My story

Ashley Madeliene Pigford, counsellor, is smiling and sitting at a wooden table in a cafe. She is wearing a camo jacket with a pink fleece lining. On the table in front of her, there is a yellow coffee cup with a matching saucer.

I am a qualified and experienced Person-Centred Counsellor, holding a Foundation Degree in Counselling from Sunderland University.

With a background in education and as a volunteer counsellor for Someone Cares – a counselling organisation that supports survivors of abuse – I have developed a deep understanding of the emotional struggles that children and adults face, particularly those affected by trauma, abuse, and mental health difficulties. 

My own personal experiences with grief and trauma have shaped my commitment to helping others make meaningful and fulfilling changes in their lives.

I have ADHD and I'm highly experienced in working with neurodivergent clients helping them to navigate and explore their traits and symptoms in a safe, nurturing space. I provide practical tools and lots of coping mechanisms to help cope with symptoms associated with neurodivergence such as anxiety, sleep problems, depression and low self-esteem.

As a former teaching assistant, I am passionate about nurturing mental well-being of children and supporting their emotional development.  I have over five years of experience working with children in primary school settings, helping them overcome social and emotional difficulties such as school anxiety, bullying, and low self-worth.

As well as specialising in working with children, I work extensively with adults affected by childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, and trauma counselling, providing them with the tools and emotional support necessary to work through their experiences and build resilience.

Outside of counselling, I enjoy walking my dog on the beach, dipping in the sea and meeting friends for coffee in one of the many coastal cafes that are to be found in Tyne and Wear.

Qualifications & Training

My training combines formal qualifications with ongoing professional development to support safe, ethical practice.

Qualifications

Foundation Degree in Counselling

Sunderland University, 2024

 

Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills

Tyne Met College, 2022

Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills

Tyne Met College, 2021

Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning

Tyne Met College, 2020

Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning

Tyne Met College, 2019

Advanced Training & Certificates

Suicide Prevention and Awareness

Someone Cares, 2024

Self-harm Awareness

Mental Health Matters, 2023

Eye Movement for Change

Someone Cares, 2023

Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning

Tyne Met College, 2020

Pre-trial Therapy

Someone Cares, 2023

Specialised Safeguarding Training

Advanced Safeguarding

Child Protection & Safeguarding

Raising Awareness of Child Protection

LSCB Safeguarding

Prevent Duty

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

North Tyneside Council, 2022-2024

A girl with a plait is sitting on the carpet, drawing on a white sheet of paper. Nearby are books, various toys such as balls, animals, and other small objects, and a cup holding colouring pens.

Kind words

Aerial view of turquoise ocean waves crashing onto a sandy beach.