About Me
My name is Jay McCarthy (they/them) and I have been working as a counsellor since 2017.
I gained an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice from the University of Nottingham in 2023.
I also hold a BSc (hons) in Psychology from Coventry University.
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I am passionate about providing inclusive and accessible counselling. Many people find themselves let down by mental health services and not knowing where to turn. I specialise in working with clients who are neurodivergent (inc. ADHD, autism, BPD, Down Syndrome) and/or LGBTQ+. I am experienced in supporting survivors of sexual abuse and clients with disordered eating. I am kink aware, sex worker allied and non-monogamy affirming.
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I have previously worked as a counsellor for various organisations, including RoSA (a charity working with survivors of rape and sexual abuse), the Human Flourishing Project, and Trentside Medical Group.
Before becoming a counsellor, I worked as a personal assistant for adults with Down Syndrome.
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When I am not working, I enjoy hiking, wild swimming, paddle boarding, Warhammer, board games, Lego, Sylvanian Families and craft side quests. I also enjoy doing absolutely none of these and sitting very still.
I have a cat and a tortoise.
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Professional Requirements
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I am an Accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) which means I have met their standards for training and experience and am bound by their ethical framework.
You can find me on their professional register.
I have regular supervision, where I talk through my work in confidence with an elder professional, to support me in supporting you the best I can.
I undertake at least 30 hours of training each year to ensure that I am always developing my skills and understanding.
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I hold full public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
I am registered with the DBS Update Service.
All data are held in compliance with GDPR.