Natalia Watkins

I am a dedicated school counsellor and psychology teacher with extensive experience supporting students in academic and personal development. In addition to my full-time roles, I run my own private practice, where I provide tailored counselling services to individuals seeking guidance and support. My passion lies in helping people unlock their potential and navigate challenges with confidence. With a background in psychology and education, I bring a compassionate, professional, and holistic approach to every aspect of my work.

School Counsellor/Psychology Teacher

Poole Grammar School                                                                     Jul 2023 to current

• Providing one-to-one counselling sessions to support students’ emotional, social and behavioural needs
• Conducting assessments to identify students' mental health and well-being requirements
• Designing and implementing tailored intervention strategies to enhance students’ coping mechanisms and resilience
• Collaborating with parents, teachers and external agencies to create comprehensive support plans for students
• Facilitating group workshops on topics such as stress management, mindfulness and conflict resolution
• Maintaining detailed records in line with safeguarding policies, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with school guidelines
• Contributing to the school’s pastoral care team, supporting students through transitional periods such as exam preparation and university applications

Duties as a Psychology Teacher

• Planning and delivering engaging lessons aligned with the AQA A-level Psychology specification, incorporating interactive teaching methods
• Designing and assessing student coursework, exams and projects, providing constructive feedback to facilitate academic progress
• Supporting students in mastering key psychological concepts, including biological, cognitive and social perspectives
• Fostering critical thinking and evaluation skills by guiding students in analysing studies and constructing coherent arguments
• Integrating real-world examples and current research into lessons to enrich students’ understanding of psychological theory and application
• Mentoring sixth-form students through university application processes, including writing UCAS references
• Organising extra-curricular activities, such as debates and quizzes, to deepen students’ engagement with psychology
• Maintaining an inclusive classroom environment, encouraging participation and accommodating diverse learning need

Counsellor

ARTS UNIVERSITY BOURNEMOUTH (AUB)                                          Mar 2022 to Jul 2023

• Providing 1-2-1, telephone or online solution-focussed therapy
• Conducting mental health assessments and managing risk to clients and others
• Referrals to other external agencies
• Note-taking in compliance with internal systemic requirements
• Working following professional standards and compliance with regulatory frameworks
• Attending monthly supervision
• Maintenance of CPD

Counsellor                                                                                          Jul 2021 to Current

BIRCH AND WILLOW WELLBEING  

• Evaluating client needs and creating custom treatment plans
• Helping individuals with the resources needed to reach personal goals
• Monitoring client progress and adjusting their treatment plan where necessary
• Maintaining requirements from BACP and BPS certification and ethics for the counselling position
• Coordinating with other healthcare providers, agencies and community resources to create a thorough treatment plan
• Records management in line with the requirements of the UK GDPR
• Use The CORE Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) to assess progress

THE ASSOCIATION FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPIES                                                2022

• Solution-Focused Therapy Essentials

REDLANDS COUNSELLING & TRAINING － Bournemouth                                              2020

• Level 4 CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
• Level 3 CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
• Level 2 CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
• Working with Young People Course

BSc (Hons) Psychology                                                                                             2019

Bournemouth University

• Dissertation in “Does Emotional Coaching Help Primary School Children with Their Social-Emotional Adjustment in School?”
• Volunteer Research Assistant - ‘Children's Behaviour'

Diploma of Higher Education, Humanities                                                               2015

Bournemouth and Poole College

• Distinction Academic Achievement Award

Languages

• English - Fluent written and verbal
• Portuguese - Fluent in written and verbal
• Spanish - Good working knowledge