CLAUDIA CARTER COUSSINS
PSYCHOTHERAPY
System change
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Mental health and wellbeing exist in a social context
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​I collaborate with organisations who recognise that individual therapeutic work is not enough for a healthy society. I love working directly with communities as well as with the frontline practitioners & trainees and managers & leaders who want to transform systems not just focus on symptoms. ​I do this by applying my clinical skills, knowledge and experience in organisational and community settings. Current work includes:
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The YMCA: leading an intersectional and participatory research project (using a narrative methodology) with youth workers and young people to improve accessibility and inclusion of support services.
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Anna Freud: working with the Early Years and Prevention Department in an associate role, following on from my full time position as the Deputy Head of the Early Years and Prevention Department.
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The Wellness for All Training Company: co-creating content about wellbeing, intersectionality and the early years
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Spiral Holistic Therapy Centre: conducting clinical assessments and part of a newly-established team to support Spiral's Director maintain sustainable, accessible and local low-cost and long-term therapy provision.
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The Minster Centre: teaching on the experiential Family and Belonging module as part of the BACP-accredited Diploma in Integrative Counselling.
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My services
Research, consultancy and training
My speciality is integrating clinical practice, policy, and applied research. I offer research, consultancy, and training designed to enhance mental health and wellbeing support systems. Trained in the AMBIT (Adaptive Mentalization Based Integrated Treatment) approach, I work relationally and collaboratively with teams who are prioritising the needs of marginalised groups.
Although teams will come away with tangible skills and bespoke strategies, most importantly, they will have the space to reflect on how the interplay between their individual work and wider power dynamics can support collective wellbeing.
Here’s how I can help:​​
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Optimising service design: developing and refining service design at an operational and management level through a series of training workshops which centre access and inclusion.
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Strengthening leadership & governance: supporting the development of robust leadership and governance structures through "critical friend" conversations on topics ranging from leadership styles, workforce wellbeing, ethical commissioning, navigating the policy & practice landscape, and meaningful participation.
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Applying research to practice: conducting research which aims to honour multiple perspectives (as opposed to uncritically using Eurocentric systems of knowledge production), privilege the local community (i.e. is rooted in the community it pledges to serve), and bridge theory and practice so the research can be implemented straight away.
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Outputs might include:
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a theory of change
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an evidence-informed strategy
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impact and implementation evaluations
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co-designed implementation manuals
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original practice- or community-based research
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Critical reflective practice
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My Reflective Practice sessions are designed specifically for organisations who prioritise quality and care. Whether you're managing a statutory service, running a charity or working within the wellness industry, these sessions offer a valuable opportunity for teams to reflect, connect, and thrive alongside the communities they serve.
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Why choose reflective practice for your organisation?
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Foster collective learning: sessions encourage team members to share experiences, engage in compassionate feedback, and learn (and unlearn) together.
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Enhance individual practice: by reflecting critically on their work, team members can challenge assumptions, broaden their perspectives, and improve their professional skills.
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Support emotional processing: through experiential and embodied exercises and self-care strategies, I help your team process emotional triggers and challenging experiences such as vicarious trauma.
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Address systemic factors: we explore and navigate institutional and societal issues like funding, discrimination, the policy & practice landscape, and their impact on wellbeing. ​
My Reflective Practice sessions are tailored to meet your organisation’s specific needs. Typically, sessions are 60 or 90 minutes long and can be fortnightly, monthly, or adjusted based on periods of heightened need. They generally include:
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Experiential and embodied exercises: engaging activities designed to spark reflection and insight among your team.
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Case and practice reflections: discussion of real-life scenarios and creation of actionable plans to improve practice.
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Self-care strategies: practical techniques to support ongoing emotional and mental health. ​
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