Haylee Ford

I am an accredited Psychotherapist, Children's Counsellor and Clinical Hypnotherapist specialising in trauma-informed support for children, young people, and families. With over nine years of experience, I have worked with more than 3,000 clients, providing tailored therapeutic support that helps children feel safe, understood, and empowered. I create a warm, compassionate, and developmentally appropriate environment where young people can explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies.

My integrative approach draws from person-centred therapy, CBT, psychoeducation, and clinical hypnotherapy, allowing me to adapt sessions to each child or young person's individual needs. I am passionate about supporting emotional wellbeing in a safe and ethical way, and I work collaboratively with families, schools, and other professionals where appropriate to help children feel supported both inside and outside of therapy.

Psychotherapist/Counsellor - HF Therapists

(2023-02)

• Delivered tailored therapeutic support to clients of all ages using person-centred methodology.
• Conducted therapy sessions in-person, via phone, and online to maximize accessibility.
• Managed diverse caseload, scheduling appointments and adjusting treatment timelines as necessary.
• Maintained comprehensive clinical notes, ensuring secure storage per GDPR and BACP regulations.
• Utilized various communication platforms to enhance client access and adapt delivery methods.
• Promoted services through networking and online channels, achieving over 3,000 sessions within two years.
• Provided trauma-focused support using grounding techniques for individuals with PTSD and childhood trauma.
• Ensured ethical practice, confidentiality, and professionalism throughout all client interactions.

Counsellor / Psychotherapist - Better Help

(2023-02)

• Delivered remote psychotherapy to clients across UK, addressing diverse mental health issues.
• Provided flexible video and message-based counselling for adults facing relationship breakdowns and trauma.
• Managed diverse digital caseload through Better Help, ensuring continuity of care and client progress monitoring.
• Facilitated scheduling across time zones, enhancing accessibility for clients with limited service options.
• Utilized secure messaging for therapeutic communication while maintaining ethical boundaries.
• Maintained structured records in compliance with confidentiality standards, supporting informed session planning.
• Specialized in relationship-based support, guiding clients through interpersonal challenges with empathy.
• Engaged in ongoing supervision to ensure adherence to BACP guidelines and safeguard client wellbeing.

Children's Counsellor - St Edwards Infants School

(2023-03 - 2023-05)

• Provided one-on-one emotional support to young children in a school setting.
• Collaborated with school staff to identify and support children needing counseling.
• Communicated empathetically with parents to aid children's emotional growth outside sessions.
• Implemented home strategies for parents to reinforce emotional development.
• Regularly informed school staff of therapeutic insights while ensuring confidentiality.
• Adhered to BACP's ethical standards, promoting inclusivity and non-judgmental practices.
• Explained confidentiality to children in age-appropriate language.
• Secured all records according to GDPR and school policy.
• Presented clients with alternative approaches to resolving identified problems using positive coping skills and methods.
• Conducted individual and family interviews to assess situations and determine situations required.
• Referred clients to various community resources for additional support with housing, transport or childcare.
• Organized assistance through direct or outside referrals to help clients through ongoing or crisis situations.
• Directed emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
• Utilized cognitive behavioral, motivational enhancement and structural family therapy based on individual treatment needs.
• Supervised social work students in clinical activities, advising on strategies, answering questions and correcting errors.
• Located, compiled and organized case records and reports for legal proceedings.
• Investigated alleged or suspected cases of abuse and neglect and organized responses to protect at-risk persons.
• Assessed and identified signs of abuse or neglect in children, taking appropriate actions to safeguard their well-being.
• Reduced unnecessary risk of institutional care by treating high-risk clients living in community.
• Utilized creative arts therapy to encourage children to express themselves and develop self-esteem.
• Collaborated with teachers and parents to implement effective strategies for supporting children's emotional development.
• Engaged in continuous professional development to stay updated with the latest therapeutic techniques and best practices.
• Advised on the development of school policies to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
• Established a trusting rapport with children, creating a safe space for them to share and work through their issues.
• Applied mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help children manage symptoms of ADHD and hyperactivity.
• Contributed to case studies and research projects focused on improving counselling services for children.
• Delivered empathy and active listening in all interactions with children, validating their feelings and experiences.
• Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams, including educational psychologists and social workers, to provide holistic support to children.
• Conducted one-on-one counselling sessions with children aged 5-12, focusing on emotional and behavioral issues.
• Developed personalized therapy plans to address specific needs of each child, promoting mental health well-being.
• Utilized play therapy techniques to facilitate expression and processing of emotions in younger clients.
• Provided guidance and psychoeducation to parents on child development and mental health issues.
• Maintained confidential records of all counselling sessions, assessments, and progress reports in compliance with professional standards.
• Monitored and evaluated the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, making adjustments as necessary to optimize outcomes.

Children's Counsellor – Placement - St Edwards Junior School

(2022-09 - 2023-05)

• Delivered individual counselling sessions to children aged eight to sixteen, addressing anxiety and emotional challenges.
• Developed personalized therapy plans incorporating cognitive behavioral and mindfulness techniques.
• Established trusting rapport with students to foster open communication in a safe environment.
• Supervised clinical work of social work students, providing guidance on strategies and best practices.
• Collaborated with school staff to support children's emotional regulation and classroom management.
• Maintained detailed records of counselling sessions and treatment plans as per ethical standards.
• Conducted thorough assessments to identify signs of abuse or neglect, ensuring child safety.
• Engaged in ongoing professional development to enhance therapeutic skills and knowledge.

Counsellor for Adults – Placement - Low Cost Counselling

(2021-01 - 2022-09)

• Delivered affordable online counselling for diverse emotional and mental health issues.
• Conducted remote therapy sessions focused on anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.
• Adapted therapeutic techniques for remote delivery while ensuring confidentiality.
• Supported clients through complex life challenges, offering guidance on difficult decisions.
• Created tailored counselling plans based on individual goals and monitored progress.
• Established a safe and judgment-free environment to encourage open expression.
• Maintained detailed records, ensuring strict confidentiality of client information.
• Participated in supervision sessions to develop strategies for complex casework.
• Supported patients through complex life challenges and changes, advising and guiding them in making difficult decisions.
• Maintained confidential records of therapy sessions, adhering to professional ethical standards and data protection regulations.
• Demonstrated warm, welcoming and companionable service, communicating empathetically with diverse range of people and needs.

Clinical Hypnotherapist - Self-Employed

(2017-07 - 2022-01)

• Delivered clinical hypnotherapy to adults and youth facing emotional, behavioral, and physical challenges.
• Conducted comprehensive assessments to establish client concerns and treatment expectations.
• Developed personalized treatment plans through collaboration on achievable goals and therapy aims.
• Provided tailored one-on-one hypnotherapy sessions for issues such as anxiety and phobias.
• Utilized guided visualization and relaxation techniques to facilitate behavioral changes.
• Monitored client progress across multiple sessions, adapting strategies to ensure effectiveness.
• Maintained adherence to professional hypnotherapy standards and ethical practices.
• Prioritized client safety and sought external guidance when necessary.