Linda Ford
Counselling, Psychotherapy and Supervision, Cardiff and Penarth

Qualifications

I qualified in 2005, after a 10year training, with an M.A in Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy, through Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling and Middlesex University.

The first 2 years of this training were in common with the Diploma in Counselling

Prior to this I completed an M.Sc. in Applied Social Studies (1994) at University of Wales College of Cardiff.

In 1975 I qualified as a social worker with a Diploma in Social Work, Certificate of Qualification in Social Work, from Glasgow University, having been already working in social work prior to training and have 37years experience as a social worker working with most client groups and was an Approved Social Worker.I retired from social work in December 2009.

In 1972 I gained the degree of BA in French and Social Administration from Strathclyde University.



MY APPROACH TO PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COUNSELLING

A humanistic or client-centred approach means I believe in the value of each individual and that our natural tendency is to move towards positive personal growth though some experiences can prevent or hold back the natural tendency.In this kind of therapy we move at the client's pace.

Psychodynamic means it can be useful to consider a client's background as it gives a sense of how they may have come to the difficult place they are now in.

An Intersubjective approach embodies the view that both the 'client' and psychotherapist create meaning or understanding together as opposed to the view that one or other is 'expert'....this is a truly relational psychotherapy.

Transpersonal is about our spirit,literally 'beyond the person', or the meaning of our lives in a 'bigger picture'.

These are the main elements that my training integrates...I too want to change and evolve in a way which helps my personal growth, my development as a Psychotherapist and that of my client.

So I continue to learn ......