I have a Post-Graduate Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy which is accredited by the BACP and qualifies me to register and work as a psychotherapist. I am also an EMDR Therapist and Registered Nurse (Mental health).
My path to psychotherapy began when, still a student nurse, I undertook additional training in counselling. In 1996 I completed a Certificate in Counselling Skills and have found this invaluable during more than 20 years of practice as a registered mental health nurse. My mental health nursing education was particularly focused on working with families and concepts of recovery and wellness and I have spent most of my career as a community mental health nurse.
I also have a qualification in Solution Focused Brief Therapy and have a good working understanding of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT). Achieving an MSc in Personality Disorder in 2006 demonstrates my ability to understand and work therapeutically alongside individuals with multi-faceted presentations and complex and often traumatic life histories.
I completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Interventions in Practice in 2001 which enabled me to integrate skills and knowledge from the fields of substance use and addiction into my work in mental health. These include Motivational Interviewing, problem solving and understanding how individuals resist or embrace any process of change.
Whilst undertaking my psychotherapy training I also had the opportunity to work in nursing care with people at end of life, with people with dementia and with those patients’ families. Delivering pre and post bereavement therapy at a local hospice complimented this and provided further insights. I have drawn tremendous strength and courage from those experiences and my capacity for compassion has been reinforced.
Caroline Hodson Counselling and Psychotherapy 