Mental Health Nurse and Wellness Facilitator
FAQS
WHAT INFORMS YOUR APPROACH?
My approach is informed by multiple influences.
I aim to meet a person where they are at and am informed by their view of the world.
My own personal preferences are for fourth wave psychological approaches that are holistic and person-centred in nature.
I have a BSc in mental health nursing and have learned to incorporate many theories which inform psychological practice into my approach, including humanistic and transpersonal theories.
I am also currently studying an MSc in Consciousness, Spirituality and Transpersonal Psychology which further guides my approach to health and wellness.
My own personal history provides me with a level of empathetic understanding for those who have suffered and those who have been diagnosed with mental illness.
WHAT SPECIFIC SUPPORT DO YOU OFFER?
Medication free support.
Individualised and personalised support to understand unusual experiences arising from non-ordinary states of consciousness including psychosis, mania, psychedelics or cannabis use, spiritual crisis or spiritual awakening.
Personalised plans for cessation of self-harming if safe to do so.
General lifestyle advice around physical health, eating and exercise.
Skills for managing panic attacks, ruminations and/or anxiety.
Mindfulness based support.
Nature-based interventions.
An open minded/ non-judgemental attitude and unconditional positive regard.
Empathic listening.
Support towards meeting individual potential and to uncover barriers to this process.
Psychoeducation around mental illness and altered states of consciousness- for an individual and their families (if appropriate).
Personalised crisis advice.
Creative arts for self-expression.
Support around spiritual questions.
Advice about medication.
Social Prescribing Support.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy Skills for emotional intensity.
Mediation between individuals where conflict arises and resolution is sought.
Sensitivity to vulnerabilities while challenging people to grow or adjust to their circumstances.
DO YOU OFFER THERAPY?
While the care I provide is informed by psychological theories and is underpinned by clinical standards of excellence; I am not a therapist and do not provide counselling or psychotherapy.
I view this as a positive property of the work I do because it means I am not bound by one specific school of thought and am happy to adapt to the worldview that my client ascribes to.
HOW LONG DOES EACH SESSION LAST?
Sessions will have a minimum agreed length during the introductory session. I will, however, be flexible in this approach. I endeavour to never interrupt the flow of good therapeutic engagement due to time constraints.
CAN YOU SUPPORT MY CHILD?
I am happy to work with (a) parent(s)/ carer(s) (and children directly) to support their child (or child in their care).
Specific arrangements can be organised during an introductory session.
I am not a substitute for parental care and I will collaborate with parents/carer to support them in assisting their child/the child they care for.
I will not see a child without parental/carer consent.
I WOULD LIKE TO BRING (A) FAMILY MEMBER(S), CARER(S), PARTNER(S) OR SUPPORTIVE FRIEND(S) TO MY SESSION, IS THIS OKAY?
Absolutely! It is sometimes helpful for clients to use those within their networks for support initially.
It may even be that systemic thinking is required where interpersonal difficulties are contributing to problems and therefore the solution may require input from more than one person.
Independence might even potentially be an agreed goal of our therapeutic work.
The appropriateness of this supportive network approach can be agreed upon at the introductory session.
HOW MUCH DO YOUR SESSIONS COST ?
My base fee is £40 per hour.
I do not, however, wish to exclude anyone based on their income and therefore cost is negotiable for those on a lower income.
If affordable, I would invite those who have the financial means to make a 'sponsorship donation' whereby they can assist me in working with those who may struggle to afford the service.
HOW CAN I ENSURE YOUR PROFESSIONALISM?
I am registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and adhere to the NMC Code which outlines professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates.
I am a member of the Royal College of Nurses who provide indemnity cover.
HOW IS MY INFORMATION KEPT SAFE?
Prior to engagement, consent must be given for information to be held for purposes of delivering care and to ensure professional accountability. Information is written and securely stored in a locked filing system at my home address.
Requests for access to information or amendments to personal data held can be made at any time.
Implicit consent is given for contact information to be used to arrange or book appointments when contacting for the first time.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE CONCERNS ABOUT SAFETY?
With your consent, I may liaise with other professionals involved in your care if I am worried about you.
I am also professionally obligated to report concerns about vulnerable adults or children if I feel they are at risk of harm (usually to social care); you would usually be informed of this if this happens.
In urgent situations it may mean making contact with emergency services if I feel that someone is at an immediate risk of being harmed or is at risk of harming others.
I'M WORRIED ABOUT HOW I MIGHT BE TREATED BECAUSE I'M A BIT DIFFERENT FROM MOST PEOPLE. HOW CAN YOU REASSURE ME?
I have a non-judgemental attitude with regards to sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, religious affiliation, marital status, pregnancy, economic background, race, nationality, ethnicity, age or alternative lifestyles.
All that I require from us both to work well together is openness.
WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT PSYCHEDELIC ASSISTED RECOVERY?
Currently, I cannot legally advocate the use of psychedelic substances.
However, as a non-judgemental nurse who uses research evidence to inform my practice I understand that there is an increasing evidence base for the therapeutic benefits of their use, particularly when used with the right intention and guidance.
As a responsible clinician I would take a harm-reduction approach and care for anyone who wishes to use (or has used these substances) for therapeutic use.
I understand the need for appropriate preparatory work and post psychedelic 'trip' integration.
I am not able to provide these substances and would not be able to advise someone as to where they can acquire them.
If this is something you are considering doing, please discuss this with me during our introductory session.
Please see the resources page on this website for more information.
I AM NOT ABLE TO FIND THE QUESTION I WANTED TO HAVE ANSWERED, HOW CAN I GET IN CONTACT?
You are very welcome to contact me via email or by phone. Details are listed on contact page.
EVERYTHING SOUNDS GREAT, HOW CAN I SIGN UP?
Please contact me directly by phone or email before booking a free introductory session.
Further sessions are only offered by mutual agreement between myself and the client(s).