Donna Gibson MBACP
In deciding whether to work with me you might be interested to know a little bit about who I, Donna Gibson, am.
So my decision to pursue a career in counselling came from two related but different directions.
The first was following the death of someone very close to me and a strong belief that I could be helpful to people who were struggling. The second was from my own experience of counselling which was really positive.
What enabled me to grow and heal was the relationship between my counsellor and I.
It was a relationship unlike others in my life. I was able to talk freely, without filter. My thoughts, feelings and behaviours were understood and I didn’t feel judged. Talking in an environment which felt safe, empowered me to make choices for myself and find my own way forward.
In my down time I love reading, especially around what makes us tick and what gets in the way. I also enjoy good films from around the world, walking and being by the sea. I would call myself an ambivert, in other words I get a lot of pleasure from being with people but I also need to recharge by spending time on my own.
Qualifications and Experience
I am a registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I hold a Foundation Degree in Counselling and Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
As well as my private practice, I have also worked with Terrence Higgins Trust and local charities Lighthouse Women’s Aid and Survivors in Transition.
I have many years’ experience of working with people who have wanted to talk about a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, relationships, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, grief, loss, chronic illness and fertility.
Professional Membership
Being a member of the BACP requires me to work within their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. I have met their standards for registration and you can find me on the BACP Register for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
Part of my commitment to ethical practice is to receive monthly supervision which supports my wish to offer you the best service I can.
In addition to the above, I also belong to several organisations dedicated to promoting the person-centred approach to counselling.
Continuing Professional Development
I get a real kick out of learning and consider myself to be a life-long learner. In addition to reading, listening to podcasts and watching YouTube videos, I have also attended workshops on:
- A Short Guide to what every Psychological Therapist should know about working with Psychiatric Drugs
- How Siblings Shape our Lives: Working with the Sibling Matrix
- Seminar for Counsellors on the Needs of Adult Siblings of People with a Lifelong Disability
- Integrating Dream Work in Counselling
- Understanding the Trauma of Premature Birth and Baby Loss
- Men’s Issues in Psychotherapy and Counselling Today
- Working in Private Practice with Women who have experienced Trauma and Diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder
- Trauma and the Therapeutic Relationship | Approaches to Process and Practice
- Domestic, Sexual and Honour Based Abuse
- Mindfulness and Mentalising
- Working with Aspergers
- Eating Disorders Awareness
