Our experienced Mental Health and Counselling Team is led by a dedicated Service Manager and made up of qualified Counsellors, who all hold Masters qualifications and are registered members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). The team also consists of Trainee and Associate Counsellors who are working towards professional qualification and are student members of the BACP or other recognised professional bodies.
We provide a wide range of support, including one-to-one counselling programmes, wellbeing workshops, and mental health assessments. As ambassadors for mental health across the University of Derby, we are committed to embedding open, proactive conversations about wellbeing into the heart of university life.
Jo Hassan, Counselling and Mental Health Team Manager
Jo Hassan, Counselling and Mental Health Team Manager
It is a profound honour to be leading a diverse and highly-skilled team of Counsellors and Psychotherapists within the Counselling and Mental Health Service. It takes great courage to trust another with the messy parts of our lives and when navigating the process of healing. My team would be honoured to walk beside you on your own journey.
So let me introduce myself. I am a creative, Integrative Psychotherapist and Certified Complex Trauma Clinician, having worked as a Counsellor within a variety of Mental Wellbeing Services over many years. I am passionate about providing a flexible, healing, judgement-free space, where you will feel deeply respected, not just in terms of your challenges but also in how you prefer to explore and learn too.
My heart has always been drawn to care and to know the most vulnerable among us, partly because I have had a challenging life journey myself. I have had the privilege of supporting adults and young people navigating a diverse range of physical, mental wellbeing and relationship difficulties within both community, health and education settings. Over this time, I have witnessed individuals discovering how worthy they are of love and belonging, finding their own unique ‘voice’ and beginning to live new stories.
I have training and experience in a wide variety of effective, evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches that prioritise both individual preferences and the potency of the client/therapist relationship.
My qualifications and credentials include:
MSc Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP accredited), researching the impact of aligning therapy to clients’ unique experiences, strengths and preferences
Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, underpinned by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), plus Person-centred and Attachment Theories and Interventions. In addition, I integrate elements of CFT, ACT, IFS, DBT, EMDR and Mindfulness
BSc(Hons) Psychology (BPS accredited)
Qualified Teacher Status
BACP Registered Member: 398634
My main speciality is in supporting those who are navigating the impact of trauma, whereby they often face a daily battle with anxiety and fear which, in turn, makes daily living and interacting with others challenging. I am a certified Complex Trauma Clinician and also a member of the Trauma Informed Derbyshire network, given my passion for not only empowering survivors and promoting recovery but in seeking to build trauma-informed and psychologically safe workplaces too.
Besides being a therapist, I am also a wife, mother and grandmother and professional artist. I adore exploring the wonders of the UK countryside, reading and a wide variety of creative pursuits.
Testimonials from Jo's clients
"I want to take this opportunity thank you for all your help and support you have given over the past 6 weeks. Talking about the past is hard, but I didn’t realise how much I have remembered, in order to process it and move forward. You have given me coping strategies to manage myself when times are hard, plus being positive about moving forward. I will never forget our times together and how you have been such a positive influence on my life."
"I have been so fortunate to have had your warmth, compassion wisdom and support over the last few weeks. I cannot thank enough for giving me the space I need to begin finding myself."
"I just wanted to thank you for all your support, compassion and guidance during such a difficult time. Your presence, patience and understanding have made a real difference in helping me process my grief and begin to find my way forward. Thank you for walking beside me through this part of my journey – it has meant more that I can put into words."
"Just a note to say a huge thank you for all your support, care and kindness through a difficult road for me. You are amazing and at some very bleak time you have a been a light in the darkness. Forever grateful."
Meet our Counsellors
Our team of Counsellors, all registered members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), are here to help you address deeper emotional issues. We offer up to eight sessions, each lasting 50 minutes, to explore past experiences, personal histories, and the underlying causes of emotional distress.
Through these sessions, we aim to help you understand how past events may be impacting your current well-being, while providing the support you need to process these experiences. Our goal is to guide you in gaining insight into past challenges and developing healthier emotional coping strategies for the future.
Hello, I’m Chris, one of the counsellors here at Derby University. I’m a qualified Counsellor, youth worker and mediator and have over 15 years’ experience of supporting others in various roles, including youth homelessness, community work, mental health and beyond.
