All about me, Leah.

Hello,
Starting with a strong foundation to my entry into the therapy and mental health world  I've been awarded a Distinction in Level 4 of Counselling and Psychotherapy in early 2021. Furthermore I’ve completed smaller courses for my career personal development including a level 2 in mindfulness, an Introduction to Solution Focused Therapy and Grief Therapy and an accredited qualification in Indian Head Massage & Facials.

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My study and personal development is ongoing. To remain certified by the ACCPH I am bound by their codes and ethics and I must complete over 25 hours of career development and attend supervision & counselling when required. For the first 3 years of qualifying, I attended supervision and counselling every 8 weeks. I’m lucky enough to have had a fabulous supervisor who I worked with regularly since late 2021 and we are still in contact now.

A Little More About Me:
When I first started the therapy I was convinced that I would purely want to be a counsellor, but the more I have learnt, the more I read and see, there are so many options to explore and I'm really starting to find my way and my passion.
I am certainly above all a supporter of women wellbeing - listening to clients, helping them put things into context and work their way through issues, seeing the change in them is beautiful. I also love helping clients set goals and take the steps to achieve them, whether they are in work, relationships or everyday life and personal well-being. Plus ensuring every woman can have access to some self care for themselves including guided relaxation and massage.
It's changed me, really, it has!

Since starting my therapy journey in 2020, I have been making some major changes in my life, putting my newly learnt skills into practice on myself and really homing in on what makes me happy and content. I've found that my life is more fulfilling when it contains a positive outlook, and to have that, I have to work for it. It means building in new routines and habits to make me a better person, putting boundaries in place and coping with anxiety. I’ve been through past traumas and issues myself and feel this makes me a more understanding and empathetic therapist.

Covid was devastating for a lot of people and it affected everyone in some way or another.
For myself and my husband, even though at one point we really thought we could lose everything, we feel so lucky to have been able to turn this negative into a positive. We've re-assessed what we want our futures to look like and have had the time to make the necessary changes. Don't get me wrong, it's been a bumpy ride and sometimes we didn't know where to turn or what will happen next, but we have come out the other side better for it.
I have been lucky enough to be able to really think about if I wanted to stay in the events industry, something that had been my life for 7 years. After a lot of thought, a nudge from one of my sisters and unwavering support from my husband, I decided to train in therapy.
From the beginning of 2020 I studied for my level 4 in C&P, enrolling in other courses to improve my skills, taking part in 240 hours of face to face practice client sessions, which was part of my level 4, while home schooling my daughter on and off....yeah, that was fun! I've dabbled in dog sitting, dog walking and book selling to bring in a little extra income on the side to help pay for the study and change in career, but ultimately I knew I had to give it all up if I was going to seriously pursue this new career and new life, and I'm so glad I did, it's given me a much more for-filling life.

Therapy & wellbeing can help you work through any issues in a variety of applications and methods, it can be emotional at times or it can be used to look forward, make changes and reach those goals you didn't think possible. I can support you through difficult times or help you navigate your way into a better future. Not only support but wellbeing is now a huge passion of mine, being able to put my love and energy into massage movement, facials and relaxation to help women feel good. This alone can not only be a treat, but it can feel like a healing process, give you time to reflect and just be.

So if you would like a bit of extra support, wellbeing of self care in your life, I’m here to help!

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Qualifications, Certificates and Continual Personal Development.

 

Level 4 Counselling and Psychotherapy - Certified by ACCPH - Distinction awarded - November 2021

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Level 2 Mindfulness - Open University - May 2021

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Diploma in Anxiety Awareness - New Skills Academy - August 2021

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Introduction to Solution Focused Therapy - Learn Relate - September 2022

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Grief Course - Udemy - January 2023

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Complete Boundary Setting - Udemy - July 2023

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Relaxation Therapy - Centre Of Excellence - March 2024

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Indian Head Massage - Theory and Practical with Kelly McAlinder Holistic Academy - Accredited by Beauty Guild - May 2024

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Facials - Theory and Practical with Kelly McAlinder Holistic Academy - Accredited by Beauty Guild - July 2024

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Gua Sha Facial Massage - Beauty Courses - Accredited by IPHM  - October 2024

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Membership and other info:

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I am a member of the ACCPH for my level 4 in counselling and psychotherapy qualification

My certificates gained at Kelly McAlinder Holistic Academy are accredited by Beauty Guild.