About Me
My name is Angela Shepperd, and I originally come from Totnes, Devon but am now based in Newton Abbot.
I have lived locally all my life, and studied at Exeter University where I got a degree in Archaeology in 2006. The main reason that I studied Archaeology is that I am fascinated by people and social structures. I also specialised in body modification practices in prehistory.
After leaving University, I worked in retail for a short period of time before entering the Health and Social Care sector. I have previously worked as a support worker with both the elderly and adults with learning disabilities for the last 11 years. I also currently work in conjunction with Young Devon and the NHS as a Mental Health Youth Worker.
It has been such a privilege to work with differently abled people over the years. and this is one aspect of counselling that I truly love. Another is enabling others to live independently and to live happy and fulfilled lives.
It is my firm belief that everyone should have equal access to care and support regardless of age, circumstances, background and ability.
I also lived experience of trauma, anxiety and depression, so you can rest assured that I understand what you are going through.
Outside of my therapeutic life, I enjoy spending time with my partner and cat. I also love reading, cinema, art, and heavy metal music.
- 2006 B.A .SIngle Honours Archaeology-University of Exeter
- October 2023 Advanced Specialist Diploma in Working Therapeutically with Young People- Devon Counselling College
- 2018 Level 3 Certificate in Counselling- Heartwood Counselling and Psychotherapy College
- 2020 Counselling Tutor Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling- Counselling Tutor
- 2022 Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Counselling- Heartwood Counselling and Psychotherapy College
- 2019-2020 Student Counsellor-The Spires College Torquay
- 2021-2022 Associate Counsellor University of Plymouth
- I am insured, DBS checked and a member of the National Counselling Society.
My Qualifications & Experience
What are the therapies I am trained in and offer?
Person Centred Therapy
Person Centred Therapy was created by an American Psychologist Carl Rogers. Rogers observed during the course of his career that instead of viewing people receiving therapy as patients, they should be viewed as partners in their recovery.
This means that the client is the expert in their own experience and has the potential for full recovery given the right conditions.
The conditions offered by the therapist in this approach are Unconditional Positive Regard; being treated in a positive way by the therapist regardless of circumstances or disclosures to the therapist.
The therapist also needs to treat the client empathically and be congruent with the client. This means that the counsellor makes a connection emotionally with the client and is their authentic self with the client whilst delivering therapy.
This approach is the foundation of most counselling relationships.
Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt therapy was developed by German psychotherapist Fritz Perls, his German wife Laura and American writer Paul Goodman.
It is a technique that focuses on the present instead of past experiences. It looks at how unresolved issues can affect our present living experience.
It is a positive approach that improves the client's self awareness and self confidence. By bringing the client's awareness to their thoughts, feelings and emotions in the present, the counsellor can enable the client to feel more in control of their life through knowing themselves better.
It is an approach that allows the client to safely experiment in therapy with issues that they struggle with in the outside world.
It has a range of applications from anxiety to stress and depression
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is largely credited to the work of American Psychologist and Psychotherapist Albert Ellis, and American Psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck.
The theory behind this approach is that our emotions affect our thoughts, which in turn have an impact on our behaviour. By identifying the link between emotions, thoughts and behaviours, the counsellor can assist the client to facilitate positive change within their life.
This is a technique widely used to treat anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia and chronic pain, although it has other uses.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy gives the client tools to cope with the world when life is difficult, and is very effective if practiced regularly.
Integrative Therapy
Integrative Therapy weaves the previously mentioned techniques into a much more personalised and needs based approach to counselling.
This means that as your counsellor, I can work with you to identify what your needs and wishes are and which of these approaches are most appropriate to help you to see an improvement in your life.
It also gives me scope as a counsellor to find a good solution for you, if you feel that something we have tried doesn't work for you. It gives me a variety of tools with which to work with you to find a way forward when things are difficult.
ONLINE AND FACE TO FACE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE
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