Sonia Clarke

I became aware of how valuable counselling is through my own life experiences and I subsequently trained as an Integrative Counsellor.

I am an Accredited Member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (bacp) and work within their code of ethics for good practice, details can be found at www.bacp.co.uk.

I receive regular supervision in line with bacp guidelines. I am committed to training as part of my ongoing personal and professional development.

I am qualified in the Integrative approach and also at Diploma Level 5 in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) I hold a BPS approved Certificate in Supervision and have achieved BACP Accredited status.

I work mainly in an integrative way using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychodynamic and Humanistic theories.

I was previously Clinical Manager for a local mental health charity, Mind in addition to my private practice, managing their counselling service in addition to supervising a team of 14 counsellors

Life has been difficult and we can feel overwhelmed, lost, helpless or distressed. Anxiety, Stress and Phobias can be a part of everyday life. There are times when life can feel a struggle. Asking for help is hard. Maybe you imagine no-one else will understand.

My role is to provide warmth and empathy, to help you without pressure or judgement. I can help you to make changes and find a solution.

I offer a safe and confidential place where you can explore your anxiety and stress, developing a greater understanding of those feelings. Counselling or Psychotherapy can help you to move forward and enhance your life experience.

We often rely on help from family and friends but there may also be issues that are complex or sensitive which we don't feel comfortable in sharing with those close to us. I can provide you with a confidential opportunity for you to express yourself openly, explore your thoughts and feelings in safety, to assist your learning, healing, understanding and growth.

In the first session we will look at what you want from the process and agree on a way of working together. 

The right supervisor can encourage growth and nurture you, and challenging you while being supportive.

I am an experienced, fully qualified, integrative clinical supervisor, providing supervision to counsellors, psychotherapists, mental health professionals and student counsellors. 

Supervision is crucial to ensure the best practice for the clients and the self-care of the therapist.

Clinical Supervision is an alliance between the supervisor and the supervisee for the purpose of supporting, evaluating and developing professional practice as well as complying with professional standards.

Supervision includes:

increasing your self-awareness

developing the skills of self-reflection

ensuring ethical practice is maintained

As your supervisor I can provide you with:

a reflective space

a place to explore not just client work, but your thoughts, feelings and experiences with clients

a celebratory space

I provide a safe environment for you to reflect on your professional practice using a variety of methods, but with the primary focus on clinical practice.

My supervision practice is underpinned by over 10 years of clinical therapeutic work at MIND and in private practice. I hold a British Psychological Society Certificate in Clinical Supervision.

My role as your supervisor will be to help you develop your own 'internal supervisor' and to trust in your own abilities. I endeavour to create an environment of openness, honesty, support and respect, allowing you to work through your practice issues.

I offer a free initial 30 minute consultation with you to ensure we can work together, agree a supervision contract and build a professional relationship.

I have delivered training and development to individuals and many organisations, including local authority and educational settings in Hertfordshire, Essex and the surrounding area. 

Courses include:

 Mental Health Awareness

 Confidence Building

 Assertiveness

 Anxiety Management

 Stress Management

 Resilience

 Coping with Self Harm (for carers/parents/practitioners)

 Coping with change

Learning to Relax and Mindfulness

Safeguarding Adults

 I am also an Hertfordshire County Council Accredited Trainer of Safeguarding Adults at Risk. Incorporating how to spot abuse or neglect with the requirements of the Care Act 2014. 

I have delivered this training to operational staff, Safeguarding leads and at Board level.

I have delivered training in many settings from small intimate groups to University settings , lecture style!

I create content that suits your needs , is appropriate to your requirements. 

I offer bite size sessions, weekly courses or half day or full day workshops. 

I am PTTLS qualified (now L3 Award in Education & Training). I have a current enhanced DBS for working with adults and children.