Donna Tonkinson
WALLSEND,Tyne and Wear
Summary
I am a compassionate and insightful Psychotherapist with extensive experience providing both individual and group therapy to diverse client populations. I use integrative, systemic, humanistic evidence-based approaches with a sensitive, client-centred ethos to support emotional healing and sustained wellbeing. I am a dedicated professional with a strong focus on building therapeutic alliances and nurturing personal growth. I utilise therapy and trauma-informed practices to address client needs effectively with ability to work effectively in crisis intervention and group therapy facilitation, fostering positive outcomes in mental health support.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Integrative Psychotherapist
Community Counselling Cooperative
Newcastle
04.2023 - Current
- Working therapeutically with adults, children and families.
- Developed and maintained case files for all clients, ensuring accurate documentation of sessions, assessments, and progress.
- Adhered to clinical procedures and maintained strictly confidential client data.
- Established safe and confidential environments for clients, promoting trust and openness during counselling sessions, face to face, online and telephone
- Thoroughly monitored client progress, updating case records and reports to reflect changes.
- Established safe and confidential environments for clients, promoting trust and openness during counselling sessions.
- Developed personalised treatment plans in collaboration with clients, focusing on achievable goals and therapeutic outcomes.
- Maintained confidential client records, adhering to professional ethics and legal requirements regarding data protection and privacy.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of counselling interventions, adjusting strategies to improve client satisfaction and outcomes.
- Provided ongoing counselling services to clients utilising diverse modalities and resources to meet varying needs.
Integrative Psychotherapist
Glasshouse Therapy
Newcastle upon Tyne
09.2022 - Current
- Provided ongoing counselling services to clients utilising diverse modalities and resources to meet varying needs in a private practice.
- Established safe and confidential environments for clients, promoting trust and openness during counselling sessions.
- Maintained confidential client records, adhering to professional ethics and legal requirements regarding data protection and privacy.
- Conducted one-to-one counselling sessions to assess clients' mental health needs and develop tailored support plans.
- Facilitated group counselling sessions, encouraging group members to share experiences and offer mutual support for enhanced wellbeing.
- Provided crisis intervention services, offering immediate support and guidance to individuals facing acute psychological distress.
- Conducted therapeutic interventions grounded in psychodynamic theories to explore clients' past experiences and their effect on present behaviour.
- Effectively managed caseloads of 450 clinical hours with clients in 1:1 and group work through diligent planning and time management to achieve accreditation with UKCP.
Sessional Therapist
Newcastle University
05.2023 - 10.2023
- Performed in-depth mental health assessments to determine client issues and potential treatment plans.
- Thoroughly monitored client progress, updating case records and reports to reflect changes.
- Developed and maintained case files for all clients, ensuring accurate documentation of sessions, assessments, and progress.
- Provided ongoing counselling services to clients utilising diverse modalities and resources to meet varying needs.
- Conducted one-to-one counselling sessions to assess clients' mental health needs and develop tailored support plans.
- Prioritised urgent duty situations and screened initial safeguarding concerns with appropriate management support.
Mental Health Welfare Advisor
Newcastle University
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Offered holistic educational, emotional and personal support to students from varied backgrounds, tailoring care to suit individualised needs.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create a multidisciplinary approach to welfare, enhancing service provision.
- Liaised with external agencies, including healthcare and social services, to coordinate comprehensive support for individuals.
- Developed and implemented policies on safeguarding, equality, and diversity, promoting a safe and inclusive environment.
- Presented clients with alternative approaches to resolving identified problems using positive coping skills and methods.
- Compiled and maintained accurate records of all interactions, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
- Built productive relationships with external support providers to deliver well-rounded client care.
- Offered crisis intervention services, offering immediate support and referrals to specialised services when necessary.
- Answered department emails and phone calls within target timeframes for timely customer communications.
- Liaised with external agencies, including local councils and social services, to coordinate support for clients.
- Participated in multi-disciplinary team meetings to discuss complex cases and develop holistic support strategies.
Welfare Advisor
Sunderland University
09.2018 - 08.2022
- Presented clients with alternative approaches to resolving identified problems using positive coping skills and methods.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create a multidisciplinary approach to welfare, enhancing service provision.
- Liaised with external agencies, including healthcare and social services, to coordinate comprehensive support for individuals.
- Developed and implemented policies on safeguarding, equality, and diversity, promoting a safe and inclusive environment.
- Compiled and maintained accurate records of all interactions, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
- Organised assistance through direct or outside referrals to help clients through ongoing or crisis situations.
- Managed varied client caseloads with excellent planning and prioritisation, achieving outcomes within target timeframes.
- Monitored and evaluated the effectiveness of welfare programmes, adapting strategies to meet changing needs.
- Conducted general administration duties such as answering department emails, monitoring budgets and inputting data for efficient department operations.
- Built productive relationships with external support providers to deliver well-rounded client care.
Teacher/ Facilitator
Nudge Education
04.2019 - 01.2021
- Teaching in alternative education environments with children not in school attendance.
- Maintained trusting student relationships by providing both educational and emotional support to students.
- Planned and implemented lessons utilising variety of teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
- Encouraged students to persevere with difficult tasks to prepare for later learning.
