Paula Kelly-Edwards
Person-Cantered Counsellor
(In-person and online)
MBACP & MNCPS
About me
Before becoming a counsellor, I worked in music education for thirty years as a teacher. As well as working in many primary, middle, and secondary schools, I established my own nursery and music school, where children were given opportunities to explore their musical and creative skills. I spent two years teaching music at a High School in Zimbabwe which was a rewarding and life changing experience! I continue to be passionate about helping children develop their musical potential and I am the Chairperson for the Bromsgrove charity, the David Morgan Music Trust, which provides funds for children to develop their musical talents.
Achieving my potential and allowing change has been a driver for myself personally and led me out of education and into the world of counselling. Noticing the positive change and shift that can happen for someone if they are just “listened to” was a significant factor in my becoming a qualified counsellor.
As well as working for HTC Counselling Services Ltd, I work for Murray Hall Community Trust delivering counselling sessions for teachers, support staff, children, and young people in schools. I work in both mainstream and special education, and I have a special interest in working with young people with ADHD.
For more information, please visit my website https://poppyfieldscounselling.co.uk/
Counselling Individuals (Adults)
Life can be challenging and dealing with difficulties alone can feel daunting and exhausting. I am a counsellor who can offer you a calm empathic listening space to explore your difficult emotions and feelings. We “journey” through this process together until life feels more in balance and hopeful.
I am very approachable and “down-to-earth,” and believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is an essential part of counselling. Creative tools can be accessed if you wish to explore other routes to shift uncomfortable feelings; it is always your choice.
Counselling Individuals (CYP)
I believe if a young person’s mind is free from anxiety and stress, they are also able to be free to play, learn, enjoy life, and reach their true potential. Being really listened to can be the first step towards a young person feeling in control and empowered to make positive change.
We explore difficult emotions and feelings together and find helpful strategies and “tools” which work for you. Everyone is unique so my approach with every child and young person is different.
Sometimes words are hard to find, and I have an extensive range of creative resources which can be helpful for communicating your feelings in the counselling process. This could be using art, creating your “mini world” in a sand tray, conversation cards, and other visual resources.
Clients I work with
Children from the age of 4, young people and adults.
How I deliver therapy
In-person, online, telephone and walk and talk therapy* (*subject to risk assessments).
Therapy approaches
Person-centred, Creative Therapy, CBT.
What I can help with
- Bereavement/Loss
- Low self-esteem
- Gender and identity
- Self-harm
- Body dysmorphia
- Anxiety
- Social anxiety
- Depression
- Low mood
- Exam stress
- Work stress
- Bullying
- Relationships
- Trauma
- Suicidal ideation
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Climate change anxiety
- Understanding and regulating emotions
- Divorce
- Miscarriage
- ADHD
- ASD
- Menopause
Ethical practice
I am a member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) and the NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society). I am on the CYPT accredited register which is a specialist register for NCPS counsellors working with children and young people. I attend regular supervision, both individual and in groups and I am committed to taking regular professional devolvement courses.
I update my safeguarding qualification on a yearly basis. I have an up-to-date enhanced DBS and I am registered with the ICO. I fully comply with GDPR requirements.
- MBACP - Member of British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists (BACP)
- MNCPS - Accredited Member of National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
- Registrant of National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) Accredited Register for working with Children & Young People
- Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) on update service – for working with Adult and CYP workforce.
Qualifications/CPD
- Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling CPCAB Level 4
- Certificate in Counselling Young People Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute
- Certificate in Telephone and On-line Counselling, ACTO
- Creative Counsellors Interventions Trained
- Walk and Talk Therapy Trained
- Certificate in Counselling Studies CPCAB Level 3
- Certificate in Counselling Studies CPCAB Level 2
- Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts, BA (Hons)
- Trauma Recovery Focused Pathway (Working with Children and Young People) Stage One BdT
- Treating Intrusive Thoughts and the Inner Critical Voice
- How to Identify and Treat Dissociation
- Counselling ADHD
- Working with Climate Change Anxiety
- Creative Counsellors Interventions Training Pathway
- How to help client’s with their anger, a therapist’s tool kit
- Interactive Sand tray Therapy (Creative Counsellors)
- Exploring the Impact of Hate Crime
- Keep them safe - Protecting Children from Child Sexual Exploitation
- Sexual Abuse Hope for Healing, Carolyn Spring
- Mindfulness
- Polyvagal Theory and Polyvagal Teen
- Working creatively with autistic clients
- Using CBT Tools for the Menopause
