About Me

I too have struggled with accepting who I am and this is what originally brought me to have my own therapy and then to train as a therapist.

Reading Elaine Aron’s book “The Highly Sensitve Person” in 2010 led me not to only to a new understanding of myself but also to a particular interest in supporting clients who feel sensitive, either because of current events in their life or because it is the way they have always been.  Being sensitive means different things to different people and most of my clients describe themselves as sensitive and deep thinkers in some way.

One of my own traits as a sensitive person is that I am a gentle person and this is reflected in the way that I work with you. Although I have undertaken academic training and lots of courses as I love learning and growing, we work things out together. Compassion, kindness, care and trust are central.

Many of my clients have always felt “different”, and that can feel lonely. I know how frustrating it can be when people don’t “get” you even when we try to explain how things are for you. That is why I am really committed to doing my best to understand you, and to helping you have a better understanding of yourself.

Qualifications, Experience and Professional Ethics

Perhaps my most important ‘qualifications’ are my own experience of being different, someone who processes deeply, and a sensitive person who really cares about the people I work with.

I’m always learning from clients and hope to always keep growing and developing myself. Here are a selection of my professional qualifications and courses I’ve undertaken:

Diploma in Integrative Supervision (level 6) (The Grove)

Clinical Diploma and Person-centred Psychotherapy and Applications (level 6) (Metanoia Institute)

MSc in Person-centred Psychotherapy and Applications (level 7) (Middlesex University/Metanoia Institute)

Diploma in the Theory and Practice of Counselling

Certificate in Advanced Emotional Regulation

Certificate in Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy

Level 2 in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)

Integrating Mindfulness and Compassion in Professional Practice

The Highly Sensitive Person’s Life Redesign with Alane Freund

Blue Cross Pet Loss Support training

Ongoing study with Carolyn Spring on working with trauma

Attended 9 month self-compassion program

 

I am a fully ensured psychotherapist registered with the UKCP and BACP and follow their framework of good practice and ethics. I have regular supervision and undertake regular Continuing Professional Development. I am registered with the Information Commissioner and as such am required to have a complaints policy. Please email complaints@elizabethdowningcounsellor.com if you would like to see a copy.