Kerry Gardner
Liverpool,Merseyside
Summary
I have a strong background as a Wellbeing Practitioner and Children and Young People's Counsellor , working across a range of settings, which has enhanced my professional skill set and deepened my empathic practice. This experience has strengthened my ability to build trusting, compassionate relationships, adapt therapeutic approaches to individual needs, and respond sensitively to diverse and complex situations. Working in varied environments has further developed my understanding of inclusion, safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and multi-agency collaboration, enabling me to offer flexible, emotionally attuned support that promotes wellbeing and positive outcomes for children and young people.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Lead Counsellor & Designated Safeguarding Lead
The Bobby Colleran Trust
Liverpool, Merseyside
01.2024 - Current
I am an experienced Lead Counsellor and Designated Safeguarding Lead specialising in work with children and young people. I deliver play therapy and integrative therapeutic approaches, tailoring interventions to meet individual developmental and mental health needs. I have invaluable experience managing safeguarding concerns, leading best practice, and working collaboratively with parents/carers, schools, social care, and multi-agency partners. My practice is trauma-informed, ethically grounded, and focused on supporting emotional resilience and long-term wellbeing.
Remote Counsellor
Mable Therapy
Remote , UK Based
06.2024 - 08.2025
Facilitated supporting children's mental health and wellbeing through an interactive online platform on a 1:1 basis.
Project Worker/Counsellor
Barnardo's
St Helen's, Lancashire
07.2021 - 09.2023
Delivered solution-focused interventions based on Thrive model for mental health support.
Utilised trauma-informed training to assist clients with complex emotional needs.
Conducted sessions within Barnardo's CSSO framework to achieve measurable outcomes.
Wellbeing Practitioner
Liverpool City Council
Liverpool, Merseyside
09.2014 - 07.2021
Role included supporting students' emotional, social, and mental health, and promoting positive wellbeing and resilience. As part of the Inclusion Team , I collaborated with staff to identify and support students facing barriers to learning, helping to create an inclusive, safe, and supportive school environment where all students can engage and thrive.
Special Needs Assistant & Cover Supervisor
Randstad Education
Liverpool, Merseyside
11.2009 - 07.2014
Senior Cabin Crew Manager
Monarch Airlines
Manchester, Greater Manchester
01.1996 - 10.2009
Administrative Officer
Legal Aid Board
Liverpool, Merseyside
10.1992 - 12.1995
Education
Advanced Diploma - Counselling, Psychotherapy & Hypnotherapy
Chrysalis Courses
Liverpool 09.2017 - 05.2021
Skills
As a Children's Counsellor in various school settings , I use a wide range of skills with a strong focus on inclusion, diplomacy, and tact I create a safe, inclusive, and non-judgemental space where all children feel valued and heard, and I adapt my therapeutic approach to meet diverse individual needs I build trusting relationships with pupils and use sensitivity and emotional intelligence when working with complex or delicate issues I communicate diplomatically with staff, parents, and external professionals, carefully balancing confidentiality with safeguarding responsibilities, and I collaborate effectively to advocate for children while maintaining positive professional relationships
Affiliations
- I enjoy maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle through yoga and pilates, which support both physical and mental wellbeing. I also enjoy reading, particularly for relaxation and personal development, and swimming, which helps me unwind and stay active.
Certification
Further Qualifications/Training
· Open College Network: Awareness of Children's Special Needs Level 3 (Jan 2011 – June 2011)
· EDI: Management/Customer Care Service Level 2/3 (Oct 2010 – March 2011)
· EDI: Management Principles (Dec 2010 – Feb 2011)
· NVQ: Childcare Learning and Development Level 2 (Dec 2009 – July 2010)
· Play Therapy (2017)
· Therapeutic Inclusion (2017)
· County Lines/Sexual Abuse/Safeguarding Training & CPD (The National College – May 2021)
Accredited member of The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCS17-05690) & The National Hypnotherapy Society
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Remote Counsellor
Mable Therapy
06.2024 - 08.2025
Lead Counsellor & Designated Safeguarding Lead
The Bobby Colleran Trust
01.2024 - Current
Project Worker/Counsellor
Barnardo's
07.2021 - 09.2023
Advanced Diploma - Counselling, Psychotherapy & Hypnotherapy
Chrysalis Courses
09.2017 - 05.2021
Wellbeing Practitioner
Liverpool City Council
09.2014 - 07.2021
Special Needs Assistant & Cover Supervisor
Randstad Education
11.2009 - 07.2014
Senior Cabin Crew Manager
Monarch Airlines
01.1996 - 10.2009
Administrative Officer
Legal Aid Board
10.1992 - 12.1995