We create and inspire positive change not only in our own lives but in the lives of others. This in itself is extremely rewarding to us. We seek meaningful work; as we want to make a genuine difference.
In our busy everyday lives, everyone has problems which they need to learn to overcome. Talking Therapy provides a valuable assistance to those in emotional need. When stress occurs in life, or when you’ve been involved in critical incident, people often elect to speak to a counsellor / therapist to give them direction, support and guidance.
In doing what we do best, we offer hope in times of adversity, meaning and give real tools, to help real people in a real world.
Most of us are creatures of habit. When things go as planned, we feel in control. But, what happens when life throws a series of severe and mutually reinforcing shocks: COVID 19 pandemic the Ukraine war, food and energy crisis, surging inflation, debt tightening, as well as the climate emergency. All of these of which have contributed to battering the world economy in 2022.
Some of you may have feelings of being totally overwhelmed, anxious, stressed and even burnt out. For many of us, life feels particularly uncertain. The ongoing changing landscape has also resulted in widespread fear and uncertainty, adding to the mental health challenges faced by us all. Therefore, it is essential we learn to prioritize our mental and physical wellbeing.
D R Downes Associates employs staff and affiliate’s that are highly trained, experienced, and licensed individuals to support clients’ needs.
Our key personnel offer in excess of 15,000 recorded clinical hours each with over 16 years experience, as core mental health & workplace well-being professionals.
Both are highly regarded clinical accredited psychological practitioner’s and approved experts for various Medico-Legal case management organisations and Private Healthcare Insurers.
Each member of their team has a minimum of 3 years’ experience in their field and has been put through D R Downes Associates rigorous vetting process.
David served on submarines in the Royal Navy. On leaving the Navy, he founded a startup IT business based in the North West, leading to the employment of 115 colleagues located in 6 locations, before its eventual sale in the late 90’s. During this time he acquired his CAA & FAA Pilot’s License, before retraining into psychotherapy.
In coming from a military and commercial business leadership background, David holds an ability to communicate and deliver across a wider audience. This translates into often working with serving and retired military personnel, government employees and senior business executives.
Rebecca’s formal business background was in strategic human resource management and talent acquisitions. Working commercially with start-up companies, non-profit charities, and global brands’ supporting organisations and their employees undergoing transitional change. Throughout her working career she gained a greater understanding of the critical importance of context.
Possessing a natural disposition to share her passion for developing, and fostering relationships with people, lead her to change career and retain with her husband, as accredited psychotherapists.
Since completing our initial formal Integrative Counselling Psychotherapy training over ten years ago. We continued to develop our skills in Cognitive Behvioural Therapy at University. As well as completing a one year course in Clinical Supervision.
In addition to being trained by two ex-President’s from the EMDR Association of UK & Ireland in EMDR Therapy. With further accredited training with EMDR Europe in Children & Adolescents.
Other CPD & accredited training activities included; Trauma, Dissociation, EGO State, Feeling State Addiction Protocol, Image Transformation Therapy, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing and Licensed HeartMath Resilience Coaching.
With further training at the King’s College London, renowned for their research in ADHD and associated disorders. We’ve combined our knowledge and expertise with being educated at masters level in Coaching and Mentoring at Chester University to offer professional coaching services, in addition to our mental health practice.
We are not qualified medical doctor’s and are therefore unable to provide diagnosis/advice services in support of any medical condition. However, in seeking to design a treatment program for any given client, a formulation of the clients presenting symptoms, supported by psychometrics collected, is used in developing a working hypothesis.
Such an hypothesis is further supported by the criteria’s as set out in the International Classification of Diseases – 11th Revision (ICD-11), and/or the The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 5th Edition (DSM-V). In session, we deliver treatments based upon the Biological, Psychological and Socialogic model of a clients presentation (BioPsychoSocial).
Although not medically qualified, we might express an opinion based upon many years of experience working with clients. Especially, as to how the client might alleviate their symptoms based upon the BiopPsychoSocial model. Such opinions are just that and it is entirely a matter for the client to discuss such opinions with their GP.
Therapy isn’t easy and can be, at times distressing for a client. Coming from an integrative trained backgrounds. We may use an eclectic blend of different styles of approaches. Especially with what we believe or feel’s our experience tells us will work best. Either in general or suiting the often immediate needs of our clients. Whilst working within our own preferences and capabilities as practitioners.
In supporting GP’s, Private Healthcare & EAP Providers, Medical legal insurers, Solicitors and Self-Referrals. Our commitment to continuing professional development (CPD) ensures, we continue to be competent in our profession. For us it’s an ongoing process and shouldn’t be underestimated, as it is a career-long obligation for us as practicing professionals. Ultimately it safeguards our clients, profession and our professional career’s.
Our passion and determination ensures we remain at the leading edge of our profession.
