Our vision

We aim to promote and support:

  • patient choice
  • accessible services
  • clinical excellence
  • competent, professional therapists
  • effective and efficient service delivery

We deliver our aims in partnership with Íø±¬ÃÅ by providing:

  • information to the public
  • information to members
  • consultation with government departments and associated agencies in the four nations
  • publications - including a quarterly journal, best practice guidelines and commissioned research
  • training and CPD for counsellors
  • support to regional networks of NHS counsellors and interest groups

Our executive

Angela Clarke

Angela Clarke is a highly skilled psychologist and psychotherapist with over 35 years of experience in counselling and the mental health sector. Currently serving as Head of Service for a local authority, Angela successfully oversees care and support provision, working closely with health partners to enhance the delivery of services and improve outcomes for individuals in the community.

Her extensive therapeutic background spans the NHS, local government, and private practice, equipping her with a unique perspective on the complexities of mental health care. Angela holds a master’s degree in counselling and psychotherapy, an honours degree in psychology and sociology, and has pursued significant postgraduate training through The Priory Hospital. She completed her first diploma at the Gestalt Centre in London and studied person-centered counselling at Metanoia, demonstrating her commitment to comprehensive and empathetic care.

Angela is a certified Mental Health First Aider and a member of MHFA England. She has worked on several high-impact projects across local government, the private sector, and community action initiatives, consistently focusing on initiatives that uplift marginalised populations. Angela's collaborative approach with health partners has been pivotal in developing effective strategies to enhance mental health support services.

An advocate for safeguarding, Angela actively participates on both Children and Adults Safeguarding Boards and provides training across the third sector, ensuring that the highest standards of care and protection are upheld. Her dedication to fostering partnership work and championing mental health initiatives makes her a leader in the field, committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of those she serves.

Ms Angela Clarke, BEM
Improving lives - Shaping the future

Website:

Satinder Panesar - Past Chair

Satinder is a Punjabi speaking  Integrative Psychotherapist, Clinical Consultant  & Author of "When Therapy Goes Wrong" Learning from Challenges and Improving Practice.  She  has worked in the third sector, NHS GG&C and private sector over the past 25 years Satinder is also an Individual /Group Clinical Supervisor, Trainer & Executive Coach.

Her work includes working with young people and adults and has a particular expertise in working with  forced marriage; honour-based violence, child sexual abuse, rape & sexual assault, sexual health , pre post termination  and cultural identity.

Areas of responsibility: Trauma, Tradition & Culture, Scotland

Gareth Bartlett

Gareth currently works as a family support counsellor at Rennie Grove Hospice Care based in Buckinghamshire. He works with patients and families as they face chronic and terminal illness, helping them to remain cared for at home, as well as supporting volunteer listeners and working with nursing teams, complementary therapists and fellow counsellors.

He qualified in 2018 and has also worked as a pandemic response counsellor and trainer at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. He currently teaches as part of the counselling team at Aylesbury College and maintains a small private practice.

Areas of responsibility:inter-agency working, diversity, education