Almost 100 mental health professionals came together for Westmeria’s first mental health summit, ‘Turning Insight and Learning into Impact’ on World Mental Health Day last Saturday.
The one-day CPD event featured leading clinical experts examining trauma, perinatal anxiety, addiction, single-session therapy, and survivor-led care. Designed specifically for counsellors, psychotherapists, and allied mental health professionals, the summit provided practical clinical insights alongside a panel discussion and the opportunity to network with fellow professionals.
Following an inspiring opening address from Westmeria’s founder and CEO ,Sue Doughty the day got underway with presentations from Dr Claire Oakeley and David Olubuyide both whom delivered insightful and informative presentations around Post-Natal Anxiety and Porn/Sex Addiction. Both speakers shared a plethora of practical guidance that delegates could take into their therapeutic practice.
Christiane Sanderson shared her in-depth experience and knowledge focusing her presentation on neuorodivergent affirmative practice in effectively supporting clients when working with trauma.
Miranda Eyre MBACP, MNCPS shared her experience as a mother navigating CSA – the entire room was moved by her courage and later we were all held by Sophie Olson’s powerful story as a survivor of Child Sexual Abuse. Both were reminders of the power of lived-experience in shaping how we practice.
We were delighted also to welcome our founding Ambassador Francis Duku for a fireside chat with Sue around how we can normalise counselling for men, and touching upon how Westmeria’s ambassador initiative has already had an impact increasing the number of male clients seeking support.
Our final presentation from Professor Windy Dryden explored how and when single-session therapy can work effectively and he shared practical guidance on when and how this approach can be valuable in helping people in a timely fashion.
Thank you to all our delegates for making the event such a success, and to the Westmeria team for all their hard work in putting together and hosting such a worthwhile event.
Finally our thanks also James Mercer DipPFS Certs CII MP and ER of Silverwood Financial Solutions Ltd for your generous sponsorship and for sharing the day with us.
