Jen Ayling – Counselling & Psychotherapy in Sheffield, UK

I am a UKCP accredited Gestalt Psychotherapeutic Counsellor. My training in Gestalt Psychotherapy has been through the postgraduate diploma training programme at GPTI (Gestalt Psychotherapy Training Institute).

In addition to seeing private clients for psychotherapy in Sheffield, I work as a Senior Counsellor at SRASAC, offering therapy to women and men who have experienced trauma and abuse. I previously worked as a volunteer trauma therapist at Saffron, and completed a clinical placement at the Lincoln Trauma Centre. As such, I have expertise in supporting people who live with the lasting effects of traumatic events, including complex trauma, and this remains a strong clinical interest of mine.

I’m also a qualified mental health trainer and workshop facilitator.

I have designed and delivered courses on wellbeing and mental health for a range of charities including for Mind, Rethink, NIACE and the NHS.  I can also develop bespoke in-house training for organisations. If this is something you’re interested in, please contact me for details.

Background

My first degree was in English Literature and I have a deep love of writing, metaphor and poetry.

Creative and reflective writing has been a crucial part of my own growth and personal development. I also dabble in songwriting and have been part of many bands and musical projects over the years. As a therapist, I enjoy experimenting with ways of integrating writing, music and other creative arts into the therapeutic process.

Prior to training as a therapist, I worked in digital marketing as a web-developer, and have an active interest in how technology impacts on human health, happiness and social connection. I increasingly work with people who are struggling with the compulsive use of digital technology – and this is a growing clinical specialism of mine.

I have a longstanding interest in the issue of iatrogenic harm in mental healthcare and the over-medicalisation of human distress. I am active in campaigning for a more compassionate, holistic and socially engaged approach to mental healthcare in the UK.

Professional Memberships

I am registered as a full clinical member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) as a Gestalt Psychotherapeutic Counsellor.

I am also a current member of:

• The Gestalt Psychotherapy Training Institute (GPTI)
• The UK Association for Gestalt Practitioners
• Psychotherapists and Counsellors for Social Responsibility.

I work to the Codes of Ethics and Practice of GPTI – which is an organisational member of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). As required by my professional body, I am in ongoing clinical supervision with a UKCP registered supervisor.