Theresa Bell

Founder / Lead Practioner

My background is in education, providing support for students from Primary, Secondary, Sixth Form/College, and University. This support includes, but is not limited to, the creation of bespoke timetables (PBS - Positive Behavioural Support) for students that struggle to access normal mainstream school routines, and helping them better understand their diagnosis and its impact on a daily basis. While working with a diverse range of people, I have received specialist training for working with students and adults with Autism, ADHD, Asperger's and challenging behaviour. This enables me to find different ways of working and specific mechanisms which help to make life feel like less of a struggle and make more sense.

As a BACP Clinical Supervisor, I offer supervision for all types of client work to support both qualified and trainee counsellors. I currently volunteer as a Supervisor for Willows Counselling Agency.

Working with local CPN’s and Fostering and Adoption agencies allows me to support young people and families while adjusting to new family situations. I can help to build confidence and trust in new foster families, and create safe, stronger and more stable support networks while ensuring they are still able to access education.

For adults with neurodiversity, I am able to assist in making sense of the world around them. This includes, but is not limited to, relationships, career progression, and learning to accept and work with a new diagnosis.

While working for the charity MIND, I restructured and then managed all of the counselling services for Swindon and Gloucester. This involved running and supervising a team of counsellors working with high risk young people and adults who are struggling and experiencing high levels of stress from various sources. This included, but was not limited to, very busy and demanding workplaces, issues with family, relationships and friendship breakdowns, and life changing decisions. All of these factors can have an impact on the quality of everyday life.

Having worked as the Mental Health Lead (SEMH and SEND) in a large Secondary school while counselling students, I have extensive knowledge of how issues relating to friendships, peer pressure, exam pressure, sexuality and other problems beyond school, affects students’ ability to learn.

I have also previously worked in a Specialist Autistic (SRP) unit supporting children from age 11 to 16.

Volunteering

  • On Track Youth Counselling Services, working with young people aged 14-19 years

  • Willows counselling agency for adults

  • BACP Supervisor for Willows Counsellors and Trainees

  • School Governor and Chair of resources Committee (e.g. admissions, staffing, safeguarding and disciplinary issues)

  • Booster English GCSE lessons after school

  • Booster reading programs for young children

Qualifications

  • BACP Level 6 Clinical Supervisor

  • BACP recognised Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People age 4-25 (BACP Competency Framework Level 5)

  • BACP Dip. Therapeutic Counselling

  • BACP Level 4/3/2 Therapeutic Counselling

  • Self Harm/Self Injury Training (Providing training to other professionals)

  • Mental Health First Aid Training

  • Suicide Awareness Training

  • Gambling Addiction Training

  • Domestic Abuse Training

  • Substance Abuse Training

  • Eating Disorder Training

  • Relate Level 1 in Relationships

  • BA Hons English Literature

  • BA Hons Music

  • Music therapy

  • Creative therapy

  • Child protection/Safeguarding Level 3

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead