Iona Mackenzie - The Joshua Nolan Foundation

About
I am a qualified counsellor MBACP with a diploma in pluralistic counselling. My background has been working in the third sector with various groups in the community. My longest running roles have been working with young adults, as well as unpaid carers and I am able to work with clients 18+. The aim of pluralistic counselling is to work with an individual’s needs and adapt the sessions to fit what works best for the client and their uniqueness. However, something I bring into sessions with every client, is the creation of a protected and friendly space, where an individual will hopefully feel accepted and maybe even just a little comfortable, enough so they feel able to talk to me about what’s going on for them. My aim of our work together would be to encourage you to realise your potential and work to understand you or your situation. Whatever is going on for you, whatever journey you are on, I can be there with you whilst you explore and try to find your answers. I welcome clients to talk about any area that needs addressed, the past, the present and future. I know from experience how surreal and awkward counselling can be to start with! So I try to acknowledge that and work with it, at first our sessions may feel like a conversation as we build the therapeutic relationship and discover the best way to work collaboratively. I sometimes bring activities into our work together if that feels suitable. But most importantly, it is a space where you are encouraged to be open and free to release some of what you have been carrying.

Specialisms
I have experience working with clients in various areas. Trauma, anxiety, anger, sexuality, relationships, stress, identity, depression, grief, loss, struggles of university/work, caring responsibilities, general wellbeing and mental health.