Gwen is a qualified, dedicated and compassionate psychotherapeutic counsellor with over 12 years of experience in the mental health field.   She is a registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) and is fluent in both English and Spanish at a native proficiency level

Gwen began her studies in Psychology 19 years ago and since then, has completed further postgraduate studies and worked in various mental health settings.  She is incredibly passionate about mental health, therapeutic work, wellbeing, clinical psychology, applied psychology and providing holistic care.  Helping others and her deep- rooted vocation in mental health, have guided her career and studies.

As an integrative therapist, she uses different therapeutic approaches and theories to suit the clients’ needs, believing that individuals are unique and therefore, one approach might not fit everyone. 

Gwen has worked with diverse client groups and complex mental health issues, including trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, abuse, complex bereavement, relational/ relationship difficulties and other mental health conditions.  Her experience includes providing therapeutic support and therapy in settings such as hospitals, NHS GP surgeries and university mental health and counselling teams.  She has also worked in individual and group therapy as a psychology assistant and worked as a mental health practitioner with complex mental health cases.

Gwen believes all clients have the power to change, and therefore she identifies herself as an integrative, humanistic and person-centred counsellor. Being humanistic, means she focuses on clients strengths and personal growth.  As a person-centred counsellor, she aims to create a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment, supporting clients as they explore their thoughts and feelings.  Her work is client – led, as she will collaborate and discuss what clients want from therapy or if they have a goal.

Gwen has worked and trained in mental health across three countries (England, Spain and Argentina), gaining diverse experiences and learning opportunities. She is passionate about working with clients from all backgrounds, including ethnically diverse communities, and is dedicated to providing culturally competent care.

Approaches and Values

Integrative– At the core of my work I am an integrative therapist. This means I combine theories and techniques from various therapeutic approaches (humanistic, existential, CBT, psychodynamic, transactional analysis, among others) , depending on what my client brings to our session. I tailor the treatment to each client, as each person is a unique individual and one single model might not fit everyone.

Humanistic: I believe in clients being able to achieve their full potential for self-actualization and personal growth. I am incredibly passionate about having a holistic view when supporting clients, considering thoughts, feelings, behaviours, spirituality; social context and a client’s world outside the therapy room.  I offer authenticity and genuineness in the therapeutic relationship; this is the core and heart of my work. As part of this, focusing on a collaborative relationship.

Person centred: I offer unconditional positive regard; this means I accept my clients without any judgement; and offer Empathy, Genuineness and a non- directive approach.

Values: My core values are: Non – judgmental attitude, Warmth, Empathy and Genuineness and an integrative approach. My clients are at the centre of all that I do, and the theories I choose. I  am also guided by the BACP and UKCP Ethical Guidelines.

Qualifications 

Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, Northern Guild (BACP and UKCP Accredited Training)

Master in Social Work, Durham University

Bachelor in Psychology, Universidad del Norte (5- year programme) – with placement in Clinical Psychology

Bachelor in Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid – Clinical Focus

Additional Training 

Certificate in Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) with Dr Chris Ions

Certificate in Doing Brief Therapy Informed by a Single-Session Mindset – Windy Dryden

Drug and Alcohol Training – Newcastle Treatment and Recovery Team

Certificate on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Northumbria University

Certificate Post-vention Assisting those Bereaved by Suicide (PABBS Training)

Eating Distress North East (EDNE) Training

Certificate in Pink Therapy – Gender, Sex and Relationship Diversities

Certificate in Narcissism Part 2 – Jenny Harthill

Certificate in Increasing Awareness of Border Line Personality Disorder, Seraph Training, Northumbia University

Certificate in Adult Safeguarding Training Level 1 Newcastle City Council

Certificate in Adult Safeguarding Training Level 2 Newcastle City Council

Certificate in General Data and Protection Regulation

Memberships

Registered Member of BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)

British Psychological Society

Social Work England Registration