About Me
My name is pronounced 'No-ve-na-Cha-nel', and I am a registered integrative Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor, Counselling Lecturer, Life Coach, Reiki Master Practitioner, Acupressure Body Therapist, Yoga Teacher.
I am also a Keynote Speaker, Writer, Researcher and Media Consultant, offering consultation and assistance in areas of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Family Breakdowns, and Identity and Race. My special areas of interest are Epigenetics, Developmental Theory and Generational Trauma, Neurodivergence and Mental Health, Intercultural therapy and Diversity.
I started my career over twenty years ago working within the public, private and charity sectors; commanding roles ranging from managing staff teams of 20+ to working as a support worker within Youth and Adult homeless hostels such as Broadway and Centrepoint, across London.
I have worked within the NHS as a Counsellor; as well as numerous other well-established and respected charities such as Solace Women’s Aid, London Friend, and The Women and Girl’s Network. I also offer Clinical Supervision to some of the staff of Charities such as Victim Support, Nia and RAPt.
Background
I was born in the UK from a mixed parentage of African and Caribbean heritage. A Care Leaver who became homeless at the age of fifteen, I quickly learned the crucial life lessons for survival and thriving. As well as embarking on my own therapeutic journey of healing and self-understanding, I developed the tools of applying deeper understanding to family dynamics, forgiveness and radical Self-care. I therefore do not only talk to the theoretical talk of therapy and coaching, I have walked the walk through personal and professional experience.
My life and career experiences of differing, and sometimes conflicting, cultural values and practices, enable me to work effectively with difference and diversity. I have worked with an array of clients who have explored concerns about sexuality and identity, social/community isolation, family/cultural pressures, and overcoming abuse. I also support clients and organisations exploring issues around neurodivergence, life transitions and restructuring, giving practical and researched methods that incorporate CBT, Group analysis, Psychology, NHS guidelines and Mental health awareness.
My individual approach to Counselling and Coaching is infused with sensitivity, openness, and creativity; actively working to build a therapeutic relationship based upon mutual trust and partnership. As a registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy), I work in a professional and confidential manner; adhering to the ethical guidelines for safe practice. The BACP Ethical framework can be found here – www.bacp.co.uk.
My Philosophy
Through my life’s journey I have come to believe that as unique, complex, and creative individuals, our personal journeys can sometimes become hard to travel and understand. There are also times when our passion and sense of self becomes lost within the ever challenging cycle of life, and we grow tired of fighting to keep our heads above the turbulent waters. I believe that it is during these times that we need to find meaning and fulfilment, and a reason to keep on travelling, or ‘swimming to the top’.
This can be supported through the connection with others, the strengthening of our self-belief, and the unlearning of negative thought patterns. I believe that this can be achieved by exploring the core of the presenting issues and/or concerns; many times leading back to parental relationships (or lack of) and earlier childhood experience. My hope is that this assists you in learning how to firstly identify and challenge these patterns, and then go on to change or relearn more beneficial approaches to living a life that fulfils you.
Relevant Education and Training
Education:
MSc Psychology and Health
BSc (Hons.) Integrative Counselling
Diploma in Therapeutic Counsellor Supervision
Diploma in Acupressure Massage
Professional Accredited Yoga Teacher Training Certification (Yoga Teacher Diploma)
Diploma in Diet and Nutrition
Diploma in Life Coaching
Training:
Diversity and Mental Health Training
Working with Sexual Minorities Training
Working with Eating Disorders
Working with Relational Trauma: Dealing with Disorganised Attachment
HIV and Sexual Health Training
Caoching and Personality Profiling Training
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) Training
Reiki Level 1, Reiki Level 2 and Reiki Level 3 Master Certificates
Domestic Violence Training
Sexual Violence and Abuse Training
Working with Trauma Training
Working with Couples Training – Couples Therapy
Safeguarding Essentials Training
From working with the BBC, BBC Radio, Rasac, Victim Support, Nia and more, I bring a wealth of expertise in areas such as childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, race and identity, neurodivergence, and mental health. I provide consultancy, workshops, and training to organisations looking to foster inclusivity, understanding, and resilience in their teams.
For personal appearances and articles, please feel free to find out more here
Please contact me for more information at bookings@theequilibriumcoach.com.
Let's work together
If you're ready to start your next chapter, and you've got this far, let's journey it together.
Contact me for a free Counselling and Coaching consultation.