Anne-Marie Tenace

I can help with...

• Affairs and betrayals
• Anxiety
• Behavioural problems
• Bereavement and loss
• Communication skills
• Coping with a terminal illness
• Domestic violence
• Emotional abuse
• Family issues
• Guilt
• 'Inner child' issues
• Loneliness and isolation
• Low self-confidence
• Low self-esteem
• Major life changes
• Parenting
• Regaining control of emotions
• Relaxation
• Relationship difficulties
• Separation and divorce
• Sexual problems
• Sexuality
• Social anxiety
• Stress
• Work-related issues

Types of clients I see

• Individuals
• Couples

Languages I speak

• English

Location(s)

• Contact me for details

Types of therapy I offer

• Integrative

My approach

I am an experienced and qualified counsellor who works with individuals and couples who present various types of issues that are causing them problems, particularly in their relationship. Having trained with Relate I have acquired the necessary tools, knowledge and experience required to work with people dealing with many diverse and unique problems ranging from conflict and tension, adultery, communication issues, lack of intimacy, sexuality, family pressures, parenting, separation and many other difficulties they may be enduring.

My work involves online and face-to-face sessions with clients on a regular basis who require the interaction of a trained counsellor to help work through their difficulties. Often clients have become stuck in what appears to be a complex or unsolvable situation and feel they are unable to move forward for various reasons. After an initial consultation and individual session to ascertain the full scope of what they are dealing with, a suitable therapeutic approach with an integration of various methods is used to help the clients work through their issues.

The counselling is provided in a safe, non-judgemental environment to encourage the sharing of information to help bring clarity and understanding to the situation. By the use of various counselling methods, the exploration of different angles and perceptions is encouraged to help foster new possibilities and choices to help deal with the identified issues.

From an early age I have always been fascinated by the impact that certain events and experiences have had on a person’s life and the way in which they have shaped the understanding, beliefs and behaviours of that individual.

With a desire to learn more about the human psyche, I studied social psychology and sociology at university and pursued a career which entailed counselling many different types of individuals from all walks of life who presented with diverse needs and displayed a host of complex behaviours.

Training, qualifications and experience

In Australia

• I trained with the Australian Institute of Management (AIM) in Workplace Counselling
• Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sociology
• Masters of Business Administration (Change Management)

In the UK

I obtained a Level 3 Certificate in Person Centred counselling from The Minster Centre  and a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling with the Blackford Centre for Counselling.

I studied and trained with the Relate – The Relationship People and gained a Level 5 Diploma in Relationship Counselling. All Relate counsellors receive ongoing individual and group supervision each month to ensure that they are being supported and mentored in regards to client issues and practice methods.

Ongoing continuous professional development

Relate provide ongoing courses, workshops and training which I attend and I continue to take part in extended group sessions which are held on a regular basis.

I do CPD with the Ongoing Professional Development Group for counsellors and psychotherapists (North London) and attend CPD courses and events provided by the Therapy Rooms group.

Past experience

Until I began my placement and training with Relate, my counselling experience was in the workplace environment of both the public and private sectors in the capacity of a human resource role. This entailed providing counselling to individual personnel and groups including staff members in relation to personal matters, work performance, work dilemmas, grievances, workplace changes, redundancy and employer relations.

During this time I discovered that there is a greater chance of a person finding an effective resolution to a problem by sharing and discussing them without the fear of being judged or being made to feel a failure. This led me to develop the passion to study and train to become a counsellor. Through my studies, training and experience I have come to learn that many people will experience a difficult time in their life and will require support to help them get through this extremely challenging time. With the help of an empathic and understanding counsellor, a person is able to become empowered to deal with the challenges of the situation and find clarity and solutions to the difficulties they are experiencing.

In addition to my counselling at Relate and in my private practice, I volunteer at the hospice at the St John and Elizabeth Hospital in the inpatient unit. In this capacity I assist the hospice medical team in ensuring the comfort, dignity and wellbeing of patients who are terminally ill and their families by talking with patients about their fears and anxieties and providing them with some emotional comfort. I also take part in the hospice befriending programme where I visit elderly members of the community whose partners have passed away in the hospice to provide them with company and some emotional support by giving them the opportunity to speak about their feelings, memories and loved ones.

Professional affiliations

• Professional Member of National Counselling Society (NCS)
• Affiliate Member of UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy)

Code of ethics

As a relationship counsellor I am required to comply with the code of ethics set by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. The BACP is a professional body which sets standards of ethical and professional practice which counsellors must adhere to.

The NCS provides ethical guidance on the counsellor–client relationship. As a member of the NCS, I am also bound by their code of ethics.

Confidentiality

All information and counselling received is held in the strictest of confidence – the only exception being if there is reason to believe that someone is in danger or at serious risk of harm.

If you come with a partner, there may be reason to see you individually at any point. It is important to know that what is said in the individual session will be confidential and will only be shared with the other person if consent is given.

Fees and availability

• Initial couple or individual session – £40
• Couple counselling session – £70
• Individual counselling session – £50
• Students (limited sessions are available during the day) – £35
• All sessions are for 55 minutes

Finding the right counsellor/therapist is an essential part of the success of your counselling. If for any reason either party feels that we are not the right fit, there will be no obligation to continue the counselling after the initial session and I will be happy to recommend another counsellor who may be more suitable for you.

At least 48 hours’ notice is to be given if you are unable to attend the session.