Craig Limbert, BACP Therapist - Registered Member MBACP #390994

Hello there, let me introduce myself, my name is Craig Limbert. I am a fully certified BACP counsellor and hold an advanced diploma in counselling. I work within an integrative approach of person centred and psychodynamic insights with an interest in Gestalt therapy. I have extensive experience of counselling a diverse range of individuals, as well as working in various mental health services within the NHS and Social Care for over 30 years.

Most deep issues are from our childhood, and I follow a ‘gestalt’ approach for you to connect again. Gestalt is a theory is a form of psychotherapy that focuses the client’s experiences in the present moment. We’ll work together in working through this process, for you to understand and heal and hopefully understand the trauma you have experienced.

My approach in working with you is always valuing your individuality, views, fears, hopes, and insights. Your goals and how we achieve these will form the basis of our joint contract together.

I have experience of counselling clients who have complex needs, these include for example clients with trauma, severe depression, anxiety and stress.

I have also worked with many clients of diverse backgrounds; this includes clients who identify themselves as being from the LGBTQIA+ community.

What all that means is, as a counsellor, my core values have always been about supporting people. We have all been affected by our life experiences, good or bad. I am passionate about working with you to gain an understanding of what you perceive to be your current concerns and assist you in exploring and identifying solutions. I enjoy working with people from all sexual orientations, genders and from varied cultural and spiritual backgrounds. Your goals and how we achieve these will form the basis of our joint contract together.

We know life can be challenging at times and we all at some point need a little help to work through our thoughts, feelings and emotions, I offer an open, supportive, and safe therapeutic environment for you to explore these.

Training, qualifications and experience:

Advanced diploma in Counselling (level 4)
Certificate in counselling (level 3).
Diploma in Management (2011)
Diploma in Mental Health (2002)
Diploma in Practice Teaching (2001)
Diploma in Social Work (1994)
Certificate in Clinical Supervision, 2024.

Experience:

Samaritan Volunteer 1990 - 1992. I supported people in crisis, either face-to-face, or on the telephone. I spoke with people who felt that life was not worth living. I supported people to encourage them to see alternatives than taking their own life.

Mind in Humberside (charity) 1993 - 1994, I facilitated self-help groups for people who had severe anxiety, depression & anger issues.

Mind in Barnsley 1994 - 1998. I provided advocacy (legal rights) to people who were admitted to psychiatric wards, either ‘sectioned’ or on a volunteer basis.

Team Manager, 1998 - 2000, for the charity Mental Health Aftercare Association (MACA). The work involved working alongside the Mental Health Court Division Service, in providing community support and providing life skills.

Kirklees Council 2000 - 2020. I worked as a Mental Health Social Worker in various settings. I initially worked within GP surgeries in providing a Cognitive Behaviour Approach (CBT) for people experiencing anxiety, depression and anger issues. I was a care co-ordinator, in supporting people with a severe and enduring mental health need, to live independently in the community . I worked within Shared Lives (similar to fostering); this involved training and supporting carer's in proving long and short term care for older people with a learning disabilities and people with a mental health need. I was also a team manager for many years in the Assertive OutreachTeam/Enhanced Team.

I was employed as an Approved Social Worker/Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) from 2002 - 2018. My work was to support and identify alternatives to formal admissions to hospital, and to make applications under the Mental Health Act (1983, amended in 2007).

Member of the Kirklees NHS Mental Health Clinical Commissioning Group with responsibility for agreeing/reviewing clients in mental health ‘out of area’ placements.

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust 2020 - 2021. I worked within the Single Point of Access (SPA) team in triaging people with complex life problems that had impacted on their mental well-being. This involved signposting people to the most appropriate service, such as the the Talking Therapies Team or the Home Based treatment Team (crisis team).

I continue to be a core counsellor at the Tree of Life Counselling Charity in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. I am also the placement officer at the centre.

I look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes Craig