About
My name is Dr. Chera Sudworth
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Chartered Counselling Psychologist (CPsychol)
D. Couns. Psych, C.Psychol, AFBPsS, PGDip Psychology, BSc (Hons) Double Major Psychology and Biology, BSc (Hons) Forensic Science, CSAccred. (Advanced)
I am registered as a Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as well as a chartered member and associate fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS). I adhere to their codes of conduct, standards of proficiency, and ethics. The title of Practitioner Psychologist and Chartered Psychologist reflect the highest standard of psychological knowledge and are legally recognised. I have both an BSc Honours and Graduate Diploma in Psychology, and a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology.
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I have experience in working within various settings including The NHS, third sector, and forensic organisations. I have worked with both young adult and adult populations. I have been involved in working with various mental health difficulties including low mood, anxiety, abuse (domestic and sexual), substance misuse, trauma, and clinical health conditions such as Fibrymialgia and Cancer. I am trained in a number of therapeutic approaches including Person Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, and informed by various other therapeutic models.
Counselling Psychology
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Counselling psychology focuses on the holistic understanding of psychological wellbeing, treating each individual as unique with their own subjective meanings and experiences while empowering the client. Psychological distress (emotional and mental) is not viewed as illness or pathological, but as difficulties in living which is understood against the context of the client’s life. This interpretation provides a different view to the traditional medical model which pathologises psychological distress.
Counselling Psychology’s values are focused on the importance of collaboration, the therapeutic relationship, and focuses on potential and wellbeing, rather than curing pathology or illness. Competences are built upon person centred values that aim to empower clients as it aims to prioritise wellbeing, cultural and social context, anti-discriminatory practice, and ethical decision making. This allows for a more holistic view of the individual by considering the emotional and mental health in the context of the client’s lifecycle, relationships, and environment which are all interrelated. The focus is on the meaning of psychological distress rather than pathologising that the issue lies within the individual. As such, relational, psychological, and social aspects of issues are understood and the client is empowered to find personal and social solutions to psychological distress.
As a counselling psychologist, we are trained to draw upon a variety of psychological approaches while being mindful that each client is unique, therefore, we tailor therapy to each individual. As such, we are able to work with aspects of the medical model i.e. diagnoses, but do not allow the label to objectify or obscure the individual or their concerns.
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Counselling psychology is a young branch of applied psychology which is concerned with the integration of therapeutic practice with psychological theory and research. The practice of counselling psychology requires a high level of self-awareness and competence in relating the skills and knowledge of personal and interpersonal dynamics to the therapeutic context.
The relationship that builds between the client and the practitioner is paramount, and, the counselling psychologist brings themselves to this working relationship. Due to this focus, counselling psychologists undertake their own personal therapy during training (a minimum of 40 hrs) and beyond. This allows the counselling psychologist to experience being in their own therapeutic relationship and the self-awareness that ensues from this.
How I work
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Within my work I place a strong emphasis on relational and reflective processes. As my practice is underpinned by a humanistic framework, I place a significant value on creating a safe, secure, empathetic, compassionate, and respectful therapeutic relationship in which you can examine your difficulties. My focus is on empowering you to not only see a way forward in your life, but to thrive rather than simply existing in the world around you.
​The therapeutic process will always be open, honest, and transparent. You will be met with unconditional regard, empathy, compassion, and respect as we collaboratively work towards your goals. We will work together towards you having an understanding of your difficulties before embarking on you acquiring new strategies to help you manage your distress and increasing your wellbeing. My approach is holistic in nature where I incorporate all components of your wellbeing by incorporating your physical, emotional, and relational worlds while accounting for how these aspects may be creating barriers to you achieving your therapeutic goals.
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Having benefited from being trained in various therapeutic models including Person Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), and informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Schema Therapy, and mindfulness among others. I work pluralistically in order to tailor your therapy to your unique requirements. This way of working allows for a flexible approach while we determine what therapeutic model will suit you best at this moment in time in order to achieve your goals.
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​As the therapeutic relationship is the most important aspect of my work, we will initially focus on developing a trusting, safe, and secure space in which psychological change can flourish.
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Education
Glasgow Caledonian University Doctorate in Counselling Psychology
Glasgow Caledonian University Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology
Edinburgh Napier University BSc Honours Forensic Science
Edinburgh Napier University COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills
University of Prince Edward Island BSc Honours Psychology/Biology
Hypnosis Scotland Ltd. Diploma in Clinical Advanced Hypnosis
Training
EMDR Therapist
ASIST Suicide Prevention
SMART Facilitator
WAIS IV Interpretation
Supervision
Accreditation in Clinical Supervision Level 2 CSAccred.(AAC)
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Accreditation in Clinical Supervision Level 3 (Advanced) ​CSAccred.(Advanced)
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Generalised Supervision Competencies - NES
Specialist Supervision Training -NES
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I am on the Register of Applied Psychology Practice Supervisors (RAPPS)
Professional Memberships
Health and Care Professions Council Counselling Psychologist
British Psychological Society Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Associate Fellow
EMDR UK Association
UK Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) membership
Disclosure Scotland Certified
