Rebecca Downes
Psychotherapist in Chester

If you are seeking a different and personal approach, chat to me today. I am not your typical stereotype counsellor/psychotherapist or life coach. I DO NOT use a purist approach of any one therapy but a fusion of adapted approaches to meet your needs and those that are important to you.

"It's my belief that one size doesn't fit all.
Do you want to get ahead in your life? Who doesn't? Whatever slice of humanity, you probably want to grow, provide, succeed and there's never been a better time to go for it.

Modern life has abundant choice and opportunity. We're safer, richer and healthier than ever before than ever before in human history. Yet despite all the good stuff, this world seems to fry our minds. Mental health and resilesence issues are increasing. Wouldn't it be good to get ahead in life without burning out?

What I do at D R DOWNES & ASSOCIATES

I'm on a mission to help people become unstuck and break free from the glassbox. Being a professional accredited practitioner I practice in Chester CH4, Hawarden CH5 and UK-wide remotely.

Using a blended structure of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (FT-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR). Models highly regarded and empirically proven psychological treatments. Recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Especially relevant for psychological conditions such as: Anxiety, Depression, Phobias, OCD, ADHD, ASD and Trauma.

With additional benefits of providing Professional Coaching and Resilience Training. And a ‘NEW' radical Feeling State Addiction Protocol (FSAP) and treatment Image Transformation Therapy (ImTT) developed by Dr. R. Miller, based in the United States. Where it's not necessary for people to experience the intensity of pain, terror, guilt, shame or relive traumatic events.

I offer an added advantage of being trained by the United Kingdom Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) at King's College London to offer Adult ADHD pre-session diagnostic assessments.

Combining my knowledge and expertise, as licensed HeartMath resilience coach. Whilst educated at masters level in Coaching and Mentoring at Chester University I'm able to offer professional coaching services, in addition to my mental health practice.

Background & Psychotherapy Qualifications

Why I love what I do:

I create and inspire positive change not only in my own life but in the lives of others. This in itself is extremely rewarding to us. I seek meaningful work; as I want to make a genuine difference.

Everyone has problems that they need to learn to overcome in their everyday lives, and therapy provides a valuable assistance to those in emotional need. When stress occurs in life, people often elect to speak to a counsellor / therapist to give them direction, support and guidance. In doing what we do best we offer hope in times of adversity, meaning and give real tools, to help real people in a real world.

What inspired me:

My formal business background was in recruitment and strategic human resource management. Previously I worked commercially with start-up companies, non-profit, as well as global brands' supporting organisations their employees and their families undergoing transitional change. Through these experiences, I gained a strong awareness of psychological dynamics and human capability to cope in demanding circumstances. My natural disposition to share my passion for developing and fostering relationships with people of all ages then lead me to change career and retrain with my husband in the talking therapy profession.

Standards:

My passion and determination ensures I remain at the leading edge of our profession. Whilst supporting adults, couples, children and adolescents. As an experienced accredited psychotherapist, I've been professionally trained. Today actively work in line with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), British Association of Behavioural Cognitive Psychotherapy (BABCP), EMDR Association UK and Ireland. Whilst receiving regular clinical supervision to ensure the highest quality of service is maintained.

Training, qualifications & experience:
- Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
- Licensed HeartMath Resilience Coach
- Applied Neuroscience and Brain Health (current)
- Polyvagal Theory
- Neurobiology of Trauma
- Image Transformation Therapy (ImTT)
- Feeling State Addiction Protocol (FSAP)
- Ego State Therapy
- Fundamentals of DID & Dissocation
- Trauma & Recovery
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
- Introduction & Advanced Safeguarding for Children
- Domestic Abuse - Risk Assessment MARAC
- Counseling in Addictions
- POVA Level 2
- CORENET psychometrics
- Competency Based Interviewing
- Dealing with Challenging Behaviour & Drug Awareness
- Cert Adult, CYP EMDR
- Cert Clinical Supervision
- Diploma Integrative Counselling Psychotherapy
- Cert Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

My Specialisms

Who is it for...

