counselorUKST1028

Education & Degrees
• BA Hons, Psychology, Upper Second - Open University
• MSc Occupational Psychology - London University
• MBA - Open University
• Diploma in Humanistic Counselling validated by Wolverhampton University
• Diploma in Performance Coaching, Newcastle College

Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society
Registered Career Guidance Practitioner

Winner of a National Career Award, November 2007 for The Gold Career Programme and again in November 2009 for the Job Search Support Programme

Author of 3 career books: "How to Get a Job in a Recession," published in March 2009; "Winning Interview Answers for First time Job Hunters" published in October 2009 and "Now you've been Shortlisted" in January 2010.

Experience
I have specialised in career development for 20+ years, have published extensively and have worked with 1000+ satisfied clients. I became a Highlands Affiliate in 2001 and am also qualified to use the MBTI, OPQ, Strong Interest Inventory, 16PF, Savilles Wave, Firo elements and more! I also work as an assessor in industry, recruiting graduates and senior management in a wide range of industries so I am able to give effective advice and support with job search.

My expertise has been recognised through being awarded 2 National Career Awards for my Gold Career Programme and Job Search Support Programme.

Focus
The majority of my time is spent working one to one with young people, graduates and career changers helping them to make effective career choices. I utilise a range of assessments including the Highlands Ability Battery, Myers Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory.

Firstly I help people decide on what would be a great career path to match with their abilities, interests, personality, values, and goals. Then I help them to get there by sorting out their CV, guiding them through the job search maze and providing interview coaching.

With my student clients I help them to begin working towards their desired career path through suggesting extra curricular activities and vacation placements to help their future career search.

I help young people to keep options open, so whilst at university, to choose a major that will keep options open and not constrain their future, and to ensure they get the most out of their university experience, it's not just about work!

I also work as a consultant to organisations helping them to effectively recruit staff through assessment centres and in depth interviews and to enable employees to experience greater career satisfaction through being able to focus on their natural talents and abilities.

Strengths
I am warm and friendly and genuinely care for my clients, I'm also creative and encouraging. My clients tell me I am non- judgmental, supportive and inspiring.

Clients choose me because of the depth and breadth of my experience - I'm probably the most qualified career coach in the UK, and also the busiest!

Clients
Predominately I work one to one with private clients between the ages of 16 and 70+, most of my older clients wish they had worked with me years ago and therefore send their young adults to see me

The organisations I work with include the British Civil Service, Charities and Blue Chip Companies

Statements & Testimonials
"From the very first session with Denise I felt so relaxed in her company. I felt really comfortable to open up and be honest about myself, and I loved how every session I felt like I was going to see a friend rather than a coach. It is a journey of discovery; you make many fascinating realisations about yourself along the way. The knowledge you acquire will benefit you for the rest of your life. As for me I have found the programme invaluable in making decisions about my future degree course at university.” – Rebecca Crowther

“It was difficult for myself as a parent to be able to confidently advise and guide my daughter in her post A level education. She was a good all rounder and had absolutely no idea what she wanted to do. It was such a relief to discover Denise who is such a knowledgeable and caring career expert. I am now confident that Rebecca is moving in the right direction.”
– Carol Crowther (Parent to Rebecca Crowther)

Still unsure of the route to pursue, a year after graduation, I considered previous careers guidance limited and confusing. Denise was a breath of fresh air. She offers a very personal and unique programme, which is far more than standard careers advice. It enabled me to explore personal strengths, to gain a clear understanding of the way in which I interact with others and to discover the most appropriate working environment for me.” – Naomi Durston

“This programme has given my daughter a much clearer insight into the way in which she works and a deeper understanding of the working environment to which she is best suited.”
– David Durston (Father to Naomi).

"Thanks so much for doing this highlands programme with Natalie; I can understand why she doesn't seem to listen. She takes in information better when it is written down"
– Julie (Mother to 17 year old Natalie).