Debbie Sheringham
Counselling & Psychotherapy
I am a Person-Centred counsellor and psychotherapist. Since graduating in 2020, my practice has grown to encompass a more collaborative and creative approach. I view my work through a trauma-informed, intersectional, neuro-affirming, and culturally sensitive lens. I am passionate about and dedicated to learning and believe in supporting my clients by keeping my knowledge up-to-date. I also bring my own lived experiences. My self-care regime involves cat cuddles, chocolate, and yoga.
Within the therapeutic relationship I view each client as the expert on themselves. I support that by offering a confidential, safe, and welcoming environment where clients can bring their whole identity and share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Together, an exploration of patterns or beliefs are identified to promote self-awareness and change whilst keeping the client’s needs centred.
I am an advocate for psychoeducation; sharing coping strategies and knowledge about how psychological distress impacts our whole being, for the client to empower themselves in their own self-care management. A therapeutic alliance is like no other; the relationship is built on mutual trust and respect, acknowledging and embracing differences. With those foundations in place, empathy and authenticity flow, creating space and freedom for the client to unfurl, heal, and reach their potential. I have a background of working with both children, adolescents and adults in the capacity of mental health nursing and as a psychological therapist.
I trained as a Relax Kids coach in 2017 and I am looking forward to running classes again and watching young people blossom. The Relax kids programme is a seven-step programme teaching children to relax, manage emotions and build lifelong confidence. The mission of Relax Kids is to give children and young people the tools they need to manage stress and anxiety and to be resourceful when facing the challenges of daily life.
Clinical Experience
I have a special interest in anti-oppressive practice, the intersection of trauma and neurodiversity, and intersectional feminism. I strive to facilitate a way of being that embodies empathy, warmth, and genuineness, utilising a client-led approach.
I have accrued over 1000 hours worth of therapeutic hours and experience, working with clients facing post-traumatic stress, sexual violence, racial trauma, anxiety, depression, identity issues, interpersonal relationship issues, chronic fatigue and loss (this list is not exhaustive). Currently, I work in private practice and within the third sector. My previous roles have included one-to-one counselling and holding therapeutic discussion-based and psychoeducational groups.
Conditions I work with
- Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Loss
- Autism, ADHD
- Sexual Harm
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Post Traumatic Stress
- Work Related Issues
Therapies I offer
- Person-Centred Therapy
- Person-Centred Creative Arts Therapy
- Psychoeducational Therapeutic Groupwork
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
Qualifications and Training
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy, Aberdeen University, 2019
- Certificate in Therapeutic use of Person-Centred Creative Arts Association for Person-Centred Creative Arts, 2021
- Certificate in Group Facilitation and Training Skills, Persona Development and Training, 2023
- Certificate in Diversity, Culture, Race & Anti-Discrimination Practice, The Anti-Discrimination Forum, 2023
- Trauma-Informed Practice, Open University 2024
- Advanced Therapeutic Relationships, Open University 2025 (In progress)
- Understanding Autism – Level Two 2024
- Certificate in Working Therapeutically with Neurodiverse Clients, Vanguard Training 2025
- Solution-Focused Therapy, Association for Psychological Therapies 2025 (In progress)
Professional Membership and Registrations
I am a registered member of the BACP (391383)