- Advocated for the well-being of students, intervening in cases of bullying or emotional distress, and referring to appropriate support services.
Drama Lecturer
Sunderland University
09.2015 - 10.2018
- Teaching Foundation Degree, A level.
- Used diverse teaching methods, including lectures, presentations and class activities to deliver curriculum.
- Designed, planned and taught lectures based on curriculum requirements and exams.
- Assessed student assignments and examinations, providing constructive feedback to support learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with academic colleagues to develop new courses, incorporate curriculum changes and develop research activities.
Drama Teacher
Royal Grammar School
09.2017 - 09.2018
- Organised end-of-term performances and exhibitions for students to showcase their work.
- Added value to students through social, emotional and educational support outside of lessons and tutoring responsibilities.
- Directed school plays and musicals, coordinating rehearsals, set design, and costume selection.
- Utilised excellent communication skills to teach dramatic concepts and techniques, providing individualised support to pupils requiring additional guidance.
Drama Teacher
Queen Elizabeth High School
09.2016 - 02.2017
- Teaching Year 9, A Levels, and GCSEs.
- Modified lesson content based on different abilities and interests.
- Nurtured confidence by stimulating students to appreciate their own achievements and actions.
- Prepared and presented classroom sessions on drama.
Drama Lecturer and Princes Trust Team Leader
Gateshead College
10.2013 - 06.2016
- Used diverse teaching methods, including lectures, presentations and class activities to deliver curriculum.
- Selected innovative teaching methods to deliver course content.
- Participated in outreach activities undertaken by department and school to promote and develop links with industry and community partners.
Trainer
Artswork
10.2013 - 11.2013
- Training postgraduate students on a short course on participatory arts practice within criminal justice settings.
Drama Teacher
Newcastle Royal Grammar School
09.2012 - 09.2013
- Adapted key drama curriculum principles into engaging, unique lesson plans for increased student participation.
- Organised end-of-term performances and exhibitions for students to showcase their work.
Lecturer
City of Sunderland College
09.2012 - 05.2013
- AS and A level Theatre Studies teaching.
Drama Lecturer
Northumbria University
03.2012 - 05.2012
- Taught lectures and seminars in Applied Theatre Practice - Arts with Offenders
Participatory Artist
Them Wifies
01.2000 - 01.2012
- Various roles including: Project Leader, Glasshouse Arts; delivering issue-based creative arts activities for mental health support with diverse, vulnerable communities, and work in secure Tier 1-3 Mental Health Hospitals and programmes.
- Planned creative projects using available time and resources.
- Pioneered a collaborative art project that bridged cultural divides, showcasing the power of art in promoting dialogue and understanding.
- Led interactive art workshops for diverse age groups, fostering creativity and appreciation for the arts within the community.
- Designed and delivered engaging drama workshops for diverse age groups, fostering creativity and confidence.
- Trained in conflict resolution techniques to smoothly handle any interpersonal issues during sessions.
- Fostered partnerships with local arts organisations to provide participants with opportunities for further engagement.
- Prepared reports on workshop outcomes for funding bodies and stakeholders, demonstrating impact and value.
Senior Drama Lecturer
Newcastle College
09.1996 - 10.2011
- Mentored students to support achievement of target grades.
- Designed, planned and taught lectures based on curriculum requirements and exams.
- Selected innovative teaching methods to deliver course content.
- Prepared and adapted teaching materials including handouts, booklets and assessment papers to foster and support learning progress.
- Participated in faculty meetings, contributing to policy development and strategic planning for the department.
- Supervised student projects, facilitating progress and encouraging deeper learning through application.
- Evaluated assessments and assignments to identify areas for improvement and provide feedback to students and vocational faculty.
- Collaborated with academic colleagues to develop new courses, incorporate curriculum changes and develop research activities.
- Attended conferences to learn about new research and present findings.
- Taught lectures and seminars in theatre practice and theory.
Facilitator
Equal Arts
03.2011 - 05.2011
- Delivering and planning workshops with elderly group supporting dementia care.
Facilitator
New College Durham
07.2005 - 08.2005
- Led interactive workshops and seminars to foster participant engagement and learning.
- Designed and implemented tailored facilitation strategies to meet specific group needs.
Drama Lecturer
Tyne Metropolitan College
09.2001 - 01.2005
- Mentored students to support achievement of target grades.
- Used diverse teaching methods, including lectures, presentations and class activities to deliver curriculum.
- Designed, planned and taught lectures based on curriculum requirements and exams.
- Participated in faculty meetings, contributing to policy development and strategic planning for the department.
Researcher
Northumbria Probation
10.1996 - 09.1997
- A viability project with focus on Arts in Criminal Justice.
- Presented oral and written analysis at meetings and conferences to share research outcomes.
- Conducted in-depth research utilising various techniques, including qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Worked with project stakeholders to understand, define and meet project requirements.
- Spoke at conferences and led seminars detailing research activities and results.
Project leader
Northumbria Probation Service/ NACRO
06.1994 - 03.1997
- Working within the Probation Service and NACRO on a creative programme with offenders and those at risk of offending, co-ordinated as part of a life skills programme.
