ANGELA SIMMONS

My initial training was person-centred, but I subsequently trained and gained a diploma in psychodynamic counselling from Chichester Counselling Services - a Sussex BACP accredited course in a low-cost counselling organisation where I practised for the last two of the three qualifying years. On qualifying I moved to France where I have been practising as a telephone counsellor for English-speaking clients from anywhere in the world.

 My original post child-rearing career is in Social Work. I worked for three years with children and then moved into adults mental health, where I spent seven years based in a multi-disciplinary Community Mental Health team with other Mental Health professionals. Here I gained valuable experience in identifying problems other than those safely helped by counselling alone. More recently I have worked as a hospital Social Worker and as a Telephone Helpdesk Advisor for Social Services where I have gained experience helping the elderly and those suffering from illness and loss. I also have some training and experience in On-line Counselling. 

During my time in France I have suffered much of the frustration, anxiety, loneliness and sadness experienced by many people living in a foreign country with a different culture, language, and way of doing things, away from children, family, friends and colleagues. I have undergone regular counselling in order to help maintain my energy and equilibrium.