This has included facilitating and running various groups, including people affected by cancer, men’s groups, self-esteem workshops and more as well as being a board member of a suicide awareness group. I have also designed and delivered homelessness awareness sessions to many schools/ colleges and education providers in the West Yorkshire area, reaching thousands of young people. I am passionate about helping others succeed and realise their potential, and believe we all have the ability for growth even in the most difficult of conditions (we may just not realise it!)
I take a person-centred approach to working and appreciate hearing your own experiences to gain a greater understanding of who you are, and what might be having an impact on you, to then inform what may be most beneficial for you to help in moving forward.
I have worked with many different issues during my working career but have a particular interest around domestic abuse, chronic health conditions and anxiety. I offer a safe space with no judgement or expectation just the hope that we can work together to help you achieve your goals.
Testimonials from Chris' clients
“Chris; I am writing to say thank you for the incredible support you have provided me throughout my time at Uni Derby. Your guidance has been valuable in helping me navigate the emotional, mental, and psychological challenges I faced during my academic journey. Thanks to your encouragement and understanding, I am glad to share that I graduated with distinction! This achievement is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the strength and resilience you helped me cultivate. I am truly grateful for the tools you equipped me with to succeed and believe in me.”
“Chris Watson was helpful and supportive when I was going through a difficult time with my anxiety and panic attacks. He listened to what I was going through and suggested a lot of helpful exercises to help me improve on my mental heath issues. he was very clear and easy to speak to him and I felt comfortable explaining my issues. He helped me to get back to my old self by helping me to boost my confidence on talking to others and suggesting good tips on not overthinking everything. I would recommend Chris to talk to, if anyone is going through a hard experience as I did.”
Anika Patel-Lynn, Counsellor
Anika Patel-Lynn, Counsellor
Hi, I'm Anika, and I'm one of the counsellors here at the University of Derby. Having completed both my undergraduate degree in Child & Youth Studies and MSc in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy here, I truly understand the student journey and the challenges you may face.
Over the past ten years, I’ve worked primarily in educational settings, offering wellbeing and emotional support to young people with additional needs and behavioural challenges. This led me to pursue counselling, where I could create a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their mental wellbeing and grow.
In my sessions, I integrate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, and a Person-Centred approach, adapting my practice to meet individual needs. I aim to build a trusting, supportive relationship with each client while maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding.
I’ve also worked as a grief counsellor for a bereavement charity, supporting families dealing with loss. My postgraduate research into grief across cultures has provided me with a deeper understanding of how diverse and complex grief can be.
At the University of Derby, I’m dedicated to supporting students with a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, and stress. My focus is on compassion and empowerment, helping students not only overcome difficulties but also grow through their experiences. I’m here to support you on your journey toward healing, offering a safe space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to thrive.
Testimonials from Anika's clients
“Anika Patel was the best mental health professional that I have ever had the pleasure of being supported by (and I have seen many psychologists, psychiatrists and counsellors of the years). She fostered a safe and supportive environment, which enabled me to feel comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings and experiences. She was able to strike the perfect balance between listening and providing thoughtful and constructive insight which further encouraged me to reflect in a constructive and beneficial manner. She is calm, kind, personable, approachable, insightful, smart and knowledgeable. She ensured to acknowledge my neurodiversity and worked with my ADHD brain, using prior experiences with clients and her learnt knowledge."
“I loved the flexibility of having our sessions online and the fact they were so understanding of work commitments. Anika was so incredibly validating and created such a supportive atmosphere.”
“Anika was very lovely and patient throughout our sessions. She listened and made sure it was a safe place where I could share my thoughts and not be judged for it. It helped having a friendly atmosphere because although it was a professional relationship, it felt like I was talking to a friend at times, and that really helped me personally to open up more. I appreciate the times where I emailed Anika in distress and she replied quickly, and if I hadn’t gotten back to her, she’d follow up just to check if I was okay."
Molly Kavanagh, Counsellor
Molly Kavanagh, Counsellor
Hi, I’m Molly. I’m a counsellor with a Master’s in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Derby, but beyond the qualifications, what really matters to me is creating a space where you can feel comfortable, heard, and truly yourself. During my studies, I realised how powerful it is to be in an environment free of judgment, and that’s the kind of space I’m passionate about offering to others.
My approach is all about being present with you. I want therapy to feel worthwhile, a place where you might discover something new about yourself, or leave with fresh questions that spark curiosity. Growth often begins with curiosity, and I believe there’s comfort in knowing we are always evolving. I’ll support you in that process by offering both steadiness and challenge, helping you explore safely while encouraging the changes you want to see in your life.
