Amelia Tucker Mear
Hi, I’m Amelia and I’m excited to be working with Parental Minds. I’m nearing the end of studying for my course in Integrated Counselling. Integrated means that, although the core of how I practice is “Person Centred”, meaning deeply listening and understanding, I also might bring in techniques from other counselling methods, according to what works best for you.
I grew up in Devon and, after some years living elsewhere, moved back to raise my kids in the county that has my heart! I love being outdoors, and my other great love is music.
I enjoy working face to face, but I can also work over the phone or online.
Anne-Marie Lorenzo
Hi, I’m Anne-Marie and I have been volunteering as a person-centred counsellor for Parental Minds since May 2022. I am a fully-accredited registrant with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).
I see my job as helping you to “unpack” and explore your past, present and, possibly, your future. I offer a safe and supportive environment where my clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings, and where they can develop the skills and tools they need to thrive.
You will find me warm, welcoming, curious, non-judgmental and compassionate. I don’t bombard my clients with questions – a silent moment or two can be quite illuminating.
I have one teenage daughter and a very fluffy husky/chow cross, Ted.
In our spare time, Ted and I volunteer for Pets As Therapy and currently visit a primary school and Exeter University on a weekly basis. I am hoping to incorporate Ted in my practice and offer canine-assisted therapy, and also have hopes to employ some guinea pigs too.
I have lived in many countries including Australia, Canada and Germany and spent 6 years at boarding school. I am Exeter-based but can, and do, travel to see clients.
Charlotte Dinnis
Having heard first hand of the amazing work Parental Minds do, I am delighted to have been working with Parental Minds on Placement since November 2022.
I am a member of the BACP and ensure I work to their requirements and ethics. I have completed my Level 2 & 3 Counselling Qualifications and am in my final year of the Integrative Counselling Advanced Diploma and Counselling Young People with Iron Mill College.
As well as this I have taken further studies in Eating Disorders, Suicide, Anxiety, Grief and Anger.
Having required counselling myself, I understand how daunting asking for help or support can be. My aim is to be there to support you and provide a safe space throughout your journey wherever our sessions may lead. I take an integrative approach, which means I am able to adapt to each client to use the best methodology for the person and situation, rather than sticking to one Psychological principle. We are all unique so I believe that being able to offer a flexible approach to counselling is key to being able to offer the most beneficial counselling experience.
Claire Perrott
Hello, I’m Claire. I’ve worked within the NHS for 19 years and have witnessed a lot of changes over this time.
I am a Student Counsellor about to finish my course in Integrative Counselling. My Counselling Placement is with Parental Minds.
I am a member of the BACP.
I feel aligned to the values promoted by the charity and love the work and seeing results.
Primarily I work over Zoom, but am happy to see clients face to face or over the telephone.
I don’t profess to owning a magic wand to fix problems, but am happy to work through your issues with you and help you to obtain some clarity.
Georgina Deverell
I’m embarking on my final year of training as a counsellor at Exeter on the Advanced Professional Diploma, having already completed Levels 2 & 3.
I’ve been working in supportive and caring roles for more than ten years, including running my own business as a Life Scribe, and encouraging older people in exploring their stories and experience.
I’m a mum of three and have over twenty year’s experience of dealing with children and their changing and evolving challenges and issues; not only my own kids, but their friends and the children of my friends too. The process of accompanying others through difficulties, and of having therapy myself has served as an invaluable backbone from which to begin my counselling journey.
I’m so excited to be joining such an amazing service as Parental Minds, which provides much needed support for those caring for young people in all their diversity and complexity.
I love spending time outdoors with my youngest daughter as well as doing yoga, listening to music, reading, writing poetry and dancing in my kitchen!
Graham Bailey
Hi, I’m Graham (or Bails being my more popular name!), and I am currently studying towards qualification as an Integrative Counsellor with Heartwood. I am also a Teacher and Houseparent, and have taught Biology for over 25 years, with a degree in Applied and Human Biology. As a Human Biologist, I have a deep interest in neuroscience and brain physiology, and from this I have developed a much deeper appreciation of the biology of mental health issues. I have many years’ experience working with children of all different ages and staff and colleagues, helping with their mental health journeys. The key for me is human connection, and I am keen to help people understand the importance of this.
