Aaron Sessions

My passion to work in social care has always been a burning desire of mine . I spent over 10 years of my younger life battling mental health and addiction. I have experienced and thrived through rehabilitation, and built a successful and wonderful life with a supportive partner, a family and four children I adore. I understand every challenge that someone might face, and I know how to listen, empathise and offer guidance. I understand the challenging road ahead, but also that there is light and I always wanted to use my experience to help and support others on their journey. Working with those who’s shoes I have walked in, has  always been a  genuine passion and dream of mine. I have worked for many years as a volunteer and sponsor in the NA community which only underlined my desire to help others on a full time basis.

Three years ago I was fortunate enough to be able start my dream whereby I started working for a charity organization called Response, helping young people with their mental health.  Previous to my time at Response I had over 17 years’ experience in financial institutions, managing competing priorities, high risk environments and people from all walks of life which  prepared me well for most roles. I was a proactive and organised individual with emotional intelligence and a natural ability to engage at all levels. I managed teams of  in excess of 30 people across various locations, motivating and challenging individuals to achieve their very best.  

More recently before joining Response, I built up my own business after achieving my RTITB licence in training individuals. I proactively built effective relationships which allowed me a successful career in a very challenging market.  Throughout this time I worked with ex-offenders to gain them employment and better prospects, which has been a personal highlight.. I was able to sell my business allowing me the freedom to follow my dream and start working within the social care industry. I have gained many industry qualifications, as well as having  the most fulfilling three years of my life.

Youth Worker April 24- Present

After my previous contract came to an end with Response, I was transferred into the MHST children, young people and families team as a youth worker across four local schools. My role continued to work with young people within secondary schools In the Oxford area. Part of my role Is to be responsible for supporting the emotional and social wellbeing of children and young people on Oxford health’s caseload.
To offer support and guidance to young people who are presenting mild to complex mental health and well-being needs. Over the past year I have specifically worked with allot of young people that are involved in gangs, knife crime, drugs, violence and county lines. I undertook specialized training whereby I was able to combine this training with my own knowledge and expertise in this area, to help support many young people escape these environments. I have  worked with the young people to  increase access to community services and employment, education and training opportunities, ensuring young people are introduced to community services and are facilitated/supported to increase likelihood of engagement, alongside supporting community groups to integrate the young person and support well-being.

Key Roles:

• Provide direct support to students in schools, colleges, or community settings. They work with young people who may be dealing with issues like anxiety, depression, stress, self-harm, and other mental health difficulties.
• Help young people develop coping strategies, manage their emotions, and improve their overall mental health.
• A significant part of the role is focused on early intervention. By identifying signs of mental health concerns early,  preventing issues from escalating.
• Offer interventions like one-on-one sessions, group work, or psychoeducation to teach young people healthy coping mechanisms, stress management, and emotional resilience.
• Collaborate with teachers, school counsellors, and parents to ensure that a young person’s mental health needs are understood and addressed.
• Conduct training sessions for school staff and parents to help them recognize mental health concerns and how to respond appropriately.
• Offer advice and guidance to schools on creating supportive environments for young people.
• Working in partnership with other mental health professionals (e.g., psychologists, therapists) and services (e.g., CAMHS – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). Referring young people to these resources if more specialized support is required.
• Ensuring that young people have access to a range of mental health services that can help meet their needs.
• Facilitate well-being programs or initiatives aimed at raising awareness about mental health. These programs may include workshops, discussions, and activities that teach young people about mental health, self-care, and how to seek help when needed.
• Support young people in transitions—such as moving from primary to secondary school or from school to post-school settings. These transitions can be times of increased vulnerability, and having mental health support during this period can help ease stress and prevent potential difficulties.

Well being practitioner April 22-24

I have been supporting 15-25 years old’s on a 121 and group setting within the community sector as well as more recently since April 23 the care/care leavers young person’s team, within the local authorities of West Berkshire .Both dynamics have been a really fantastic learning curve, where by my clients have ranged from those who have suffered with mild to moderate mental health challenges to acute, chronic and complex trauma, as well as individuals with complex needs. My day to day role includes meeting clients on a 121 basis either face to face or online whereby I offer therapeutic and person centered wellbeing sessions. I manage my own client base of 20 based from home. My role comes with great autonomy, whereby I am left to truly do what’s best for the client. Sessions can range from talking based therapies, helping clients learn new tools and strategies to help better manage their life, to taking a client down the gym where I help them with improving their physical and nutritional health. Over my time at Response I have worked and collaborated successfully with many different roles, departments in the local authority and the community, for example CAHMS, as well as many other external agencies and organisations. I am also very proud to have been nominated in 2023 for the Kay Sharp award in Oxfordshire for exempla hard work and dedication to my role.

Key Roles

·       Assessment and Evaluation: Conducting thorough assessments to understand a client's mental health status, strengths, challenges, and any contributing factors.

·       Developing Treatment Plans: Based on assessments, creating personalized treatment plans that may include therapy,  self-care strategies, and referrals to other professionals or services.

·       Providing Therapy: Offering evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT),(DBT),(SFT), mindfulness-based approaches, and other modalities to help clients address specific mental health concerns.

·       Education and Psychoeducation: Providing information and resources about mental health conditions, coping strategies, and techniques to improve overall well-being.

·       Advocacy and Support: Assisting clients in navigating the healthcare system, accessing appropriate services, and advocating for their needs.

·       Crisis Intervention: Offering immediate support and intervention during mental health crises, including situations involving suicidal ideation or self-harm.

·       Promoting Self-Care and Resilience: Teaching clients techniques to manage stress, promote self-care, and build resilience in the face of challenges.

·       Monitoring Progress and Outcomes: Regularly assessing a client's progress towards their goals, adjusting treatment plans as needed, and celebrating achievements.

·       Collaboration with Other Professionals: Working closely with other healthcare providers, such as psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, and occupational therapists, to ensure comprehensive care for clients.

·       Record Keeping and Documentation: Maintaining accurate and confidential records of client interactions, assessments, treatment plans, and progress.

·       Cultural Competence and Sensitivity: Being aware of and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and identities to provide inclusive and culturally sensitive care.

·       Ethical Practice: Adhering to professional codes of ethics, including maintaining confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, and ensuring client autonomy.

·       Continuing Professional Development: Engaging in ongoing training, supervision, and professional development to stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in mental health and well-being.

·       Self-Care and Well-Being: Practicing self-care to maintain their own mental health and well-being, which is essential for providing effective support to clients.

Professional Qualifications

CBT Level 2 accreditation

DBT Level 2 accreditation

SFT Level 2 accreditation

Level 2 accreditation in children and young people mental health

Level 2 accreditation in understanding autism

Level 2 accreditation in counselling

Level 2 accreditation in safeguarding