'Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful parts of us'.
David Richo
WELCOME
If you’ve come here, you are probably thinking about embarking on some talking therapy. You may feel anxious or nervous about taking the first step and getting in touch with a therapist, and this is understandable.
In my experience, therapy can be challenging at times, but it can also transform lives in positive ways. An important part of the process is selecting a therapist who feels like the right ‘fit’ for you.
Dan Jones (He / Him) Integrative Counsellor (MBACP)
MY APPROACH
I trained as an Integrative Counsellor at the Minster Centre in London. Being integrative means that I draw on several different therapeutic approaches. These may include ways to help us to make sense of your current patterns of relating to others and yourself in terms of past experiences; It may involve ways to understand how painful memories can be locked away in your body. I also bring an appreciation of the socio-political context in which we live, and the impact of structural oppression, particularly on people with minoritised experience. I endeavour to be aware of, and challenge, the ways in which these structures can be replicated in the therapy room. I have an intentionally LGBTQ-affirmative approach, which I believe can benefit all clients, regardless of their sexuality or gender. My aim is to tailor the approach to the specific needs and presenting issues of each client. At the centre of my counselling practice is the belief that the relationship between client and therapist can be a catalyst for lasting change.
Key terms: Relational Psychoanalytic; Object Relations; Existential; Somatic.
MY EXPERIENCE
I have worked in mental health services since the late 1990s.
I have spent much of this time as a Mental Health Social Worker in NHS and local authority services and have held supervisory and managerial positions. I have also worked as a Mental Health Advisor in a university wellbeing service. As a Social Worker, it has been my role to provide an alternative perspective to the medical model - one which strives not to pathologise distress. As a therapist, I believe that the defences we develop during our lives are ways of coping with adversity. These coping mechanisms can be creative and helpful, even beautiful, but sometimes, they can outlive their usefulness.
During my training as a therapist, I have worked in Spectra's Counselling Service (part of their Trans Empowerment Programme).
QUALIFICATIONS
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Diploma in Integrative Counselling, The Minster Centre
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Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership, Chartered Management Institute
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Post-Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Social Work, Bournemouth University
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Social Work Practice Teaching Award, Goldsmiths College, University of London
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MA/ Diploma in Social Work, Goldsmiths College, University of London
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BA (Hons) Physics and Philosophy, University of Oxford
I am currently completing an MA/ Advanced Graduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy with the Minster Centre, accredited by Middlesex University
PUBLICATIONS
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Jones, D.B. (2021). ‘De-colonising My Trans Body: Fanon and the masks I have worn’, Existential Analysis 32(2): 322-332.
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Jones, D.B. (2020). ‘Pluralism: A Home for Gender Fluidity?’, Pluralistic Practice, Available from: https://pluralisticpractice.com/2020/07/29/pluralism-a-home-for-gender-fluidity/
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
FAQS
Who do you work with?
I work with individuals aged 18 and over.
How long are the sessions?
Sessions will last 50 minutes (with the exception of the first one, which may be slightly longer).
What happens in the first session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to meet and to get a sense of the issues you would like to address in therapy.
How regularly will we meet?
We will meet for a session once per week in a regular time slot.
How long will I be in therapy?
This will be up to you and is a discussion we can have at any time. It will also depend on what you would like to address in therapy, as some issues may take longer to work through than others. I offer short-term counselling (usually 8-12 weeks), or longer-term work, with the possibility of reviews.
How do you store my confidential information?
All enquiries and contact with my service are treated in accordance with GDPR guidelines. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office: Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
LOCATION
I offer in-person therapy at a Central London location, close to Oxford Circus tube station.
I can also offer online therapy, using Zoom as a secure platform.
Please feel free to discuss with me any access needs you may have.
ADDRESS
19 Nassau Street, London W1W 7AF
FEE STRUCTURE
I offer therapy with a sliding scale, according to your financial circumstances. I am open to discussion if these descriptors do not match your situation.
1
Full Cost : £80 per session
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I can meet all my basic needs very comfortably
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I am employed or have another source of steady income
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I have disposable income once I have paid for accommodation and bills
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I can take holidays and afford leisure activities
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I have savings or inheritance
2
Reduced Cost : £60 per session
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I can meet all my basic needs comfortably
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I am employed or have another source of income
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I can pay for my accommodation and bills without worry
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I sometimes have to save to afford holidays or leisure activities
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I may have some debts, but they do not prohibit me doing what I would like to do.
3
Low Cost : £30 per session
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I often stress about meeting my basic needs
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I am unemployed or in lower waged employment
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I am unable to work or undertaking a caring role
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I often forego leisure activities and holidays due to a lack of finances
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I have substantial debts, which prevent me from doing what I would like to do.
Based on http://www.wortsandcunning.com/blog/sliding-scale by Alexis J. Cunningfolk.