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.
Daniel Brett-Schneider
Hello, I’m Dan and a volunteer placement counsellor, registered with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).
I feel honoured to be part of the great team here at Parental Minds and being able to offer person centred (PCT) counselling to help you work through whatever challenges or worries you may have.
I can offer a confidential, safe and supportive space where the aim is to support you to explore at your own pace your thoughts and feelings and, over time, find the tools, understanding and confidence to thrive.
PCT means it’s led by you, the client. So you can bring into the therapy room whatever you want, knowing that you will be listened to without judgment, feel valued and understood.
Over the last 25 years, I’ve worked for a number of charities who support families and young people and I’m continually amazed at how the simple act of listening can help people to achieve the change they want.
I’m based in Exeter and happy to meet in person, online and by phone.
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.
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.