SHEILA MOFFOOT
Accredited MBACP
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Please use the contact box below to enquire about putting a session in place. Or to find out more about the counselling service I offer.
My Journey into Counselling
My journey into counselling began with my own experiences of having counselling at different times in my life. Those experiences showed me the value of having someone who will listen without judgement and provide a safe space to talk openly.
They inspired me to train as a counsellor and eventually to develop my own private practice.
During my counselling training, I volunteered as a bereavement support worker at a local hospice and also provided counselling through established UK charities.
After qualifying, I continued to develop my experience within hospice and community settings, supporting people through bereavement and other difficult experiences.
Before becoming a counsellor, I worked as a nurse and midwife in a variety of healthcare settings. This background has given me an understanding of the wider impact that changes in health can have on individuals and families.
My connection with cancer is also personal. Members of my own family have experienced breast cancer and secondary breast cancer, and I have experienced the loss of a family member as a result of the illness.
Alongside my professional experience supporting people affected by cancer, this personal experience has given me an understanding of how an illness can affect not only the person diagnosed, but those close to them too.
I have also lived abroad, experiencing the challenges of adapting to a different culture and later returning to life in the UK. This time overseas shaped my understanding of how significant changes can affect our sense of familiarity, belonging and identity.
My approach
I am an integrative counsellor, drawing on different counselling approaches rather than working in just one way.
I believe that counselling needs to be individual to the person sitting in front of me. I take time to listen and understand your experiences, rather than assuming that one approach will suit everyone.
I aim to offer a warm, respectful and non-judgemental space where you can be yourself and talk openly about what is happening for you.
For me, counselling is a collaborative process. I won't tell you what you should think or feel; instead, I will work alongside you as you explore what matters to you and what you would like from counselling.
A little More About Me
Outside of my counselling work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, getting outdoors walking the dog, reading and the occasional visit to the theatre and generally making the most of time away from work.
I know that choosing a counsellor is a personal decision. I hope this page has given you a little more insight into who I am, my background and what has led me to this work.
If you would like to find out more, you're welcome to get in touch.
What I can Offer You as Your Counsellor:
I use a combination of approaches when working with my clients. My main way of working is Person Centred where you, my client, is at the centre of the work we do together, working in the 'here and now', with whatever you choose to bring into the counselling room to talk about, so you are always in control of what you share in the session.
Person Centred Counselling allows you to choose the focus and pace of the work. I believe in your potential and ability to make the right choices for yourself, regardless of my own values, beliefs and ideas.
I also use the Psychodynamic approach: working with personal life experiences from your past which may also be impacting your present way of being and life experiences. I do also use other therapeutic tools and approaches where appropriate in order to meet your needs as my client.
Counselling offers a confidential and safe space in which you can explore, with my support, your thoughts, feelings and behaviour around your personal life experiences which may be causing difficulties. I do not give advice or tell you what to do nor will I judge you for the way you think, feel and behave.
I believe the relationship between counsellor and client is vitally important for the counselling to be of help and would encourage an initial session to see if you feel I am the right counsellor for you and that we can work together. Likewise if I feel I do not have the experience to support you with the issue you are coming with I will do my very best to direct you to where would best suit you.
I am an Accredited member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and adhere to their ethical guidelines. I also hold personal indemnity insurance.