Athena are able to support parents in accessing ongoing therapy whilst they are at the unit to aid them in any traumas and negative childhood experiences they may have had.

As a qualified integrative Psychotherapist, Lois work’s using different approaches, combining elements of Person-Centred Therapy; which focuses on an individual’s self worth and values, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); which focuses on thoughts, emotions, physical feelings and actions, teaching clients how each one can have an effect on the other. CBT is useful for dealing with a number of issues, including depression, anxiety and phobias, Transactional Analysis; which focuses on the theory that we each have three ego states: Parent, adult and child. By recognising ego-states, TA attempts to identify how we communicate, and how this can be changed. And Psychodynamic Therapy; which focuses on difficulties arising from early childhood that remain unresolved.

In a safe environment Lois would look at early childhood and help people to safely express feelings and thoughts that have not been released before, which have resulted in dysfunctional behavioural patterns and relationships.

Some people find it helps to see things visually, therefore Lois may also work creatively to aid the process if that is something that the client feels comfortable with.

Lois has a lot of experience and she has worked for the mental health charity MIND, working with adults seeking help with various issues. Over the years she has also gained extensive experience working with young people between the ages of 11 and 18. This experience has been gained through working with young people in schools, Connexions, a Pupil Referral Unit and within her private practice. Lois has also worked with young people in care and/or under social services.

As well as her private practice Lois also has contracts with a secondary school in Luton, social services and Athena Housing and Support.

Lois is a registered member of the BACP and can be found on the BACP Register of Counsellors & Psychotherapists. Lois abides by the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling & Psychotherapy and hold an enhanced DBS (CRB) certificate.

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Lois has extensive qualifications including:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Working with Children and Families

• Postgraduate Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling CPCAB

• Certificate in Couples Counselling

• BACP Certificate of Proficiency, Accredited Voluntary Register

• Diploma in Integrative Therapeutic Counselling CPCAB

 

Lois has attended many workshops including:

• Certificate Course - Mindfulness for Wellbeing

• Mindfulness and the Art of Managing Anger

• Working with Aspergers

• Bereavement (CRUSE)

• Certificate in Child Protection

• Aspects of Bereavement (CRUSE)

• Integrative Sand play Studies (AIST)

• Working with Clay

• Working with Dreams

• Working with Childhood Abuse, Complex Trauma and Dissociation

• Working with Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

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Athena will support to expand the parents knowledge and skills of caring for their child/children whilst they are placed at the centre. This will be around all subjects relating to positive parenting, attachments, behaviour management and taking care of them self.

As well as this they may meet other parents experiencing the same anxieties and possible challenges they may face, this will help prevent them from feeling isolated and socially excluded. The parents will receive a personal development plan.

The could include:

• Antenatal development and birth

• Responsibilities of caring for a young baby

• Healthy living

• Self esteem, positive wellbeing

• Applying for work and training

• Seeking appropriate childcare

• Child development 

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