I am fascinated with how an integrative approach (using different counselling techniques) can be incredibly powerful, and aim to help clients understand which approach they prefer, using this with them on their journey. I am a member of the NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society) and work in line with their ethical framework. I am very happy to work face-to-face or online, daytime, evening or weekends.
I am married with two children (14 and 11), and our two dogs – Maggie the beagle and Poppy the cocker – play a huge roll in our lives! Hobbies involve being active (preferably outside) and reading deeply into the fascinating world of counselling and therapy. I also study and practise breathing techniques and mindfulness.
Jonathan Polverino
Hi , I’m Jon and I am volunteering as a person centered counsellor with Parental minds. I am in my second and final year of counsellor training with Exeter College.
Primarily I work face to face but am happy to see individuals online or over the telephone. I am registered with the NCS.
I am based near Honiton, but I am able to see clients in Exeter as well.
Evenings are best for me but I can also offer Friday afternoons.
I feel very privileged to be part of Parental minds and offer Person centered Counselling within the community.
Kristy Bale
Hi I’m Kristy.
I have almost 20 years of experience working with children and their families/carers, as a Nursery Nurse, Private Nanny and within the Devon Safeguarding Children Board.
Supporting families has always been a passion of mine so moving from Childcare into Counselling was completely natural for me; my existing listening skills and self-awareness have been enhanced to a much deeper, supportive, holistic level which I can share with others.
I am honoured to be part of Parental Minds and to have the opportunity to offer Person Centred Counselling within the community.
In my spare time my little boys keep me very busy and as a family we love being together, especially getting messy (inside and outside.)
I love dancing, yoga, baking cakes and spending time with those who mean the most to me.
Louise Buckingham
Hi, I am Louise, a trainee integrative counsellor studying a Level 4 counselling course. I specialise in Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and person-centred approaches. I am also progressing in my certification as a Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC) designed by Dr. Ramani, focusing on supporting those recovering from narcissistic abuse.
As the founder of Narcology, Pride, I have established a supportive network for individuals affected by narcissistic relationships, offering resources and empowerment for those on the path to recovery. As a single mum, I bring a deep understanding of the complexities of family life to my practice, providing invaluable empathy for the challenges faced by families and single parents.
My approach to therapy is tailored and empathetic. I focus on each client’s needs and utilise evidence-based practices to ensure a therapeutic environment that fosters healing, growth, and well-being.
Megan Benham
Hello, I’m Megan and I’m a student counsellor from Iron Mill College in Exeter.
I’ve completed the taught element of an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling and am now on placement, volunteering with Parental Minds.
I’m a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
I love to work in a face-to-face setting with clients.
My approach is rooted in compassion and non-judgement, and I endeavour to cultivate an environment where the client feels valued and understood. This way, we can work through whatever is going on for them collaboratively and spark meaningful change.
Rebecca Colwill
Hi, I am Rebecca and I am in my final year of an Integrative Counselling Advanced Diploma at Heartwood College. I am currently volunteering with Parental Minds after almost twenty years working as a teacher in primary and early secondary schools.
I am a member of the NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society) and work in line with their ethical framework.
Having experienced the value of counselling myself, I know how daunting it can be to take the first step to seek support. My approach is to listen with compassion and in a non-judgemental way, helping you to understand what is on your mind right now, exploring feelings on a deeper level and offering empathic support in challenging times. Together, we can talk openly and honestly and discover your path to meaningful change.
I would love to work face-to-face or online with clients, offering a safe space where you can feel confident and supported.
Sarah Clarke
Hi, I’m Sarah and I’m really happy to be on placement at Parental Minds for the final year of my Advanced Diploma in Counselling with Exeter College.
I am training to be a Person-Centred Counsellor, which means I offer a non-judgmental, supportive and compassionate listening approach, working with you so that you feel truly listened to and understood.
In my spare time I love being with my young children and running in the countryside around Exeter.