Credentials & Qualifications

I bring over three years of professional practice supporting teenagers, men, and dads across Devon and Cornwall. My approach is grounded in trauma-informed practice, neuroscience, and lived experience of the challenges families face during the teenage years.

Professional Qualifications

Level 7 equivalent Diploma in Counselling Teenagers

This advanced qualification specialises in working therapeutically with young people aged 12-25. It covers adolescent development, trauma-informed practice, safeguarding, and therapeutic approaches specifically designed for teenagers.

Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring

A postgraduate qualification focusing on transformational coaching, goal-setting, communication strategies, and supporting clients through life transitions and personal development.

MA Education

A Master's degree exploring learning, development, and the educational needs of young people. This qualification deepens my understanding of how teenagers learn, grow, and navigate challenges.

BA (Hons) Youth Work

An honours degree in youth work, providing a strong foundation in supporting young people, understanding youth culture, building trust, and creating safe spaces for growth and development.

Level 2 Safeguarding Children and Young People

Current certification in safeguarding, ensuring I understand how to recognise, respond to, and report concerns about the welfare of children and young people.

Enhanced DBS Check

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, confirming I have been thoroughly vetted to work safely with children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Fully insured to provide counselling and coaching services, protecting both clients and my practice.

Professional Memberships

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

Member Number: 389980

The BACP is the UK's leading professional body for counselling and psychotherapy. Membership requires adherence to strict ethical guidelines, ongoing professional development, and regular supervision. I follow the BACP Ethical Framework in all my work.

National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

Member Number: NCPS897

Registered member of the NCPS, a professional body that sets standards for counselling practice, provides professional support, and maintains a register of qualified practitioners.

Association for Coaching

Member Number: 79489920

Member of the Association for Coaching, the UK's leading professional body for coaching. Membership demonstrates commitment to professional coaching standards and ongoing development.

Ongoing Professional Development

I complete a minimum of 30 hours of professional development each year, currently focusing on Interpersonal Neurobiology with Dr. Dan Siegel. This explores how relationships, experiences, and brain development shape emotional health and behaviour. I'm also focusing lots of time on learning about working therapeutically with men, recently completing a short course called Men and Therapy - Key Approaches to Working with Men.

I also receive monthly clinical supervision (1.5 hours per month) as required by professional standards. Supervision ensures I maintain high-quality practice, reflect on my work, and continue developing as a practitioner.

Areas of Specialisation

Trauma-Informed Practice

My approach recognises how difficult experiences shape thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. I create safe, non-judgmental spaces where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies.

Adolescent Development and Teenage Mental Health

With specialist training in counselling teenagers, I understand the unique developmental, social, and emotional challenges young people face. I use age-appropriate methods including conversation, play, creative techniques, and sometimes my therapy dog Teddy.

Working with Men and Dads

As one of relatively few male counsellors specialising in dads and men, I bring understanding of the unique pressures, expectations, and emotional challenges men face. I create a space where vulnerability is strength, not weakness.

Relationship and Communication Challenges

Whether it's parent-teenager conflict, relationship breakdowns, or feeling disconnected from loved ones, I help clients rebuild communication, understand each other's perspectives, and strengthen relationships.

Years of Experience

• 4+ years in private practice
• 80+ families supported
• Hundreds of counselling and coaching sessions delivered
• Experience working with schools, youth organisations, and community groups
• Background in education and youth work spanning over a decade

Approach and Values

My work is guided by these core values:

Safety: Creating a calm, confidential, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and understood.

Trust: Building genuine relationships based on respect, honesty, and authenticity.

Empowerment: Helping clients discover their own strengths, solutions, and possibilities.

Compassion: Meeting clients where they are, without judgment or expectation.

Integrity: Practising ethically, maintaining professional boundaries, and putting client wellbeing first.

Why Qualifications Matter

Counselling and coaching are unregulated in the UK, meaning anyone can call themselves a counsellor or coach without training or oversight. My qualifications, memberships, and ongoing development demonstrate:

• I have been trained to professional standards
• I follow ethical guidelines and codes of practice
• I receive regular supervision to maintain quality
• I am committed to ongoing learning and development
• I am accountable to professional bodies
• I am safe, qualified, and insured to support you or your family

Questions About My Qualifications?

If you'd like to discuss my experience, approach, or how I might be able to help, I offer a free 30-minute discovery call. Contact me on 01822 661316 or email hello@jeffdawson.co.uk.