About Tom

1. Tom’s Experience and Training  for work with people with substance use histories.
I have worked as a drug and alcohol counsellor since 2004, based in Manchester and Derbyshire services. I have previously developed and run a rehab programme and worked in the prison service as a counsellor dealing with addiction issues going on to manage the counselling service.  I currently run a groupwork programme for people in recovery from drink, drugs or gambling addiction based on Compassion Focussed Therapy.

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I am a British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accredited counsellor.
I have trained in Person-Centred Counselling, a behaviour therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, Compassion Focussed Therapy and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy.

2.  Tom’s Experience and Training  for supporting families.
CRAFT is an approach to helping family members and concerned others to address issues associated with a loved one who is in addiction.  I did my CRAFT training in 2015 and achieved accreditation as a CRAFT Practitioner in 2017.  All of this was supplemented by my certification as a Child and Young Persons Counsellor in 2020 and my three years working as a Family Therapist at the Beechwood Family Centre.

Experience matters more than training and I have experience of helping hundreds of families and also separately a great many individuals with substance use problems.
 

I am also a BACP accredited counsellor which informs my work with families and concerned others and can be used if the needs demand.  However, my default style is coaching rather than counselling when working with families.
 

Everybody is different – inclusivity and diversity.
I am committed to providing an inclusive service, and I strive to understand and appreciate  diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.  I recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity and using inclusive language, avoiding stereotypes or assumptions.  I am accepting of diversity in terms of gender identity and sexual orientation.  I am experienced in working with people who are neurodivergent,  including Autism or ADHD, both diagnosed and undiagnosed.