Committee

Have you thought about joining the CaPPP Committee?

We are currently looking for new members to join the committee.

Some of the benefits of being a committee member:

• Enjoy getting to know and working more closely with other therapists
  Help develop and deliver existing and new initiatives for CaPPP members
• Help to decide on and organise the CPD programme of events
• Take part in CaPPP CPD events as a helper for free. Two committee members act as helpers on each event
• Attend our CPD events for free as a committee representative if there are spare, last minute places available
• The role is on a voluntary basis but we pay out of pocket expenses – mileage, childcare etc.
• Gain valuable experience that will enhance your CV

The committee meets in-person or online for 2 hours each month (except in August and December) to discuss amongst other things the programme of workshops and events, to respond to member’s queries and issues, to oversea the budget and to continue the development of CaPPP on behalf of all it’s members. New committee members can be co-opted to the committee at any time of year. If you think you might like to be more involved or become a committee member please contact the chairperson for a chat, you are also welcome to come along to one of our meetings to see if it is right for you. Committee members and co-opted members are nominated and elected each year at the AGM.

Committee members:

Committee Profiles

Nicola Jefferies: Chair

I am a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor specialising in relational psychotherapy, with my practice in Bath and Bristol. I am also training in group analysis with GASW. I have been a practising psychotherapist since 2006, working within the NHS and in private practice. In addition to my private practice, I work with Trauma Foundation South West (TFSW) to provide therapy to refugees who are suffering from trauma. I am particularly interested in the therapeutic potential of working with animals and nature. I joined the committee in September 2019.

Helen Key: Treasurer

I am an accredited BACP member who has been in private practice since 2008. I started out in Bristol but moved to Calne a few years ago and have a practice in Calne and Chippenham. My initial training was person-centred, but I have since branched out into CBT and TA, plus a few other things that have been integrated into my practice. I have a particular interest in Eating Disorders and have completed specialist qualifications with the National Centre for Eating Disorders (NCFED), all of which are approved by the British Psychological Society. Most recently I have been training as a relational supervisor with Severn Talking Therapies.

I became a member of CaPPP in 2011 and finally the balance of work and ‘me’ time means I now have the space to join the committee.

Kate Ashley: Secretary

I’m an integrative therapist and member of BACP with a particular interest in working with LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse clients. I offer sessions face to face in central Bristol.

My professional background is in communications and as well as my private practice, I currently work in the charity sector promoting LGBTQIA+ mental health.

I’m new to CaPPP and looking forward to making connections with other colleagues.

Robert “Jock” McCracken

I am an integrative counsellor working in Weston-Super-Mare and Bristol.

As I identify as being on the transgender spectrum I do quite a bit of work with trans and queer clients. I also work for Bristol Mind and have a huge commitment to supporting their work which includes placements for many up-and-coming counsellors and supervisors.

I am ex-military and have also worked in many areas of IT. Before having to step down through ill health, I spent much of the last thirty years running a very successful leisure business.

To the committee I bring many years of experience of committee work including service on the executive committee of a national sports governing body.

I take my role with Cappp very seriously, and believe it is a privilege to serve our members. I do have to say though, I do it all with an eye to finding the funny side of life.

What is the commitment?
The first thing to say is that our meetings are enjoyable and supportive. We meet for 2 hours once a month except in August and December. Meetings can be online or in-person, you can join an in-person meetings online. Each meeting is either hosted by committee member in their home, therapy space or in an accessible venue. Travel costs, childcare and other out-of-pocket expenses are paid. Committee members may also choose to be one of the two helpers who help on each of our face to face CPD events in return for a free place. If you would like to find out more about joining the committee contact: Nicola Jefferies nicolajefferiestherapy@gmail.com

Kirsti (ex-chair)

 ‘What I really liked about being on the CaPPP committee was to feel a part of a team and feeling connected to a network of therapeutic practitioners.  Developing new initiatives and engaging in developing a CPD program for the membership. When I joined the committee I was just developing my private practice in Bristol and joining CaPPP and then the committee helped me feel more familiar to the city. I also believe and feel that the experience and new skills acquired by being chair will and does positively enhance my CV.’

Pavla (ex-committee member)

 Being on the CaPPP committee was a great opportunity. I was new to the area and the committee was welcoming and supportive, it allowed me to build my practice and get to know colleagues and new friends quickly and effortlessly. It gave me a chance to contribute to the community of counsellors and therapists, learn new skills and participate in organising events I would want to go to anyway!

Katina Noble (ex-committee member)

I trained at Bath Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy and graduated with a Diploma in Counselling in 1995.
Before that, I was involved in theatre, setting up a Women’s theatre Group, Spare Tyre, in 1979.
The company was inspired by Susie Orbach’s ‘Fat is A Feminist Issue’.

In the early days, women from the audience could see the show and sign up for a compulsive eating group in the after show discussion.
Alongside performing, I worked with Susie and other feminist psychotherapists at the Women’s Therapy Centre, running workshops for women with different kinds of eating issues.
This is where my interest in therapy began.

After 10 years working there and 11 years in the theatre company, I left London and moved to Bristol.
After qualifying, I and my colleague Phil Henley ran a Student Counselling Service at Weston College in Weston-Super-Mare.
What began as 2 hours work a week grew into a huge Counselling Service within a pastoral suite, serving 3 campuses. I retired from there in 2017 after 21 happy years. I have run my own private practice in Bristol since the mid 90’s and continue to do so today. I have EAP clients and long term private clients as well as being a supervisor and trainer.