Adults 16+

What I do...

Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBT)
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitiation Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Feeling State Addiction Protocol (FSAP)
- Image Transformation Therapy (ImTT)
- Integrative Counselling

Other services:
- HeartMath Resilience Coaching
- Medico-legal Psychological Treatments & Therapy Assessments
- Workplace Mental Health & Wellbeing Specialist
- Workplace Counselling (EAP)
- Redundancy Counselling
- Critical Incident Stress Debriefing

How I work...

1-2-1 or Remotely

I operate from discrete clinical locations in the North West, Chester, and North Wales in Hawarden or alternatively UK-wide remotely or o-site at client's premises upon request. Session times, in terms of duration and frequency, are tailored to fulfil your specific needs and that of your family.

Client Presenting Issues:

- Anxiety
- Depression
- Assertiveness
- Low Self-esteem
- Post Trauma Stress Disorder, Secondary Trauma, Compassion Fatigue
- Loss & Bereavement
- Relationship Issues
- Stress Management

- Autism Spectrum Disorder - (ADHD, AS, PDA)
- Fibromyalgia
- B12 Deficiency
- Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)
- Workplace Bullying
- Work Related Stress & Burnout

Approach to Psychotherapy & How I Work

Approach:

I am not qualified medical doctor and are therefore unable to provide diagnosis/advice services in support of any medical condition. However, in seeking to design a treatment program for any given client, a formulation of the clients presenting symptoms, supported by psychometrics collected, is used in developing a working hypothesis. Such an hypothesis is further supported by the criteria's as set out in the International Classification of Diseases - 11th Revision (ICD-11), and/or the The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5th Edition (DSM-V).

In session, I deliver treatments based upon the Biological, Psychological and Socialogic model of a clients presentation (BioPsychoSocial). Although not medically qualified, I might express an opinion based upon many years of experience working with clients. Especially, as to how the client might alleviate their symptoms based upon the BiopPsychoSocial model. Such opinions are just that and it is entirely a matter for the client to discuss such opinions with their GP.

Therapy isn't easy and can be, at times, distressing for a client. Modes of therapy I perform include: CBT, TF-CBT, EMDR, Feeling State (FS), Image Transformation Therapy (ImTT), Brief Solution Focused Therapy (SF) and Coherence Training (CT). CBT is challenging and proactive, as it is a collaborative approach based upon agreed goals. EMDR & ImTT is a treatment primarily chosen for severe mental trauma and addictions (FS). SF is often employed when limited sessions are available. CT is employed to reduce anxiety and improve relaxation.

Coming from an integrative trained backgrounds. I may use an eclectic blend of different styles of approaches. Especially with what we believe or feel's our experience tells me will work best. Either in general or suiting the often immediate needs of my clients. Whilst working within my own preferences and capabilities as practitioner.Within the Biopsychosocial Model, together our work is focused not only upon what's psychologically discussed.  It's what's biologically and socially happening for you and your family outside of the consulting room.  Occasionally it may require us to direct you to another professional, howsoever.

Therapies & Rates

Please note the rates detailed below are there to give you an idea of the therapists standard rates, we strongly advise you contact the therapist for more detailed rates and any offers they may have.

Therapy	Appointment Type	Rate
Psychotherapy	In Person	£85 per 60 minutes
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy	In Person	£85 per 60 minutes
EMDR	In Person	£85 per 60 minutes
Life Coaching	In Person	£120 per 60 minutes
Relationship Therapy	In Person	£120 per 60 minutes

Additional Rate Information

Fees may vary, depending upon location, service and duration: Individual sessions: £85.00 per hour Couples therapy: £120.00 per hour Coaching £120.00 per hour Pre-arranged home visits available upon request (additional travel & mileage allowance will apply) Pathways of referrals: Self-referral GP Company Occupational Health Insurance Company Private Healthcare Medico-Legal Social Services Court MOD