Val Allen

I have been working as a psychotherapist, counsellor, clinical hypnotherapist and group facilitator since 1986, and as supervisor and trainer from 1996, in both voluntary and statutory sectors and as an independent practitioner based in Lampeter. I am a short course tutor on the Counselling Diploma course at Coleg SirGar, and deliver training as a guest lecturer in Higher Education.  I have been and continue to be a trainer on Counselling Courses, for Counselling Services, for Voluntary and Statutory Organisations and have presented papers at Conferences.

My core training is in the Person Centred Approach, and my integrative orientation is informed by subsequent trainings over more than 25 years, which include psychodynamic, gestalt; Ericksonian and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Somatic Trauma Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) . My work in the field of trauma has been particularly influenced by the seminal work of Judith Herman and the research and teachings of Babette Rothschild and Claudia Herbert on Complex Trauma. I have completed trainings with Rothschild and Herbert. I have also attended trainings on Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Transsexual Issues (LGBT).

I work extensively with issues of trauma, including domestic abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and childhood trauma, working with clients, presenting training and involvement in research projects. I am a founder member of Seren, a charity based in Mid Wales which offers counselling to adults who experienced childhood sexual abuse and training on supporting and working with survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

I have facilitated and co-facilitated groups in stress management, anger management, relaxation techniques, assertiveness skills, eating disorders and self-injury. I also deliver training on these and other related issues.

I am a member of Psychotherapists and Counsellors for Social Responsibility (PCSR).