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About me

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I am a fully qualified counsellor, and have worked with different client groups in various settings.

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My current and previous work experience

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  • Private counsellor in Exeter and Ashburton

  • Counsellor at Age UK Exeter

  • Enabler and Community Development Worker for Teignbridge Council

  • Volunteer in my local Memory Café for people with dementia

  • Drug and alcohol CBT therapist

  • Researcher in drug and alcohol treatment at St George's Hospital, London

  • Counsellor in a primary health care centre

 

My qualifications

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  • Advanced Diploma in Humanistic Counselling (Dartmoor Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy)

  • MSc degree in Drug and Alcohol Addiction (King's College London, 2001)

  • Psychology degree (1993)

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What have clients said about me?

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“My counselling sessions have enabled me to handle my ongoing problems. Your expertise has really opened my mind so that I can see a way forward.”

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“It wasn’t easy to unravel the mix of emotions I couldn’t cope with anymore. But we did it and now I know how to direct my emotions to a positive place.”

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“I feel much more able to deal with things since having your support. Thank you so much for your help and acceptance. I have a few more 'tools' to help manage things.”

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“I do feel like I can talk to you, that you are listening.”

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What have colleagues said about me?

 

"Thais's work is highly skilled and deeply relational." 

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"Thais is an ethical and reflective counsellor who puts the welfare of the client first." 

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What is my approach as a counsellor?

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As an integrative counsellor, I draw from different approaches in a way that is flexible and fits your needs and wishes. As a humanistic counsellor, I see counselling as an opportunity for you to increase your self-awareness, and cultivate autonomy and meaning in the way you live your life.

 

Other approaches that support my work are CBT, attachment theory, IFS (Internal Family Systems) and mindfulness.

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I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and I abide by its code of ethics. I have enhanced CRB/DBS clearance and I am fully insured. ​You can find me in the BACP register and in the UK Counselling Directory.

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I have had recent training on

 

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Complex Trauma and IFS

  • Attachment

  • Polyvagal Theory and Nervous System Regulation

  • Dealing with Distress, Suicide and Self-Harm

  • Relational Depth

  • Existential Therapy

  • Compassion Focused Therapy

  • Supporting Clients with Anxiety

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

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I am committed to my professional development, and I attend regular individual supervision, peer supervision, courses and lectures.

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I also have experience of being a counselling client myself, which has greatly contributed to my personal development and my understanding and appreciation of the therapeutic process.

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I am 56 years old. I grew up in Brazil, and have been living in the UK for 22 years. I am married and have two daughters.

 

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