Dr Faith Stafford PhD, MA, MSc, BACP
(Senior Accredited counsellor/psychotherapist and supervisor of individuals and groups)
Co-founder and Director UBUNTU Counselling Services Ltd
Biography
My interest in human beings and what makes them tick, led me initially to train in theatre. I left South Africa to study for a Masters in Shakespeare Studies at York University. For a number of years, I taught English, Drama and Dance and then moved into working with the more severely disadvantaged young unemployed, on the YTS. This led to the recognition that I needed more formal counselling skills and I trained with Relate; I felt that the success of our close relationships are crucial to our happiness and well-being. Getting married and raising a son and a daughter, has confirmed me in this belief.
I worked for Relate for 18 years, as a therapist and supervisor. During this time, I also completed an MSc in Counselling (Supervision & Training) and continued to offer training and run a private practice. I have trained counsellors at several universities, working to the level of senior lecturer and Programme Director. Gaining a qualification as a Performance Coach, added to my range of skills.
I gained my doctoral thesis on: Heroes, (Scapegoats) and the Collective Need: Learning from Stories of Therapy, in 2013. In many ways, this has been a culmination of all of my interests up to this point. It was an opportunity to explore my hunch that successful therapy puts people in touch with their own heroic tendencies. The learning about the importance of being connected to others, has influenced my work and reinforced my wish to establish a multicultural counselling service for the South West.
Dr Joe Miller PhD Psychol, MSc Clin Psychol, C. Psychol, AFBPS
(Clinical & Counselling Psychologist)
Biography
Joe is HCPC registered as a Clinical and Counselling Psychologist Practitioner. He has a wide knowledge and understanding of mental health as manager, professional lead, and clinician He held for many years posts as Head of Psychology and Psychological Therapies, Head of Adult Mental Health Psychology, for a Mental Health (NHS) Trust, and was clinical and professional lead for many mental health specialisms
Joe has particular expertise in severe and complex trauma and men’s mental health. He has pioneered services for adult survivors of child abuse, has been involved in a number of national inquiries and investigations and has presented as expert witness in a variety of contexts including the Courts. He has also supported the development of services for Family Violence and lead the Couples Clinic in Devon.
Joe also has considerable experience in designing, developing and maintaining service developments. He has also developed a number of work-place staff support programmes including the first Staff-Counselling Service in Devon, trauma-response and prevention for several Ambulance, Medical and Rail services.
Joe has contributed to many teaching programmes at Exeter, Plymouth and Bristol Universities and offers supervision and clinical formulation to a wide range of professionals including clinical psychologists and psychological therapists.