Meet the counsellor
Welcome
My name is Julie Sherman and I am a fully qualified and experienced counsellor based in Surrey, and a member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). This means not only that I meet the standards set by them for training, supervision and continuous professional development, but that I am committed to both their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions and Professional Conduct Procedure. I am also a member of the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA).
Training & Development
Following careers in the travel industry and the voluntary sector (including a 2-year volunteer placement overseas), and having personally experienced the benefits of counselling - specifically in relation to my own fertility and perinatal challenges, I chose to retrain to become a counsellor. I completed a Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and have since undertaken the BICA Foundation and Advanced trainings in infertility counselling. As part of my ongoing commitment to my continuing professional development, I regularly attend additional training courses, both online and face-to-face, to broaden and update my knowledge and skills.
Experience
Alongside running a private practice in Surrey, I worked as a fertility counsellor in a large Surrey fertility clinic for over 4 years, offering both therapeutic and implications counselling to patients undergoing fertility treatment. I also have experience of working with those diagnosed with, or affected by, life-limiting illness at The Mulberry Centre @ West Middlesex Hospital and Integrated Neurological Services (INS), Twickenham, as well as supporting older clients at Staywell, New Malden. I have a current DBS and hold personal liability and professional indemnity insurance.
To learn more about how I can support you, please visit my Counselling Services page.
My Approach
As an integratively-trained therapist, I employ a variety of theoretical approaches and techniques. However, my starting point is always person-centred, focusing on creating a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space and building a trusting relationship so that we can work together to explore any issues you may be experiencing.
This can take some time, so you may feel that things move slowly over the first few weeks. Where and when appropriate it may be useful to take a more psychodynamic approach, looking at some of the ways that your past experiences may be influencing current feelings and patterns of behaviour. Because these connections often lie in our unconscious, unravelling these can lead to some "a-ha" moments! However, it can also be a painful process, exploring some of the darker parts of our personal history, so it's important that you feel safe and supported before broaching this.
Likewise, especially (although not solely) where you may be experiencing life transitions, an existential approach can be helpful, focusing on what you are experiencing in the moment and helping you to manage and make sense of your emotional responses.
Core Qualifications & Memberships
- Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- BICA Foundation & Advanced Training (Infertility Counselling)
- Member of BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy)
- Member of BICA (British Infertility Counselling Association)
- Ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development) through regular training
Discover how I can support you on your journey.