About
Hello and welcome to Calm Counselling Services. I am Cleo Martel, a qualified, registered, and accredited member of The National Counselling Society (based in Guernsey). As an Integrative counsellor, I blend various modalities to tailor our sessions to your unique needs. My passion and area of specialty lie in couples counselling, utilising systemic therapy to help you navigate the complexities of relationships, connection, and interpersonal dynamics. As your counsellor, my goal is to create a safe space where you feel truly heard and understood—a powerful and transformative experience that fosters genuine healing and growth for you and your relationships.
Qualifications:
Counselling Diploma in Integrative Counselling (Level 5)
Certificate in Relational Therapy (BACP)
BA (Hons.) Primary Education with QTS
Level 2 Counselling Skills Certificate (BACP)
Certificate in Sleep Therapy (Sleep Scotland)
Certificate in Counselling & Developing Bereavement & Loss
Introduction to Counselling Skills & Bereavement & Loss
Adult MHFA (Mental Health First Aid)
Experience:
My counselling journey began in 2010 when a certificate in Listening Skills (Level 2) through Phillippi (Guernsey) sparked my curiosity and passion for the field, motivating me to delve deeper and ultimately pursue counselling as a career. Throughout my eight years volunteering with the Guernsey Bereavement Service, I gained invaluable experience and furthered my skills by undertaking various courses. These courses included off-island Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs that covered crucial topics such as supporting parents after the loss of a child, understanding suicide, and addressing trauma. Additionally, I used my expertise to design and deliver comprehensive Bereavement and Loss training to local organisations, which aimed to enhance their understanding and capabilities in this area.
More recently, I successfully completed a two-year (Level 5) Diploma in Integrative Counselling, which has not only strengthened my foundation in this domain but also enabled me to become an accredited member of the National Counselling Society (NCS). In the past, I have volunteered at Victim Support and Witness Service, where I provided empathetic and compassionate counselling to victims of sexual and emotional abuse, helping them navigate through their difficult journeys.
Currently, I hold multiple counselling roles within the island. I offer counselling services at Choices, a local family planning and contraceptive charity, where I assist individuals in making informed decisions and overcoming personal challenges. Additionally, I work with Relate as a qualified relationship counsellor, supporting individuals and couples in understanding and resolving their unique relationship challenges. Through my diverse experiences, I am equipped to provide tailored counselling services that cater to each individual's specific needs and circumstances.
Background:
In 2008, I attained a BA (Hons) in Primary Education from the University of Winchester. Over the course of my 13-year teaching career, I have had the privilege to educate and guide children from various age groups, ranging from 4 to 11 years old. My experience has been further enriched by my involvement with the Welfare Management Team, where I provided one-on-one emotional support to children navigating a diverse array of challenges, such as bereavement and loss, anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Recognising the importance of specialised knowledge, I pursued additional training with Sleep Scotland. This experience equipped me with the skills and techniques necessary to offer 'sleep training' to parents who were grappling with their children's sleep patterns and bedtime routines. As a sleep consultant, I was able to provide tailored guidance to families, helping them establish healthier habits and more harmonious home environments.
In my ongoing commitment to expanding my understanding of mental health, I successfully completed training in Mental Health First Aid in 2018. This program has further honed my ability to identify, understand, and respond to various mental health challenges, enabling me to provide well-rounded support to those in need.