ABOUT JAN

For a number of years, my most satisfying role in life was that of wife and mother. I was, by choice, a stay at home Mum. Although money was tight and there was none left over for luxuries, this was balanced out by the great joy I felt in being with my much-wanted and much-loved children. I also believe that they benefited from having me there.

I felt desolate when they started school and I really missed them. For a while, I picked them up at lunch time and either took them home or to the park to eat, depending on the weather. I soon realised how selfish I was being. Naturally, they wanted to spend time with their friends. They were taking their first steps towards independence. Hence, it was important that I found new ways of fulfilling myself.

I decided that I would like to return to studying and gain some formal qualifications - having left school with none. This proved difficult because, at that time, there were no courses available that allowed for me taking my children to school and being there when they finished for the day. Through chatting to other Mums, and some Dads, I found that there was a lot of interest in returning to study in my neighbourhood. So we lobbied the local college and subsequently courses became available in the nearby school. The sessions ran at times which allowed parents to be available for their children.

I began by studying for my 'O' levels (as they were known then) in English Language and History. I then went on to study for my 'A' levels in English, Psychology and Sociology. By this time, my children had developed their own circles of friends and interests and they were less dependent on me. Therefore, I made the decision to go on and study for my Psychology degree.

Three years later, I naively thought the world would be my oyster! Of course, this was not the case. Yes, I had proved that I had a good brain but I did not have much in the way of work experience - having married at a young age and chosen to stay at home. 70 job applications later I was offered a post in Social Services. I then went on to gain my social work qualification and my Master's Degree.

Over the years, I have worked with people of all ages, from many walks of life. The aspect of my work I have always found the most satisfying is counselling. I have worked with individuals, children and their parents, couples and groups. The kinds of problem I have worked with are:-

• · depression
• · anxiety
• · loneliness
• · loss and bereavement
• · illness
• · disability
• · low self-esteem
• · anger management
• · post-traumatic stress
• · victim of crime
• · bullying
• · child abuse - physical, sexual, emotional and neglect
• · unresolved issues from the past
• · relationship difficulties
• · unemployment
• · work/school problems
• · retirement
• · identity issues
• · attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

As a counsellor, I am qualified to Diploma level. I am member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and I abide by its ethics, Code of Practice, and supervision requirements. I am continually seeking to improve my practice and broaden my repertoire of skills.

I am very interested in alternative therapies, especially reiki, aromatherapy, herbal medicine and Feng Shui. I also use meditation and visualisation as part of my everyday life.

Jan Nash

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