Welcome. I’m Gemma, a UKCP accredited and BACP registered psychotherapist, counsellor & mental health consultant.
I work to support clients with a range of mental health presentations including: Addiction, ADHD, Adult Children of Addiction, Anxiety, Autism, Body image & Disordered Eating, Bereavement & Grief, C-PTSD & PTSD, Co-dependency, Depression, Gender & Identity, Relationship Difficulties, Sensory Processing Sensitivity (Highly Sensitive People), Stress, Survivors of Sexual Assault, Survivors of Emotional or Physical Abuse and Trauma.
I am an ally of the LGBTQIA+ & Neurodivergent Communities.
Therapy Dog Support.
I have a 9 year old Pettit Basset Hound Griffon Vendeen (PBVG) called Jasper. Jasper is a calm, friendly and relaxed dog that can provide therapeutic support during sessions*. Jasper has given many clients an increased feeling of calm & wellbeing with his gentle, relaxed and happy nature. *Please note, Jasper will only be present in sessions at the explicit request and/or consent of a client.
Therapeutic Qualifications & Continuing Professional Development.
2016 - I began my MSc in Person Centred & Experiential Psychotherapy at The Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute (SPTI). This is a 4 year MSc. Completion of this requires 450 client therapy hours, 180 hours of personal therapy and 120 hours of professional supervision.
2017 - Started working as a Trainee Therapist for Rutland House Counselling & Psychotherapy (RHCP).
2018 - Completed a year long placement at an NHS GP surgery.
2018 - Began working for Athlead as a Mental Health Consultant. I was involved in the Centre for Sport and Human Rights ‘Sporting Chance Forum’ hosted by UNESCO and IHRB. I worked to design and support the panel discussion on Survivors of Sexual Abuse in Sport. My role involved working directly with the panel and organisers to consider all safeguarding/mental well-being needs as well as advise IHRB on clinical considerations for constructing the panel, audience wellbeing and risk management.
2019- Became a member of BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) having completed 360 client hours.
2019 - Started working as an Associate Independent Practitioner for RHCP.
2019 - Worked as a Mental Health Consultant for Soccer Without Borders on a confidential project related to athlete safeguarding and mental wellbeing.
2019: CPD: Understanding & Working with Low Self Esteem - Inspire CPD.
2019 - Set up Gemma Pettit Psychotherapy & Counselling (GPPC).
2020 - Graduated from SPTI with an MSc in Person Centred & Experiential Psychotherapy. My final year research dissertation was working with Body Image in the therapeutic relationship.
2020 - Became an Accredited UKCP Psychotherapist.
2020 - Narcissistic Injuries, neglect and Relational Trauma -
2021 - Completed a Certificate in Couples Therapy from the International Society of Professional Counsellors.
2022 - Safeguarding & Pre Trial Therapy - Inspire CPD
2022 - Personality Dynamics in Psychotherapy - A Roadmap to lasting change by Dr Jonathan Shedler PhD.
2022 - Became an EMDR practitioner in training and able to offer EMDR as part of my practice.
2023 - Completed my certification in EMDR. Working towards accreditation in 2024.
2023 - CPD: Withdrawal, Silence & Loneliness: Psychotherapy of the Schizoid Process with Richard Erskine PhD.
2024 - CPD: Applying Child Development Theory & Research with Adult Clients with Richard Erskine PhD.