Hello, I'm Sophie
About SophieE animal-lover/ arty/ calm/ compassionate/ enthusiastic/ open-minded/ sensitive/ spiritual/ thoughtful
My mission is to use my knowledge and skills to transform people so that they can live a life that is completely fulfilling and enchanting to them.
My aim is always to support my client with what they need to reach their goal, even if that is simply being happier with themselves.
I want to use my skills and knowledge to help you gain more autonomy, self-esteem and hope so that you can live a life that brings you more joy and less stress, overwhelm or conflicts.
Witnessing you realise mindset shifts, implement behavioural changes, and overcome life's challenges is why I do what I do.
I live with passion and supporting my clients is a true passion and privilege for me.
I love what I do and I do what I love.
3200+ client therapy hours
Sophie Robinson-M.atthews
MSc, BSc (hons), Dip. Couns.,​ Clin Hyp., MBACP
I have worked in support services since 2012 and am passionate about sharing my skills and knowledge to help others with whatever they are struggling with.
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I am dedicated to following an ethical code for counsellors and continually update my knowledge base with all of the wonderful new research, tools and techniques that I strive to understand and learn to merge in my therapy services. This means I draw on research and developing best practices from psychology, counselling, philosophy, neuroscience, meditative studies, and other holistic areas that are less easily defined.
I believe personal development is eternal so learning new ways of helping others is a passion and special interest for me!
Wild Robin is the heart-centred and bespoke service I offer. It is bespoke because no two people are the same, therefore the way I work with each client is tailored to their exact needs and wishes & looks at their entire world.
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Getting some Vitamin D =]
"I pride myself on being a role-model to my clients - practising what I preach. If I haven't tried it personally or it's not scientifically sound (has a good research evidence base), then I won't recommend it.
I love helping my clients walk their own path of healing. Insight-oriented questions are one of my favourite interventions as they really allow the client to deepen their self-awareness and autonomy which is what I'm all about =]
I want every client to walk away knowing they can create their own destiny.
My style is encouraging, uplifting, and full of wisdom."
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"I am asked sometimes questions like, what is your success rate or what results can you guarantee. Firstly, this is psychotherapy and counselling, which by definition isn't quantifiable because we are dealing with nuanced individuals and complex problems that have multiple contributing factors - these are people's lives and a lot of the success of therapy is down to our ability to understand each other and your commitment to your journey and effort to improve each day. I can only guarantee that I will support you and give you tools I think will suit your needs and help you."
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Qualifications
RTT & Hypnotherapy Practitioner, Level 4 - January 2023 (General Hypnotherapy Reg, IACT, IICT, IHF, IHA, ICR, ACCPH, NZAPH) Trained with globally acclaimed therapist & best-selling author Marisa Peer.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy, in progress - Complementary Medical Assoc. (ABC Awards, CPD 150).
Emotional Freedom Technique Diploma Level 3, Distinction - Complementary Medical Assoc. (ABC Awards, CPD 150).
Certificate in Online & Telephone Counselling - Counselling Tutor (ACTO, National Counselling Society, CPD 80).
Understanding Behaviour that Challenges, Level 2 (CACHE) - North Warwickshire & Hinckley College.
Journal Therapy Diploma Level 3, Distinction - Complementary Medical Association (ABC Awards, CPD 150).
Understanding Nutrition and Health Level 2 - Learning Curve Group (NCFE, Cache, Ofqual).
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Level 5 - City of Wolverhampton College.
Bereavement Counselling Level 2 (Ascentis) - Cruse Bereavement Care.
Counselling Skills Diploma Level 3 (NCFE) - City of Wolverhampton College.
Counselling Skills Level 2 (NCFE) - City of Wolverhampton College.
Information, Advice or Guidance Level 2 - City of Wolverhampton College.
BTEC in Education & Training Level 3 (QCF) - Topps Training.
MSc Forensic Psychology (Merit 2:1) + Willan Research Award - Coventry University (Lit review: The Effect of Violent. Video Games on Children; Research: Male Victims of Domestic Abuse & Violence).
BSc (Hons) Psychology (First class 1:1) - University of Wolverhampton (Research: The Effect of Good Luck on Behaviour).
Steve Guy (Counsellor, Trainer, Supervisor, Hypnotherapist, Coach) 31.05.22:
"I have been Sophie’s supervisor for the last 4 years - she receives supervision on a regular basis to discuss issues relating to clients and her role as a counsellor. In session she always evidences a high level of professionalism and clearly displays an empathetic approach. Sophie has supported many clients, from diverse backgrounds, with different needs, with issues that have been complex such as trauma, bereavement, anxiety and relationship issues to name but
a few.
Sophie has also undertaken a great deal of CPD and continues to develop her knowledge, skills and practice where ever possible, which assists in supporting clients and her counselling role. Sophie maintains an ethical stance in all of the support she undertakes and takes the responsibility of counselling seriously.
Sophie clearly engages with clients in a therapeutic way but also knows how to maintain boundaries and confidentiality as part of her role as a counsellor."
