BARBARA SCOLTOCK

Here at Shepherds’ Health, she provides a safe space where her clients can talk about their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement or criticism. Barbara provides a platform for empowerment, positive change and goal achievement.

In 2013, Barbara trained and qualified as an accredited Interpersonal Therapist (IPT) undertaking a specific 16-week therapy course, working through transitions, unresolved grief, disputes and sensitivities. She invests in her own professional development and professional learning and has recently continued her training within IPT work with the Anna Freud Centre studying Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy for clients with Bi-Polar.

Barbara began her counselling career working with local clients who had been referred through the community mental health team. This is role as an advocate, she assisted clients with accessing available services, giving them a much-needed voice; she also trained volunteers in mental health awareness in the role of befriending co-ordinator. This role evolved into assessing referrals from GP’s and allocating cases primary or secondary mental health services where Barbara became clinical lead, managing a team of screeners.

It was at this point as an advocate and befriending co-ordinator, that she was inspired to become a counsellor in her own right. Barbara began four years training in Person-centred Therapy; with the final year working within a GP surgery. 2003, saw her qualify and be awarded a Diploma as a Person-centred Therapist and she soon began counselling people with a range of issues, including mild to severe anxiety, depression, post-natal depression, relationship problems and bereavement.

In 2009, Barbara became a Family Systemic Practitioner, working with many families experiencing family separation, bereavement, issues with couples, children and adolescents and those experiencing difficulties with adopted families.

Barbara is now a qualified Interpersonal Psychotherapist for Adolescents and can offer these sessions now via video call or face to face.