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Steph Quinn Counselling

I’m currently on extended leave and am not taking any new enquiries or referrals.

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Who I Am

Hello, I'm Steph

I'm a qualified and experienced counsellor based in Kilmarnock. After qualifying from the University of Strathclyde with a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy (focused on working with Adults), my journey has led me to undertake further training in therapeutic work with Children and Young People. I also have further qualifications that allow me to work online - which can help to break down barriers to the accessibility of my services.

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I hope that if we talk or meet, you experience me as a down to earth, open and caring person that never undermines you or your personal experiences. There is no judgement in my counselling room, and I value each person’s identity, means of expression, feelings, choices and experiences. As well as being a counsellor, I’m a human being and I bring my authentic self to each session. I have valuable life experiences that have led to me pursuing my career in counselling. These experiences – both positive and negative – ground me and offer me unique perspective and understanding when working with clients.

Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen

Brene Brown

The Gifts of Imperfection

A year from now you may wish you had started today

Karen Lamb

I'm not perfect... But I'm enough

Carl R. Rogers

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom

Anais Nin

What I am is good enough if I would only be it openly

Carl R. Rogers

You don't have to stay anywhere forever

Neil Gaiman

Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving

Terry Pratchett

A Hat Full of Sky

Life has no meaning a priori… It is up to you to give it a meaning, and value is nothing but the meaning that you choose

Jean-Paul Sartre

Often, it’s not about becoming a new person, but becoming the person you were meant to be, and already are, but don’t know how to be

Heath L. Buckmaster

Box of Hair: A Fairy Tale

The decision to come to counselling can begin from any point in your life. Sometimes, things don’t feel clear - there is too much to cope with, life is overwhelming, or you feel alone. You might have gone through, or wish to, make a change but are not sure where to start. It is my belief that we have the resources and solutions within ourselves, but we might need help, support and encouragement to discover or utilise these. Counselling can help you to feel more comfortable and at ease within yourself, which can create a greater sense of wellbeing in different parts of your life. When we are accepted, heard and understood by someone else it can allow us to accept ourselves more readily – counselling can offer this in a genuine and non-judgemental way.

I have developed my experience within a number of settings including higher education, secondary education, private counselling and a large corporate setting. These roles have given me the opportunity to work with diverse clients from upwards of 11 years of age, from all walks of life and with a wide range of difficulties. My varied counselling work, professional development and life experiences offer me a unique, empathic and respectful viewpoint when working with clients.

Qualifications

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy – The University of Strathclyde
  • HNC Counselling – Ayrshire College
  • Professional Development Award – Addiction Counselling – Ayrshire College
  • Certificate in Counselling Children and Young People
  • OCST Online Counselling Diploma

Training

To keep up to date with relevant and current developments in counselling, I undertake yearly CPD. This informs my practice and allows me to build new knowledge and skills.

  • Essential Elements when working with Young People
  • ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
  • Pure Counselling – Working with Autism and Aspergers
  • Victim Support Volunteer Training

Professional Memberships

I am an accredited member of the BACP, which is achieved through a rigorous assessment process. This means that I have achieved high standards of knowledge, experience and development in my practice. My practice is guided by the BACP Ethical Framework and my membership demonstrates a commitment to ethical and informed practice. As such I attend regular supervision to ensure that I am working legally, ethically and competently. I am a PVG Scheme Member, carry robust insurance and am a registered Data Controller with the ICO.

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Visit my Counselling Directory page

The Counselling Directory is a resource providing information on registered member Counsellors