Counselling

I work from a person centred model, which means that I use my whole being to interact with the whole of your being. Read more.....

FAQ's

Counselling is a special kind of relationship between the therapist and the client. Read more......

Valerie Shipp

As an accredited counsellor with the BACP I have met the standards for training. Read more.....

Employees Assistance Programme (EAP's)

Employee Assistance Programmes are becoming increasingly popular as a way of offering support through work. In the 9 years I have been in counselling practice I have seen the growth of EAP’s and am currently working with over 10 major companies in Cumbria, Carlisle and Glasgow.

Most problems which arise in the workplace can be dealt with ‘in house’. During especially difficult times, however, having skilled support for the people directly affected can be a useful resource. My independent, confidential service gives people the opportunity to talk about their feelings more freely and recover better and quicker. Using a BACP accredited counsellor means that you know the people involved are being cared for appropriately, which lets everyone else get on with their jobs.

Of course sometimes people have difficulties in their lives out with work which impact on their ability to concentrate while at work. Offering confidential counselling to staff as one of the benefits of being on the payroll demonstrates to them that they are valued, cared for and part of the team. Admitting that we are struggling is not easy, but, handled sensitively, the offer of counselling can be a huge relief to someone who is not coping. A timely intervention of this kind can support someone to stay at work or return to work sooner from sick leave, and help them to get back to ‘normal’.

The introduction of this kind of support translates into;

  • Improved staff morale
  • Reduced staff sickness and absenteeism
  • Better relationships in the workplace
  • Increased productivity and commitment
  • Retention of employees and reduced staff turnover
  • Your company becomes known as a good employer and attracts a higher calibre of recruit

There are two main ways I can help your company and employees

  1. Individual counselling sessions at one of my clinics in Cumbria, Carlisle and Glasgow. My EAP work involves solution focussed brief therapy for individuals and couples for an agreed number of sessions funded by the employer. Once these sessions are complete, the client can continue with longer term counselling if they wish, which they fund themselves.

  2. I am trained in workshop facilitation and presentation and would be delighted to offer days or half days as part of staff training. Possible topics could be;

    • Recognition of stress, stress release techniques and how to avoid stress in the future
    • Conflict resolution and dealing with anger (your own and someone else’s)
    • Better relationships within the workplace
    • Communication – why doesn’t anyone LISTEN!
    • Critical Incident Debriefing and Post Traumatic Stress

If you think any of the above would be helpful, or want to discuss this further please feel free to contact me.