My Journey
Hello, my name is Antonella, and I have always been interested in how the mind works and how past experiences can influence the way we see ourselves and others. I experienced counselling in my late teens when it was hard to cope with difficult feelings and emotions, and I came to realise that these were very much connected to childhood events.
At last, in counselling, I had found a non-judgemental and safe place where I was really heard. Gently, I was made aware that I could make my own decisions and take control of my life, and that it is ok to be myself. It was a supportive and empowering experience which still helps and accompanies me in my adult life.
I later worked for several years in education and found I related well with children and young people who were struggling with school and family. I became aware that the difficulties I had myself experienced gave me a special empathy with the children and young people I was working with. But I felt I could help more if I trained as a counsellor. This is how my journey started in this helping profession. I now work as an Integrative Counsellor with both adults and young people.
Experience
Along with my private practice, I provide counselling locally for a children and young people organisation. I have also provided counselling at the Student Wellbeing Services at Plymouth University and volunteered as a trainee counsellor with Cruse Bereavement Care for three years, during which I was also a listening volunteer at the Samaritans.
Qualifications
I am a BACP accredited counsellor with an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling from Iron Mill College, Exeter. I also hold an Advanced Specialist Diploma in Children and Young People (NCS accredited), a Diploma in Transpersonal Therapy: Bringing Mindfulness to Relationship, a Foundation Certificate in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy (UKCP accredited) and a Diploma in Eating Disorders (NCS accredited).
I am committed to ongoing professional development and have attended numerous workshops and training on many topics such as:
- shame
- anger, rage and relationship
- trauma and PTSD
- gender diversity
- working with LGBTQ+ clients
- emotional resilience
- promoting mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people
- use of storytelling and metaphor in bereavement
