountable but I believe all things can be worked through and each person has it within themselves to find a way to access healing. It may just need the right person to help you with your situation.
Counselling can assist you in understanding yourself and perhaps most usefully it helps you recognise areas which aren’t working well for you and how you might change those.
By more fully understanding yourself (both your qualities and flaws) can help you overcome difficulties and appreciate yourself in a way which helps you live life more fully and joyfully.
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old but on building the new.” (Socrates)
Experience
With over fifteen year experience I worked for Relate for a number of years before setting up in private practice. My experience includes individual, couples and family work across a variety of settings and with a broad range of clients. I also have experience of working with same sex couples and cross cultural issues.
During my career as a midwife I was part of a Bereavement Support Team and as a result of this I have retained an interest in pregnancy and health related matters. I offer counselling to those who are having pregnancy and birth related difficulties, including postnatal depression.
I have worked in a variety of community settings including a domestic violence unit and I understand the impact this can have on couples, individuals and on the wider family.
I work with both men and women who may be equally affected by any of the above.
Qualifications
Registered Nurse 1984
Registered Midwife 1986
University Advanced Diploma in Couple Counselling – Relate (University of Hull) 2010
Certificate in Family Counselling (Relate Institute) 2011
Post Graduate Diploma In Relationship Therapy – Relate (University of Hull) 2014
I am a member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and I work within its Ethical Framework.
