PROFESSIONAL PROFILE OF
DEBORAH WARD
BSc, Dip (Int Psych), MA, MBACP, UKCP
Integrative Psychotherapist and Counsellor

My Practice

I have fifteen years personal development experience working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds, seeking help for a great range of issues and problems. In that time I have earned the reputation of being able to provide an atmosphere of safety, respect and optimism for the capacity to overcome difficulties. In the process, my clients develop an increased sense of satisfaction and effective control over their lives.

My approach is integrative, collaborative and active in focussing on the issues identified by the client. My theoretical stance is primarily psychodynamic and object relational.

Most of my work is long-term psychotherapy, although I do also offer short-term counselling. I work with a wide range of issues and specialise in early loss, trauma, separation and absence of 'good enough' parenting as well as working with adults who have a history of childhood abuse; sexual and otherwise.

One of my primary goals is to understand the subtle and unique ways a person perceives and experiences people, situations, traumas and events and why they do. Through this enhanced awareness, the individual becomes freer to negotiate greater choice in emotional response.

For example, rather than believing that 'if A happens, you feel B'. My work seeks to acknowledge that A may have happened and that you felt B in response to that. B was probably the best option you had available to you at the time. You have grown and matured since that time. You will have more control over your destiny and a broader range of options that could provide a more fulfilling return. If something like A happens again, you do not necessarily still have to respond with feeling B. They are not hard-wired, inevitable causes and effects.

Each time, you can re-evaluate and make fresh choices.

This is living life in a far more enabled and flexible way to call upon your inner resources with a whole palette of healthier and appropriate responses. You become free from blind repetition of emotional reactions that limit you. My aim is for the work to provide greater self-awareness and a key to a refreshed sense of life.

I also have 15 years experience working within the Information Technology industry, more laterly at Oxford University. I also served on the Board of Trustees at The Minster Centre and as Harassment Officer at Oxford University.

During my time as a therapist, my enthusiasm, respect and appreciation of my clients has never ceased to grow.

Gender:    Female
Therapy/counselling session duration:    60 minute hour
Insured:     yes
Supervised:     yes
Disabled Access:     yes
Waiting Room:     sorry, no.

Professional Qualifications

BSc Early Childhood Education, Boston University
Integrative Psychotherapy Diploma
    The Minster Centre Integrative Psychotherapy and
    Counselling Training, London
MA (Integrative Psychotherapy)
    Middlesex University, London
MBACP - Member of British Association of Counselling
    and Psychotherapy (BACP)
UKCP - United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy
    (Minster Centre)

Specialist and Post-Qualifying Training

• working with adults with a history of sexual abuse
• object relations
• attachment and separation
• sexuality
• family dynamics
• dreams, symbols and images
• bereavement
• harassment and bullying
• victims of organised violence
• cognitive behavioural therapy
• adolescence

Client Focus

Ethnicity: Any
Gender: All
Religious Orientation: Any
Gay/Lesbian Issues: Yes
Alternative Languages: No
Age Groups: Adults

Client Concern Specialisms

• Adults with a History of Sexual or Other Abuse
• Early Separation and Loss
• Self-Esteem and Confidence
• Bullying, Harassment and Psychological Abuse
• Anxiety/Panic/Stress
• Depression
• Relationship Issues
• Sexual Issues (identity, orientation, addiction, performance
       & intimacy concerns)
• Major Life Changes
       (Divorce, Bereavement, Redundancy)
• I am an approved outpatient Alcohol Recovery counsellor for a private, residential drug and alcohol treatment centre.
• I am a registered Norwich Union Healthcare therapy and counselling provider.

Modality:

• Individual Psychotherapy
• Telephone Counselling
• Supervision