Julie Howson

Hello, my name is Julie, I’m a qualified Integrated Counsellor and Healthcare Advocate. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to be listened to without judgement, and be empowered to reach their true potential.

Taking those first steps to get support can be very daunting, and I appreciate how difficult and overwhelming this can be. Sometimes, in life we just need listening to and pointing in the right direction to get back on track, and at other times things may take a little longer with a different approach. Either way finding the right person who you can relate to and trust is a very personal decision, so here is a little background information about myself.

If my own journey has taught me anything, it’s that it is never too late for change. Over the past 25 years, I have gained a diverse set of skills, experience and knowledge, working with people of all ages from a wide range of backgrounds. Areas where I have worked include both acute and mental health hospitals, GP practices, schools/colleges and universities, The Family Court, domiciliary care, third sector organisations and The Prevention of Young Suicides. In conjunction with my work at CWC, I work part time as a Specialist Mentor (Mental Health) with university students.

I keep up to date with my continued personal development, and have returned to university part time currently studying Neurodevelopmental Conditions as part of a MSc in Psychiatry.

Qualifications, Training and Experience.

• Law and Ethics in Psychiatry PGC
• BSc (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy (1^st)
• L4 Counselling and Psychotherapy
• L3 Counselling and Psychotherapy
• FD Psychology
• HND Business and Administration
• Qualified Advocate
• McKenzie Friend at The Family Court
• Child and Adult Safeguarding Training
• Trained Suicide Prevention Advisor
• Data Protection Act
• 80 hours CPD: Online and Telephone Counselling
• Later Life and Memory Team member
• Hospital Patient Experience Board
• Cancer Rehabilitation Programme
• Qualified instructor – Tai Chi for Health
• Mindfulness
• Training provider
• Public Speaking
• Knowledge of PIP assessments
• Carers Rights
• Signposting and referring to services

Research:

My research projects include:

• The Effects of Covid on Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing.
• The Effects on Parents Caring for Children and Young People with Mental Health Needs.
• The Effects of Being a Long-Term Adult Carer.
• How to Improve Palliative Care for Patients and their Families.

Voluntary work: 

• Healthwatch Warrington Advisory Board member (current 6 years).
• Prevention of Young Suicide (PAPYRUS).
• Home Start (supporting families with children up to 5 years).
• McKenzie Friend – Family Court.

Personal:

Apart from my family and friends, I am a keen Tai Chi, yoga, mindfulness and meditation enthusiast, I love walking my 2 dogs and listening to live music.

The many people I have shared journeys with over the years, have inadvertently taught me so much about life, and I sincerely thank them for putting their trust in me. I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my profile, and I wish you well on your own journey.