About Ivan

My training to become a Counsellor in 2005 started after I engaged in therapy myself and found it extremely beneficial.

I have experience of working both one to one and in groups with adults, as well as one to one work with teenagers.

My early career

I worked from 2008 to 2017 within a Forensic therapeutic community (TC) setting. My journey in the TC began as a Counsellor, facilitating small therapy groups for 10 residents and community meetings where 40 residents would explore their relationships with each other, with staff members, and would explore patterns from their childhood, offending behaviour and the here and now. Many of the residents presented with issues such as bereavement, anger, anxiety, physical, sexual, mental abuse and also post-traumatic stress disorder.

In 2015 I progressed to Therapy Manager where I was responsible for 20 and 40 bed TC’s. I managed a 20 bed Assessment Unit and later set up a 20 bed Therapeutic Community with the help of 8 staff members and the residents it housed. I left the TC in December 2017.

The progression of my career

In January 2018 I set up a Community Interest Company (SCEAP) providing equine facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) to adults and children in Stoke on Trent, after qualifying in EFP in 2017.

In June 2019 I commenced my training to become a Breathwork Practitioner. The training was 3  years long and 750 hours combining theory and skills based residential blocks of training.I graduated to become a fully qualified Breathwork Practitioner in September 2021 and subsequently I now offer sessions to clients in Staffordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire.  

I engage in quality supervision and support with Nathalia Westmacott because of the complex work. Breathwork is a stand alone process and is an excellent way of lifting layers of trauma. Trauma sits in the cells and tissue of the body. I am dedicated to improving and refining the quality of the methods I can offer to clients. Breathwork helps clients integrate trauma and process unresolved issues. 

Training and development

 My private practice has grown since I qualified in 2008. This is because I have continued to train and develop since my initial qualification:

  • Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy – 2024/2025
  • Workshop Leader, First-Breath – 2021/2022
  • Breathwork Practitioner, First Breath – 2019/2021 
  • EMDR Level 1, 2 & 3 – EMDR Centre London – 2018/19
  • Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy Diploma (LEAP Method) – 2017
  • Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy – 2014
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Supervision, Keele University – 2011
  • Diploma in Counselling, Stoke On Trent College – 2008
  • Certificate in Counselling, Stoke-On-Trent College – 2006
  • Level 2 in Usui Reiki – 2006
  • Level 1 in Usui Reiki – 2006

 

Governing Bodies & Associations

 

Registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists).

I am an Accredited member of the NCS (National Counselling Society).

I hold professional membership with the International Breathwork Foundation.

As part of my professional commitment to my clients I attend supervision with an experienced supervisor. My supervisor oversees my clinical work. This is a requirement to meet the standards of the BACP and the NCS.