Margaret Alexandra Robson

I am a Counsellor who uses an integrative approach applying a person centred approach and also CBT techniques. I work with clients who experience anxiety disorders and depression. I provide Counselling sessions over video or phone calls. Curriculum Vitae Margaret Alexandra Robson 45, Wellesley Street, Mobile – 07921672480 Jarrow, South Tyneside, [email protected] Tyne and Wear, NE32 5PJ Key Skills I wish to apply for this position as I believe I have the skills, experience, and commitment required to carry out the role to the highest standard. I am currently employed as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) and Counsellor at Vita Health Group (West Essex IAPT), where I provide Telephone, Video, and CCBT-based therapy to clients presenting with mild, moderate, and more complex mental health difficulties. My work includes delivering evidence based psychological interventions and supporting clients to use MindDistrict/SilverCloud computerised CBT platforms. In addition, I provide Case Management Supervision to other PWPs within the service, contribute to the helpline offering immediate emotional support, and provide counselling within the EMP arm of the organisation due to my dual training. I also support the service’s new web chat provision, offering therapeutic guidance and signposting online. Alongside this, I am a Teacher Training Supervisor/Trainer, providing supervision to Level 5 Counselling students. This role includes supporting trainees to develop their clinical skills, explore the theoretical foundations of their practice, and engage with a range of therapeutic models. I also deliver teaching on counselling theory and practice. Previously, I worked as a PWP within the South Tyneside Mental Health Team. This role required managing a high-volume caseload with fast turnover while delivering low-intensity CBT interventions for mild to moderate depression and anxiety disorders. My responsibilities included conducting patient centred assessments, identifying goals for change, undertaking risk assessments, providing assisted self help, liaising with multi agency teams, and delivering interventions via face to face sessions, telephone, and digital platforms. I also provided both Case Management and Clinical Supervision to PWP trainees and qualified staff, including writing progress reports and maintaining close communication with university partners. Furthermore, I participated in the interview panel for the PWP training programme at Newcastle University. In an earlier role as a Criminal Justice Intervention Worker within the integrated Drug Treatment Team in Gateshead, I carried out comprehensive substance misuse assessments for individuals arrested for trigger offences who tested positive for Class A substances. This included exploring substance use history, personal and social functioning, criminogenic factors, triggers, cravings, and relapse prevention needs. A key focus was harm minimisation education, motivational work, and fostering a strong therapeutic alliance to encourage engagement in treatment pathways. Risk assessment was continuous and included safeguarding considerations relating to children, domestic violence, and the wider environment. As a qualified Counsellor, I have extensive experience working with a wide range of presenting issues. In previous primary care counselling roles within a busy Gateshead GP practice, I supported clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, dual diagnosis, stress, and abuse-related issues. I worked within a stepped care model, conducted assessments using CORE measures, monitored therapeutic need and risk, and liaised with multidisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated care. I developed treatment and psychoeducational materials and supported trainee counsellors through mentoring, caseload management support, and delivering in house training on common mental health difficulties and suicide intervention. My training background includes Person-Centred Counselling, Foundation and Intermediate training from the Cognitive Centre at Plummer Court, a Level 5 qualification in CBT, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Low Intensity Psychological Therapies. I am registered with both the BACP and BABCP and am currently working towards formal accreditation. I also hold a Certificate in Education. I was honoured to serve on the BABCP board for the North East and Cumbria—becoming the first PWP in the region to do so—and contributed to developing training opportunities for PWPs through the organisation. Across all roles, I have demonstrated a strong ability to engage with clients presenting with diverse and complex needs, maintain high clinical standards, and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. I bring excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a compassionate and client centred approach, and a strong commitment to professional development. I believe my breadth of experience, enthusiasm, and determination make me an excellent fit for this post, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further. . Employment Details Reflections Counselling Training - September 2023 – Currently – Providing training to trainee counsellors – Skills and Theory. Xyla Digital Therpaies – April 2021- Jan 2024 - PWP March 2018 – Present Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner/Counsellor – Vita Health Group October 2012 – March 2018 Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner – South Tyneside Talking Therapies NHS September 2010 – October 2012 Criminal Justice Intervention Worker (Turning Point) - To provide help to Offenders to help them move out of crime and in to treatment. January 2005 – Aug 2010 Primary Care Counsellor(Crowhall Medical Group) To provide brief and effective interventions to people with common mental health problems. The main Principle I apply is CBT. August 2003 – September 2010 Phlebotomist/Smoking Advisor October 1999 – August 2003 Medical Receptionist (Crowhall Medical Group) Education July – September – 2014 – IAPT Low Intensity Supervision Course February 2013 – January 2014 Newcastle University Post Graduate Certificate in Psychological Therapies Qualification – Pass September 2008 - June 2010 SouthTynesideCollege Certificate in Education Qualification - Pass January 2008 – June 08 SouthTynesideCollege Course - Level 5 – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Qualification - Pass January 2007 – June 2008 Cognitive Behavioural Centre Newcastle Course - Intermediate and Foundation level in CBT Qualification – Pass September 2004 – June 06 TyneMetCollege HND in Counselling Studies Qualification – Pass September 2003 – June 04 Newcastle College Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills Qualification – Pass