GILLIAN BARTON

Hello, please allow me to introduce myself as, Gill. I am a very experienced integrative counsellor/therapist who works with children from the age of 4-years, young people and adults. 

Areas I work with include: anxiety and depression, low mood, low self-esteem and confidence issues, mental wellbeing and childhood issues, stress and workplace stress, bereavement and loss, anger, bullying and school related issues, family issues, relationship difficulties, life’s transitions and suicidal ideation.

My experience also includes working with clients looking for empowerment in their quest to overcome abusive and/or cohesive relationships, past or present.  I offer face-to-face, online via Zoom and telephone appointments from my practice in Co-Durham.  If you are feeling overwhelmed with feelings of desperation and helplessness then I am the therapist for you. 

I understand that taking the time to find the right therapist that fits your needs can be overwhelming and exhausting as it takes careful consideration. It all begins with courage and you have now tapped into your inner strength by looking at my profile and contemplating entering into therapy.  Now, together, let’s take that a step further by building a relationship enabling you to feel safe to share and talk without fear of judgement.  You will be welcomed with a honest and genuine understanding, and positive regard.

My Theological Base

I originally trained in Person-Centred Theory (Humanism) and still firmly believe in the fundamentals of trust and relationship building. Through experience, I now integrate Psychodynamic Theory as this acknowledges a client’s life experiences that have influences on who they are and decisions that have been made.  Further, I have an interest in Cognitive Behavioural Theory and Solution Focus Theory; and when working with children and young people I combine child-centred Play and Creative Theory.  If you would like to know more about this we can discuss further when we meet.

First Session

We cannot change the things that have already happened to you, but we can work through them and acknowledge your thoughts and feelings associated.  This then allowing you to decide what it is you need from therapy.

A lot of clients have weekly sessions to begin with; however, fortnightly, three weekly and monthly sessions are available and maybe more affordable.  We can discuss and explore these options together when we meet.

Regardless of the circumstances for entering into therapy, we can take the time you need to meet and get to know one another in order for you to make an informed decision as to whether I will be the right therapist for you.

I am not authorised to use ‘magic fairy dust’ and I do not claim that entering into therapy is not going to be overwhelming or in any way easy.  However, I can say, from a personal and professional view point – It certainly helped me!

Over the past 15 years I have accrued over 8,750 clinical practice hours working with hundreds of clients. I have previously been employed in a variety of organisations and diverse settings including Primary and Secondary schools, as a counsellor/therapist in children’s, young people’s and adult services.  Alongside this, my career has included lecturing in Higher Education at BA (Hons) level for 10 years.  Nowadays, I work in private practice and am an associate counsellor/therapist and supervisor in multiple agencies.  

I have a BA (Hons) Degree in Counselling and am a qualified supervisor.  I have a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and have a Certificate in Clinical Supervision.