Protem could not operate without the commitment of our dedicated trustees, counsellors, supervisors and our counselling manager.
Trustees
Protem is overseen by a board of trustees who freely offer their time to lead and administer the charity. Recently, and increasingly, they have been setting the strategic direction for the future and are responsible for the acquisition and development our new premises.
Mike Smith, an original trustee, comes from a background in mechanical engineering. He brings conceptual objectivity with a practical focus.
Annabel Roberts has a background in nursing and the NHS. She cares about individuals, bringing a focus of support and encouragement for the counselling team.
An experienced counsellor and supervisor of counselling, Gill James brings her knowledge of clinical practice to the team. She is also a skilled administrator.
A retired priest, Revd Roger Farnworth has chaired a number of different boards of trustees in the third sector. He was also a foundation governor for the five church primary schools within his parish.
As the daughter of founders Ron and Bette, Lizzie Finlay has seen Protem’s growth and impact over the past 30 years. She cares deeply about making counselling accessible all, and brings her creativity as an illustrator.
A retired teacher with personal and professional experience of disability, Su Robinson has an eye for equitable accessibility. With basic counselling certifications, she knows that time with a professional can be life changing.
Counsellors
We currently have a team of professionally trained counsellors, all of whom are registered with a recognised professional body for counselling and psychotherapy (e.g. ACC, BACP).
Our counsellors hold a range of qualifications in counselling, supervision and pastoral care covering a number of different approaches to counselling. We work to the highest ethical and professional standards adhering to the ethical frameworks of ACC and BACP.
Supervisors
We have a small team of supervisors who provide clinical supervision for our counsellors’ work with clients. We also supervise external counsellors’ client work. Our supervisors are highly-trained and have supervision themselves for their work with all counsellors.
Counselling manager
Our counselling manager, Sally, is an experienced counsellor and manager who co-ordinates the clinical and operational aspects of Protem’s work.