Louise Russell
Wilmslow,Cheshire East
Summary
I am a dedicated counselling student with a passion for person centred therapy. I demonstrate and value the concepts of unconditional positive regard, empathy, and active listening skills to foster a safe, respectful and supportive environment. I excel in communication skills and remain calm under pressure. I believe that the relationship between the client and the student counsellor is of utmost importance. I really value my ability to engage and form relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds. I am committed to personal growth and I am aware of my own limitations. I have a deep and longstanding desire to help people in times of trauma and distress.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work history
Medical/Pastoral Team
Wilmslow High School
Wilmslow, Cheshire East
02.2022 - 10.2025
- Supported and cared for students with a wide range of medical and emotional needs (such as anxiety, Type 1 diabetes and self-harm.)
- Ensured a respectful and empathic environment for children to feel safe.
- Participated in training sessions (such as First Aid at Work).
- Worked well as part of a team and autonomously.
- Demonstrated the skills to be flexible and adaptable when to responding to needs.
Registered general nurse
Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust
Cardiff, Glamorgan
04.2009 - 12.2011
- Assessment, support and monitoring of patients on in an urban Methadone Dispensing Unit.
- Carried a caseload and attended regular supervision and MDT meetings.
- Ensured that the principles of UPR were upheld and and empathic environment was provided.
- An excellent rapport with clients was essential in this post.
- Collaborated with homelessness teams, housing, mental health teams and GP surgeries.
- I set up the first overdose prevention clinic within the service to reduce the risks of drug related harm.
Registered General Nurse (Home Detox)
Bro Morgannwg NHS Trust
Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan
02.2006 - 08.2008
- Worked closely with clients and their families in planning and delivering home detoxification within the Welsh Valleys.
- Demonstrated good interpersonal skills including UPR, empathy and active listening.
- Developed the ability to explore the deeper issues with clients.
- Collaboration with the MDT was crucial. Regular supervision was critical as a lone worker.
- Ensured patients felt supported and not judged.
- Demonstrated the ability to work with clients during times of trauma and emotional challenges.
Registered General Nurse (Addictions)
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Redruth, Cornwall
02.2005 - 02.2006
- Delivered the health element to the Prolific Offending Unit in Cornwall.
- Advocacy was an important element of this post.
- Ensured clients rights to medical treatment were upheld.
- Assessments and court report writing.
- Ensuring a respectful, holistic and non-judgemental environment for clients to explore their issues with addictions.
- Collaborative working with partner agencies such as the Police and Probation.
- Supporting clients from prison to reduce the risks of relapse and potential re-offending.
- Understanding the social and economic barriers that people face.
- Caring for patients with a dual diagnosis of addictions and enduring mental illness.
Registered General Nurse (Drug Treatment Order)
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
Liverpool, Liverpool
02.2004 - 02.2005
- This was my first post in addictions, my passion and interest was born from my experiences in the Liver Transplant Unit.
- Delivered comprehensive nursing care to individuals with substance misuse issues.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop tailored treatment plans.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure safety.
- Educated patients and families on coping strategies and recovery resources.
- Supported clients by providing UPR, empathy and respect.
Registered General Nurse (ITU/Liver Transplant)
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust
Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne
09.2000 - 07.2003
- Provided comprehensive patient care in intensive therapy unit for liver transplant recipients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement personalised care plans.
- Monitored vital signs and managed complex medical equipment to ensure patient safety.
- Educated patients and families on post-operative care and health management strategies.
- Demonstrated the resilience and capacity to support patients and their families through trauma and difficulty.
- I cared for clients with alcohol dependence who didn't fit the criteria for transplant. I could identify the limitations of the medical model we were using. I had an instinct to try and explore the deeper issues surrounding alcohol misuse. I felt this client group was marginalised and wanted to be an advocate for them in accessing healthcare. After gaining experience I went to work in the community following harm reduction models and improving the safety of clients with addictions.
Education
BSc Nursing Pre-Registration - Nursing
University of Central Lancashire
Preston, Lancashire 09/1997 - 09/2020
MSc/Dip Counselling Psychotherapy - Counselling
University of Salford
Salford 09/2025 -
level 3 counselling - counselling
Stockport College
Stockport 09/2024 - 07/2025
Level 2 Counselling - Counselling
Stockport College
Stockport 02/2024 - 04/2024
Skills
- Unconditional Positive Regard
- Empathic
- Active listener
- Calm under pressure
- Holistic approach
- Excellent Communicator
- Aware of own limitations
- Passionate about counselling
Affiliations
- I love to read books about dragons and folklore. I enjoy backpacking and meeting new people. I love my dog who is a cockapoo called Brodie Bear and we go on lots of walks.
Timeline
Medical/Pastoral Team
Wilmslow High School
02.2022 - 10.2025
Registered general nurse
Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust
04.2009 - 12.2011
Registered General Nurse (Home Detox)
Bro Morgannwg NHS Trust
02.2006 - 08.2008
Registered General Nurse (Addictions)
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
02.2005 - 02.2006
Registered General Nurse (Drug Treatment Order)
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
02.2004 - 02.2005
Registered General Nurse (ITU/Liver Transplant)
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust
09.2000 - 07.2003
BSc Nursing Pre-Registration - Nursing
University of Central Lancashire
09/1997 - 09/2020
MSc/Dip Counselling Psychotherapy - Counselling
University of Salford
09/2025 -
level 3 counselling - counselling
Stockport College
09/2024 - 07/2025
Level 2 Counselling - Counselling
Stockport College
02/2024 - 04/2024