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A brief resume and some of my working history are below if you should like to see where my vocation has taken me to date:
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RELEVANT TRAINING
GDPR Training - Judicium Consulting Ltd - CPD completed on 25.04.24
The Parenting Workshop - Emotional responsiveness and trauma healing - Matthias Barker & Co. (August 2023)
Rapid Transformational Hypnotherapy Practitioner Training, L4 - 08.06.22 - 08.06.23 (Marisa Peer)
Essential Training for Safe Practice (knowledge refresher) - Rapid Transformational Therapy, Marisa Peer (13.06.2022)
The Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model of Healthcare - Inaugural Lecture Coventry Uni: Prof Deborah Lycett (June 2021)
Connect with Autism and the 3 C's approach - Act for Autism - completed on 17.11.2020
How to do Counselling Online - BACP (Open University) - completed on 22.04.2020
Three Principles Coaching Approach - The Open University
An Introduction to Infection Prevention & Control - Virtual College - completed on 18.03.2020
Suicide Prevention training - Zero Suicide Alliance
Introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) & Early Trauma - Home Office, Public Health England
Safeguarding & Thresholds - Learn, Grow, Love CIC (Wolverhampton Safeguarding)
Reiki Usui Shiki Ryoho Second Degree - Usui System (Accred. Holistic Healers Assoc. 1998, In-person training)
Reiki Usui Shiki Ryoho First Degree - Usui System (Accred. Holistic Healers Assoc. 1998, In-person training)
Disability Awareness training - Access to Work UK
Solution’s Focused Mentoring CPD certified training – Ark Consultancy Ltd.
Stop, Understand, Move on training- SUMO via Headstart
Offence Disclosure training– Mentoring West Midlands
MTQ48 – Mental Toughness training– Ark Consultancy
Money Management training– Citizens Advice Bureau
Autism & Anxiety– Autism West Midlands
Autism Awareness– Autism West Midlands
Substance use & bereavement– Recovery Near You
Tier 2 Dug & alcohol awareness– Drugtrain (DANOS competencies)
Tier 1 Basic drug & alcohol awareness– Drugtrain (DANOS competencies)
Outcome Star– Triangle Consulting (Youth and Work Star focus)
Knowledge & Understanding (4 modules towards Level 3 Adult Social Care)
Disability, mental health & domestic violence– OCN via the Haven
Sexual violence & abuse against women: dynamics, effects & support– OCN via the Haven
Helpline & C.A.A.D.A. risk assessment– the Haven Wolverhampton
Certificate in Engage & Empower– Homeless Link
Certificate in M.H. Crisis Intervention– Mental Health First Aid UK
Domestic Violence Awareness– OCN via the Haven Wolverhampton
Uni of W’ton Psychology Society– Attended several guest lecture seminars
* Enhanced DBS certificate (formerly CRB check).
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As Seen In...
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BRIEF RELEVANT WORKING HISTORY
*06.04.23 - present - School Wellbeing Govenor
*March 2021-May 2021 Grief Chat - Counsellor
Online, live-chat bereavement counsellor.
Sept 2020-Nov 2020 See, Hear, Respond: Banardos – Counsellor
Providing therapeutic support to families adversely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, either through bereavement, redundancy, worsening in mental health or child behaviour etc. (Left position to go on Maternity leave).
*2018-Sept 2020 BBO: Family Matters - Mentor
Supporting Clients with additional needs/barriers. Providing weekly 1:1 mentoring /coaching to clients. Identifying work /education opportunities for client and organising external support or training.
*2016-2018 - Counsellor
Various voluntary counsellor roles with Cruse Bereavement Care, Talent Match, and Family Matters.
*2015–May 2018 Talent Match Black Country, Gazebo Central hub – Mentor
Supporting clients age 18–29 years, who are not in education, training or employment, towards their aspirations. Utilising a range of techniques and skills to build confidence, motivation and ability. Providing integrative counselling with a person-centred core. Strong behavioural management skills, group management, leading interventions, team working and relationship building with other departmental colleagues and external agencies. Personal time management and record keeping. Lone working. Clients have a range of problems e.g. mental health, disability, lack of qualifications, homelessness, substance misuse, offending behaviour/history, single parenthood.
*2015– May 2015 Creative Support– Mental Health Support & Recovery Worker
Working in Birmingham hubs across all aspects of direct support for clients. Ran art, stress, anxiety and depression group therapy sessions. Supported clients with substance misuse, bipolar and schizophrenia management and wellbeing to integrate back into the community.
*2012–Feb 2015 The Haven Wolverhampton– Engagement Support Worker and Peer Educator
Supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse and homelessness and complex needs. Mentor and case supervise within a one to one role which involves a form of person-centred counselling to goal set and work towards independence from the services at the Haven, including self-esteem coaching, support with employment/ employability, education and health. I also used CBT and mindfulness within my one-to-one sessions. Teach and run group therapy and skills sessions. Attend weekly supervision sessions, train new and support other volunteers. Provide general information, advice or guidance to anyone accessing the services, including those with learning difficulties, mental health issues, substance misuse and learning difficulties.
*2013–March 2015 The Haven Wolverhampton– Project Assistant Manager/ Administrator
Supporting and ensuring the smooth administration and organisation of the Social Training and Engagement Programme for survivors of abuse. Engaging, empowering and supporting the attendees in any way necessary in order for them to attend services and gain autonomy. I have now been involved in running 3 successful programmes whilst covering for my manager, the Senior Engagement Officer. Independent working, management of the office and centre; including clerical duties and writing of case studies and change-based evidence documentation. Arrangement of transport, childcare and catering. Travel to refuges to encourage and provide information about services. Attend meetings with funders and staff to discuss Haven WRC services and how we might improve them. Listen to and accurately report client feedback.