About Elspeth Shields

Our current economic climate has affected most individuals..... uncertainties at work and financial worries are just a few issues that can cause stress in our lives which in turn impact on our relationships and health and can make life seem overwhelming at times. I feel my role as a counsellor is more important than ever, to listen, support and empower those experiencing difficulties to make positive change and choices in their lives. I am a warm, genuine, empathic counsellor, who will work with you and provide a safe, confidential environment for you to explore your thoughts and feelings.
It is short term counselling that I provide, WHICH SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES COSTS, whilst still being effective, working within a maximum of 6-8 appointments. I work with individual adults, providing face to face, telephone or e-counselling

My training, work experience and any achievement

I have 20years experience of counselling. My initial training was with The Scottish Council on Alcohol and I gained accreditation by them in 1994, after completing their 2yr Volunteer Alcohol Counsellor Training Course. I worked in the voluntary sector as an Alcohol Counsellor and also as an Addictions Counsellor for Glasgow City Council until 1998 when I started working as a counsellor for a Glasgow based EAP ,which services a good many of the local councils in Scotland, health authorities and private companies covering parts of England also. I now also have a private practice.

Working for an EAP has allowed me both a wider spectrum of clientele and a broader range of issues to work with, which I find challenging and stimulating.
My initial training was Solution Focussed Brief Therapy. This approach is based on solution- building rather than problem-solving however through ongoing training, and the diversity of clients individual needs, I now adopt a more eclectic approach, selecting from various approaches appropriate to the clients individual needs.
I also believe that the basis of good counselling depends on a therapeutic alliance with the client and establishing whether the timing is right for them and I make use of the initial assessment interview to gauge both this and what approach may be more appropriate.

I am an accredited member of The National Counselling Society, also a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and adhere to their Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling.

I am committed to ongoing personal and professional development through regular supervision and attending courses,

Examples of training & CPD events attended:

CBT training - Christine Padesky & Cognitive Therapy Training Centre,
Mindfulness -Abertay University
Solution Focussed Therapy - Abertay University,
Understanding and Coping with PTS -Priory Associates
Overcoming Low Self Esteem -EPB Seminars
Skills for Managing Anger Management/Suicide/Self Harm -Skills Development Service Ltd
Adult Survivors of Child Sex Abuse/Rape/Sexual Abuse -Social Work Services.
Awareness of issues around Loss and Bereavement - Cruse

Further Information

Counselling sessions are for a maximum of 50 minutes
Fees:
£45 per counselling session
£35 per telephone session
£25 per email exchange

Missed sessions & cancellations notified within 24hrs require full payment.