I often work with people navigating challenges like anxiety, low self-esteem, or depression. My goal isn’t to rush you or put pressure on you to “figure it all out,” but to create a supportive space where healing and growth can unfold at your own pace. I integrate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, and Person-Centred Therapy, tailoring my approach to fit your needs. At the heart of my work is empathy, compassion, and a deep belief in your ability to heal and grow.
I’m especially passionate about supporting students, having researched the impact of TikTok and social media on Gen Z and mental health. I understand how overwhelming academic, social, and personal pressures can feel, and I’m committed to helping young adults navigate those challenges while building resilience and self-confidence. My time at Relate Derby also gave me valuable experience supporting people through relationship struggles, from communication difficulties to conflict resolution, which has enriched the way I help clients build healthier, more fulfilling connections.
Outside of my work as a therapist, I love cooking for family and friends, and I’ve been passionate about dancing my throughout my entire life. At university, I even competed with the Pom team, who became national champions. Creativity and movement are huge parts of who I am, and they bring balance and joy to my life.
If you’re looking for a safe, supportive space to grow, be curious, and create change, I’d love to walk alongside you in that journey.
Testimonials from Molly's clients
"I liked that it didn’t feel like it was a formal meeting type of occasion, it felt as if I were just talking it out with a friend. Molly made me feel very comfortable, heard, and just respected in general. I have had experience with counselling before and they have been quite negative, so I was cautious going into this, but Molly was brilliant, and she made me realize that I made the right decision. She made me feel very comfortable every session, and didn't make me talk about anything I didn’t want to or anything that I was uncomfortable talking about. Overall, the experience was very positive, and Molly really helped me."
"It was one of the best decisions I had ever made, it helped me to confront my past traumas effectively and in a way that I could best understand . The process gave me the space and the tools I desperately needed in order to understand my issues and how to process them. Molly was amazing at helping me and she really helped me to get myself back together so I can continue doing the things I like. I gave her 10s across the board because that’s truly my opinion and is fully honest in my quality feedback."
“It was the first time in my experience when I felt listened to by a therapist but also got help. Molly is absolutely amazing at her job, and she helped me a lot with my problem. I feel like she managed to put me on a right way. After counselling with her I feel like now I am able to help myself when I need it.”
Richard Clarke, Counsellor
Richard Clarke
Hello there! I’m Rich. I took a curious career path, serving as a submariner and intelligence analyst in the Royal Navy, then working in social housing and homelessness services. Witnessing the consequences of trauma, addiction, and poverty in people’s lives, I wanted to better understand mental health. I made a career change studying a BSc in Psychology and then an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy, graduating from the University of Derby. To support my studies, I worked part-time in the University’s library and appreciate the challenges of juggling deadlines, family and work commitments.
I have practised within the NHS, mental health charities, employee assistance programmes, and through my own private practice. Drawing upon over two decades of personal experience practising and teaching meditation and mindfulness, I use a compassion-focused, trauma-informed approach, which encourages skills for soothing and stabilisation that can help us cope with anxiety and stress that arises from time to time.
I have worked with issues such as grief, relationships, abuse, sexual abuse, anxiety, self-esteem, identity, low moods, addiction, and long-term health conditions. As a champion of diversity, I have campaigned in support of marginalised groups. It has been an honour to support members of the LBGTQIA+ community and neurodivergent clients to explore experiences and address various challenges.
Integrative therapy combines techniques to explore our self and potential, tackle obstacles in a solution-focused way, and understand what can influence our emotions.
I work in a gentle way, that helps to reveal ways of coping with life’s challenges so that you can fulfil your aspirations as a student and in life.
Testimonials from Richard's clients
"This service has helped me immensely. Richard actively listened and I felt comfortable throughout. His professional, polite manner built a calm and trusting atmosphere. He offered practical strategies that brought me peace, along with solutions I can use well into the future. He also provided useful resources that I’m confident will support me moving forward."
"I am very happy with my experience. Richard was excellent at empathetic and in-depth discussion, where I felt I could be open and honest without judgement or compromise. He also provided excellent resources, advice, and support that I will utilise moving forward. I would highly recommend this service, and I thank Richard greatly for his time."
Counselling Placement Programme
Did you know that you could join our Counselling and Mental Health team as an Associate or Trainee Counsellor?
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