The Face Behind Alleviate Counselling
Bethan Creighton (BSc; PGDip; MSc; MBACP; Clinical Supervisor in Training)
Hi, my name is Bethan, I’m a person-centred Counsellor based in Dukinfield, Cheshire. Thank you for taking the time to visit my website.
I know the search for a Counsellor can be difficult to navigate, particularly for people who may not have accessed therapy before. With this in mind, I’ve included a little bit about me on this page to give you a sense of who I am, how I work and the space that I offer, to hopefully make your search easier.
My Experience
I began my career in the field of mental health in 2011 where I completed a degree in Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University. My studies, involvement with Nightline as a Listening volunteer, and a befriending service at this time piqued my interest in how freeing and beneficial talking can be. I wanted to expand my understanding of therapeutic approaches within different cultures which led to my voluntary work in Sri Lanka within Psychiatric hospitals and community outreach programmes. This showed me that no matter what our culture or beliefs may be, empathy, compassion and allowing someone a safe space to talk is universally therapeutic. The picture of me here, during a cooking group, is one of my favourites from my travels, as it always reminds me of this.
After returning from Sri Lanka, my passion for helping alleviate peoples’ emotional distress only grew, and I spent the following years working: with women in the community within supported tenancies; providing emotional support to young people in education; with adults and children within inpatient mental health services; and in charity organisations supporting those in immediate mental health crisis. It was through these varied roles that I knew I wanted to pursue a career in Counselling which led to me completing a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Salford University.
Why Person-Centred Therapy?
I am trained primarily in person-centred therapy as I am passionate about the existential and relational foundations that the theory is built upon. It centres on exploring the deeper meaning within our emotions and the idea that we all have an innate drive to reach our full potential. I believe that the non-directive nature of person-centred therapy allows a space for clients to explore emotions, thoughts and feelings with autonomy which increases qualities of self-reliance and confidence.
My training in this modality also means that you can expect to be met with positive regard and non-judgement in whatever you choose to share, an empathic listening ear and authenticity. These qualities aim to foster: trust; a strong relationship within the therapy room; self-growth; comfort with sharing and processing thoughts, and feelings; an increase in your ability to be your congruent self; and a deeper understanding of the meaning behind why circumstances or experiences may be troubling, distressing or difficult to process.
Finally, I chose to train in person-centred therapy as it moves away from earlier Psychotherapy approaches where the therapist was seen as the expert and the client, a person who learns from them. I truly believe that clients are the expert in their experiences, and that therapy can be a place where we work together to increase understanding and awareness of those experiences.
Creating Alleviate Counselling and Psychotherapy
Through roles I have held at a GP Practice, Macmillan Wellbeing Centre and Change Grow Live, I have been able to gain experience and specialisation in depression, anxiety, health anxiety, drug and alcohol addiction, chronic pain, terminal illness, and bereavement and loss. I currently hold a role as a Family Support Counsellor at a local Hospice which further enables me to grow my understanding of palliative care, loss, and bereavement. In addition to this, I have also completed training in several areas, which includes but is not limited to: Positive Behaviour Support, CBT skills, Trauma and the Brain, Self-harm and Suicide prevention, Adult and Child Safeguarding, The Mental Capacity Act, and Understanding alcohol and substance misuse.
While all of the roles I have held have been incredibly rewarding, fulfilling and valuable, I have become increasingly aware of the growing demand for counselling services. It is for this reason I have set up Alleviate Counselling and Psychotherapy; a small private practice through which I can provide a range of services for people who want to access counselling but are facing waiting lists, non-specialist services or inflexible services that may not accommodate your schedule.
As a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, the quality of service I provide is a priority. With this in mind, I continue to undertake professional training and attend supervision every month. I also hold an up to date DBS.