Drama/Youth worker
Sunderland Youth Service
11.1993 - 03.1994
- Delivering a programme that encouraged young people who were excluded from services.
Workshop facilitator
NIWE eating disorder organisation
10.2019
- Facilitating Group psychoeducational workshop in eating disorders; Understanding Emotions.
Director/facilitator
Geese Theatre Co
12.2000
- Working with clients of service.
Education
Advanced Diploma - Psychodrama Psychotherapy
London Centre for Psychodrama group and 1:1
01-2025
Certificate - Psychodrama Psychotherapy
London Centre for Psychodrama
01-2019
MA - Participatory Arts and Media
Sunderland University
01-2019
DTLLS - Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector
Leeds Metropolitan University
01-2008
Certificate - Education
Leeds Metropolitan University
01-2007
BA (Hons) - Creative Arts
University of Northumbria
01-1994
A Levels - English Literature, Theatre Studies
City of Sunderland College
01-1990
O Levels - English Literature, Art and Design, English Language
Hylton Redhouse Comprehensive
01-1986
Skills
- Project Management
- Facilitation
- Trainer
- Resource Management and Development
- Communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Change Management
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Enthusiasm and personal drive
- Team collaboration
- Client relationship management
- Crisis intervention
- Active listening
- Adaptive problem solving
- Mindful observation
- Group facilitation
- Creative project planning
- Empathic listening
- Confident communicator
- Risk Management
- Person-centred care
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Child psychology understanding
- Group therapy
- Trauma-informed practice
- Therapeutic alliance building
- Person-centred
- GDPR compliance awareness
- Emotional resilience
- Safeguarding practices
- Group therapy facilitation
- Psychoeducation provision
- Empathetic
Training
- 2023-05-01, Safeguarding Level 2, Newcastle City Council
- 2023-04-01, Safeguarding Level 1, Newcastle City Council
- 2018-03-01, Suicide Prevention Training, Washington Mind
- 2015-05-01, Princes Trust Team leader training, Princes Trust
- 2015-05-01, Mental Health First aid training, MHFA England
- 2009-09-01, Research Methodologies module MA Programme, Manchester University
- 2000-01-01, IT, using blackboard, Newcastle College
- 2000-01-01, Developing and maintaining classroom resources, Newcastle College
- 2000-01-01, Senda Training, Newcastle College
- 2000-01-01, Dyslexia Awareness, Newcastle College
- 2000-01-01, Organising and Developing Trade Unions in Further and Higher Education, Newcastle College
Languages
Spanish
Intermediate
B1
Hobbies and interests
- Going to the theatre; Reading; Attending dance classes; Walking; Cold water swimming; DIY projects and decorating; Learning Spanish; Cooking and hosting dinner parties
References
- References and character references are available on request.
Timeline
Sessional Therapist
Newcastle University
05.2023 - 10.2023
Integrative Psychotherapist
Community Counselling Cooperative
04.2023 - Current
Integrative Psychotherapist
Glasshouse Therapy
09.2022 - Current
Mental Health Welfare Advisor
Newcastle University
09.2022 - 05.2023
Workshop facilitator
NIWE eating disorder organisation
10.2019
Teacher/ Facilitator
Nudge Education
04.2019 - 01.2021
Welfare Advisor
Sunderland University
09.2018 - 08.2022
Drama Teacher
Royal Grammar School
09.2017 - 09.2018
Drama Teacher
Queen Elizabeth High School
09.2016 - 02.2017
Drama Lecturer
Sunderland University
09.2015 - 10.2018
Drama Lecturer and Princes Trust Team Leader
Gateshead College
10.2013 - 06.2016
Trainer
Artswork
10.2013 - 11.2013
Drama Teacher
Newcastle Royal Grammar School
09.2012 - 09.2013
Lecturer
City of Sunderland College
09.2012 - 05.2013
Drama Lecturer
Northumbria University
03.2012 - 05.2012
Facilitator
Equal Arts
03.2011 - 05.2011
Facilitator
New College Durham
07.2005 - 08.2005
Drama Lecturer
Tyne Metropolitan College
09.2001 - 01.2005
Director/facilitator
Geese Theatre Co
12.2000
Participatory Artist
Them Wifies
01.2000 - 01.2012
Researcher
Northumbria Probation
10.1996 - 09.1997
Senior Drama Lecturer
Newcastle College
09.1996 - 10.2011
Project leader
Northumbria Probation Service/ NACRO
06.1994 - 03.1997
Drama/Youth worker
Sunderland Youth Service
11.1993 - 03.1994
Advanced Diploma - Psychodrama Psychotherapy
London Centre for Psychodrama group and 1:1
Certificate - Psychodrama Psychotherapy
London Centre for Psychodrama
MA - Participatory Arts and Media
Sunderland University
DTLLS - Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector
Leeds Metropolitan University
Certificate - Education
Leeds Metropolitan University
BA (Hons) - Creative Arts
University of Northumbria
A Levels - English Literature, Theatre Studies
City of Sunderland College
O Levels - English Literature, Art and Design, English Language
Hylton Redhouse Comprehensive