Meet The Team at ACT Alcohol

julie ward-HAMPSON

managing director

Julie is the founder and Managing Director of ACT Alcohol Ltd which provides therapeutic specialist support to anyone needing professional assistance and guidance with resolving alcohol problems. She specialises in alcohol addiction and relationship therapy. She is the author of ‘The ACT Programme’ which identifies destructive cycles of thoughts and behaviour, promoting control and empowerment in the life of the individual. This approach is proven to be successful particularly with control issues and addictions.

Julie’s qualifications include a Certificate in Counselling Theory, a Certificate in Counselling Studies, an Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, Certificate in the Treatment of Addictions and Certificate in Sex & Relationship Therapy. She is also a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists and Coaching Practitioner (BACP).

Lisa Griffin

Alcohol Counsellor

Lisa is a trained person-centred counsellor and therapeutic supervisor. She is dedicated in providing a safe space in which you can explore your thoughts and feelings, in confidence and without any judgement. Lisa also has a wealth of knowledge in alcohol support services and is passionate about helping people to break free from the confines of alcohol dependency.

Qualifications

Level 2 Introduction to Counselling – 2018
Alcohol Certified Coach-Therapist 2019
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills – 2019
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills – 2020
Telephone & Online Counselling Training -2020
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling – 2022
Children’s Mentor Training – 2023
Prevent Awareness Course – 2023
Introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) and Early Trauma – 2023
Level 5 Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People – 2025
Level 6 in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision – completed 2026

Louise O’Malley

Senior Alcohol Counsellor

Louise is a trained Person-Centred Counsellor. Without being too technical, that means that the approach to counselling is a non-directive one which is led by you. You can talk to Louise in confidence without being judged and she can facilitate those changes within yourself in a safe, supportive environment. Louise volunteered with Victim Support for three years before joining ACT Alcohol in 2016 as the first member of the ACT team.

She has experience in many issues including, Depression, Anxiety, Confidence, Abuse – Domestic, emotional, physical and sexual, Anger issues and Bullying

Qualifications

Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills – 2011
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies – 2012
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling – 2014
Victim Support Training – 2014
Addictions Training – ACT Alcohol & Addictions – Oct 2016

Lauren Waring

Alcohol Counsellor MBACP

Lauren is a Person Centred therapist with experience in working with children & teenagers, victims of domestic abuse, anxiety, depression, life changing health issues, sexual abuse, OCD, alcohol dependency and loneliness & bereavement.

She engages in ongoing continual professional development to keep her skills and knowledge up to date.

Lauren offers a non judgmental safe environment to explore what has brought you to counselling and guide you through to feel empowered to make positive change.

Qualifications

Level 2 Counselling Skills

Level 3 Counselling Skills

Level 4 Counselling & Psychotherapy

Level 5 Foundation Degree Counselling & Psychotherapy (individuals, children & young people)

ACT Alcohol Coaching & Therapy Certified Practitioner

Lauren is DBS certified, holds professional liability insurance and a registered BACP Individual membership.

Joanne Tiller

Alcohol Counsellor MBACP

Jo is a qualified Counsellor who works with adults, children and young people. Her aim is to provide a warm, safe and non-judgemental space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings at their own pace.

With a non-directive, person-centred approach, Jo works to understand individuals from their unique perspective, ensuring sessions are led by her client.

Having trained within a primary school (Place2Be) and working with children and adolescents in schools for a local charity (Let’s Talk Well, previously TIC+), Jo understands that finding ways to express emotions can sometimes be difficult. She often uses creative methods to help clients feel more at ease and to find comfortable ways of expressing themselves. This can be especially helpful for children and adolescents, or individuals who may feel apprehensive about starting their counselling journey. Jo is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and holds an Enhanced DBS certificate.

Qualifications

Level 5 Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People

Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies

Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills

Level 2 Certificate in Adverse Childhood Experiences

Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems

Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling

ACT Alcohol Coaching & Therapy Certified Practitioner

Jo regularly engages in continuing professional development (CPD) to keep her knowledge and skills up to date. Recent trainings include Level 2 Safeguarding training, Externalising Emotions and Understanding ADHD. She also has experience of working with many presenting issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, alcohol dependency, bereavement and loss, bullying, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, ADHD, Autism and Emotionally Based School Avoidance.

Emma Irvine

Alcohol Counsellor MBACP

Emma is an integrative humanistic counsellor, working with Gestalt and Transactional Analysis, she focuses on being fully present with clients, actively listening to their stories. This helps individuals deal with anxiety, overthinking, and depression by encouraging awareness of physical sensations and emotions. A key part of the approach is exploring how the body feels and where specific emotions are experienced, facilitating deeper understanding and healing. CBT is integrated to support clients in investigating their thought process and how to reduce negative thought cycles. The focus is on supporting clients in doing the work in-between sessions to facilitate their own growth, everyone can grow if given the conditions they need.

As a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Emma continues to engage in ongoing professional development.

Emma’s area of speciality are :- anxiety and stress disorders, overthinking and intrusive thoughts, negative thought cycles and patterns of behaviour, Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), depression, loss and grief, attachment theory, relationship issues and alcohol dependency

Qualifications:

Level 2 mental health awareness

Level 2 mental health awareness in children and young people

Level 3 mental health awareness

SEG Level 4 diploma in integrative therapeutic counselling

ACT Alcohol Coaching & Therapy Certified Practitioner