About me
My name is Frances (I prefer Frankie!) and I’ve been working as a counsellor since 2009, having a ‘person-centred’ base of training. This means I understand the value of a non-judgmental, safe place to talk, where you can be heard and accepted within a genuine, safe, and compassionate therapeutic relationship. I believe all of us can flourish and grow, with the right support and environment.
I specialise in CBT Counselling (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). I offer this within an integrative approach, to help you explore your patterns of thinking or relating to enhance helpful patterns and work to your strengths.
Additionally, I am trained in counselling for children and young people; supporting them with a wide range of concerns, according to their stage of development. I have experience of working as a school counsellor across all age ranges, and also in an independent school for young people with ASC and anxiety.
We are all different - I offer a flexible approach according to your needs, style and preferences to help counselling be the most effective for you. I value diversity and welcome ALL.
I am glad to support you with any issues including:
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Relationship concerns
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Loss / Bereavement
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Sexual / Physical / Emotional / Spiritual Abuse
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Trauma
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Attachment trauma
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Sexuality (LGBTQ+ affirming)
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Eating Distress
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Self Harm
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Suicidal thoughts
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Stress
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Anger
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Low self-esteem
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Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
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Care-experiences
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Physiological illness / Pain / Chronic ill health
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Eco-anxiety
This list is not exhaustive and I know life and our concerns do not always fit into clear categories, and my experience and interests extend beyond this list. Please do get in touch to ask any questions you may have.
Safe and Professional Practice
I am passionate about growth and development, and am committed also to my own personal and professional development. Recently I have taken further training in:
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Safeguarding
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ASIST – Advanced Suicide Intervention Skills Training
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Online safety and cyber bullying,
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Mental Health Law
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Information Governance,
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Equal Opportunities,
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Trauma and the body, trauma and PTSD (Janina Fisher)
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Moving Your Practice Online
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Supporting the mental health of young people – and parents (Dan Hughes)
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Mindfulness
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Internal Family Systems
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Tackling the mental health crisis for children and young people.
Supervision
All counsellors need regular supervision. I meet with a Clinical Supervisor, at least once a month, to reflect on my client work, to ensure I am working effectively and helpfully for you. Whilst I may share themes of our work with my supervisor, I do not share information that would allow them to identify you.
I am also trained and experienced as a Clinical Supervisor. I recognise the value of individual supervision in providing counsellors a dedicated space for reflective practice and to support other counsellors in their professional development.
Ethical Practice and Accreditation
Counsellors, by nature of our work, often support vulnerable people. Therefore it is essential to ensure a safe and ethical practice. I am registered and accredited by the ACC – Association of Christians in Counselling, and I commit to following their Code of Ethics and Practice. The ACC’s register has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under its Accredited Registers programme.
I subscribe to the DBS Update Service, and have an Enhanced DBS
and PVG for working with vulnerable adults and young people.
Contact me
For any questions you have, you can reach me here:
Step Forward Counselling & Support Services
07470 196765
