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 O'KANE COUNSELLING

Expertise Matters

Hello and welcome! My name is Paul O'Kane and I am a (BACP) British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy- qualified & accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist. 

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For the past twenty six years I have had the privilege of serving and supporting individuals and their families in a variety of settings including- Youth Justice, Social Care, Counselling, Mental Health and Education.

 

I have proudly worked and continue to be employed within the education sector, currently overseeing an inclusive learning space specifically designed to support young people who may be deemed as (EBSA) Emotionally based school avoidance and those with social, emotional and mental health needs.

 

I have substantial work experience in both mainstream and special school settings, permitting a skill set that is as nuanced and individual as the young people I have proudly worked alongside.

 

Current and past educational venues of employment include:

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  • Archbishop Blanch High School-Wellbeing Manager and Counsellor supporting EBSA pupils in a bespoke city wide creative provision.

  • Bank View (SEND provision) Well-Being Manager and Counsellor for young people with Educational Health Care Plans.

  • Maricourt High School-Freelance School Counsellor.

  • Alsop High School- Freelance School Counsellor for an exclusively SEND cohort.

  • Alsop High School-Access Centre Manager and Alternative Education Lead.

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Previous none educational employment positions:

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  • Young Person Advisory Service (YPAS) Children’s and Young Persons Therapist, ages 11-25 years.

  • Sefton Children’s Services- Assessment Team- Family Support Worker.

  • Knowsley Council- Behavioural Educational Support Team- Keyworker.

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Qualifications and Training

​Formal Qualifications

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  • Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA Hons) in Business.

  • Post Graduate Diploma (PgDip) in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

  • Master of Science Degree (MSc) in Counselling and Psychotherapy. 

  • Master of Arts Degree (MA) in Education, Leadership and Special Educational Needs.

  • (BACP) British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy- qualified & accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist. 

  • PhD in Counselling and Psychotherapy (September 2025 start date)

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Training and continued professional development

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  • Self-determination based model of therapeutic support for young people and adults with ADHD-BACP

  • Understanding and supporting Autistic Clients-BACP 

  • Introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences and Early Trauma

  • Whole School Approach Senior Mental Health Training-Liverpool Learning Partnership and Merseyside Youth Association. 

  • Prevent training

  • Whole school annual Safe Guarding training

  • Eating disorder training (in-house at YPAS)

  • Emetophobia training (in house at YPAS) 

  • Creative Play Therapy training (in house at YPAS)   

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Counselling Support

A number of used techniques and modalities to best align with the personaility traits of the young person. 

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Person Centered Counselling 

The Person Centred element of my skillset provides a more collaborative approach, which permits a greater insight into personal solutions; all gained via self exploration and a gentle challenge to ones current way of being and presenting. Such a modality puts individuals at the heart of therapy and may serve beneficial when dealing with topics concerning- bereavement, loss, sexuality, neurodiversity to name but a few.  

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Cognitive Behavioural Approach

I am trained in the Homunculi approach which is a CBT based therapy, specifically designed for neurodiverse young people that aims to build social and emotional resilience; without some of the perceived challenges to ‘self’ as witnessed in opposing approaches and techniques.

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Solution and Goal based 

I am trained in the usage of the Next Steps Cards, a NHS designed approach that enables safe and structured conversations with young people who may be struggling with their emotional health and wellbeing.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does each therapeutic session last? 

Each therapy session will last for 50 minutes and will be held weekly. However, previous schools and indeed young people have preferred a 30 minute session, as this has reduced personal burden and permitted a shorter window of intervention. This reduction in timings has equally allowed schools to add more pupils to the daily counselling list; permitting more young people to be both seen and heard.  

Are sessions confidential?

Yes, everything you bring into therapy is kept confidential, however any safeguarding concerns relating directly or indirectly to the young person will be immediately disclosed to the Designated Safeguarding Lead of the school and when appropriate Care Line. Further examples of disclosure would occur when its effects vulnerable groups, individuals and yourself; or could be classed as extremist in nature. Where possible such breaches of confidentiality will be discussed with you first, however this may not always be a possibility due to the nature of the disclosure. As a member of the BACP I am ethically bound to have regular supervision with an experienced and qualified supervisory counsellor whereby I discuss my case load. This process ensures I am serving both myself and more importantly my clients well.

How is payment made and what are the costs?

I usually invoice schools on a monthly basis, outlining my agreed day rate and the sub-total for that month. Before commencement of employment I will provide my bank details and Unique Tax Reference (UTR) number for tax purposes. 

My school day cost is approximately £250 per day and this includes the usage of any self provided art related materials, reports required by school, routine outcomes measures and administrative time-for examples on-going safe guarding referrals or completion of CPOMS logs.

Where does therapy take place?

School will ensure where best possible, a quite, confidential and readily accessible space is provided; respecting the dignity and privacy of both the young person and the therapist. 

What happens in a crisis?

If you are in crisis and need immediate assistance call the emergency services on 999, your GP, or someone from your support network for help and support. Additionally you could contact the agencies listed below:

 

  • Children and Young Persons Crisis Line-0151 293 3577

  • Crisis Care Freephone-0808 196 3550

  • Call 111 and press 2

  •  Fresh CAMHS- 0151 293 3662

  • ​Text Shout on 85258 (UK-wide) 24/7

  • ​Call Childline on 0800 1111 if you are under 19 and live in the UK

  • ​Text Young Minds on 85258 for 24/7 support.

  • If a young person becomes distressed or signs of becoming a risk to others or themselves they should be taken to A&E at Alder Hey Children's hospital. 

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Please remember you are not wasting anyone's times, your mental health is a very serious matter and the supporting services/agencies are there to support you.  

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Do you keep notes?

I keep brief anonymous content notes and these records are stored securely and are kept for 7 years from the end of therapy.  You are free to request sight of these notes if you wish. I am committed to protecting your rights and privacy in accordance with GDPR. As such, I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). For more information see https://ico.org.uk/your-data-matters

£50 PER SESSION

Telephone Counselling

Telephone Counselling-Telephone sessions last 50 minutes. I will contact you on the telephone number you provide and therapy will commence over the phone.

£50 PER SESSION

Video Counselling

Video Counselling sessions will last for 50 minutes and is conducted via Video Call.

Evidence of Accreditation 

Please feel free to go the BACP website-www.bacp.co.uk to verify me.

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