Kelly Alvarez
12 Pine Tree Lodge Montagu Gardens
Summary
Compassionate and ethically grounded counsellor with an MSc in Counselling (Merit) and a robust foundation in psychology and child development. Demonstrates a commitment to evidence-based care across primary care, education, and charitable sectors, fostering strong therapeutic alliances through empathy and active listening. Bilingual in English and Spanish, with a passion for empowering individuals through integrative counselling that emphasizes reflection and professional development.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Counsellor
Gibraltar Health Authority
10.2024 - 09.2025
- Reduced primary care waiting times from 6–8 months to 10 weeks
- Reorganised secondary care referrals to optimise service access
- Manage 20–25 client sessions weekly and all associated admin
- Conduct initial assessments, attend weekly allocation meetings (sometimes as chair), and monthly department meetings
- Attend monthly CBT/PTSD/EMDR supervision with a specialist supervisor
- Sort inbound referrals and review waiting lists to streamline allocations
- Provide integrative therapy using approaches including Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, and CBT for PTSD
- Independently create psychoeducational materials by choice
- Facilitated the development of adaptive skills for clients to manage stress.
- Created tailored strategies to meet client requirements.
- Incorporated behavioural, cognitive, and psychodynamic techniques to improve therapy effectiveness.
- Coached clients on how to manage emotions effectively while also teaching them how to recognize warning signs of distress before it becomes overwhelming.
- Helped clients find solutions by teaching appropriate intervention techniques.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to stay informed about the latest counselling techniques and theories.
- Completed detailed documentation of sessions, patient notes and recommendations.
- Delivered treatments to improve client functionality and environmental adjustment.
- Referred individuals to outside resources and services for additional support.
Peer Support & Charitable Placement
Bangor University Counselling Program
01.2022 - 12.2024
- Mentored Year 1 students and acted as a live-assessment client
- Delivered drop-in support as part of a work-based module
Trainee Counsellor
Age UK Wirral
07.2023 - 03.2024
- Completed 100-hour placement under BACP guidance
- Delivered remote therapy to clients aged 24–84
- Helped clients increase self-compassion and coping through structured sessions
Learning Support Assistant
Schools in Gibraltar
09.2019 - 07.2022
- Supported neurodiverse children and teens aged 3–16
- Helped regulate emotions, boost confidence, and foster inclusive learning
Education
MSc - Counselling
Bangor University
North Wales01.2024
MSc - Psychology of Child Development
University of Central Lancashire
01.2019
BSc - Psychology and Criminology
University of Central Lancashire
01.2018
A-Levels - Spanish, English Literature
Westside Comprehensive School
01.2015
GCSEs - Spanish, English Lit/Language, Maths, French
Westside Comprehensive School
01.2013
Skills
- Therapeutic Presence
- Integrated Practice
- Reflective Capacity
- Cultural Competence
- Autonomous Practice
- Creative Communication
- Clinical Admin
- Client assessment
- CBT techniques
- Case management
- Therapeutic rapport
- Professional development
- Time management
- Communication skills
Additional Highlights
- Building a psychoeducational website for clients and clinicians
- Completed Clinical Psychology module (diagnosis & treatment focus)
- Registered interest in intellectual disability assessments
References
Available on request
Professional Development
BACP, Registered Member, Passed Certificate of Proficiency, Working towards Accreditation (200+ client hours), Committed to BACP Ethical Framework and lifelong learning, Recent CPD: CBT for PTSD (BPS), Eating Disorders (5 hrs), Trauma Course (in progress)
Attributes
- Empathic, boundaried, and authentic
- Emotionally resilient and curious
- Ethical, collaborative, and values team input
- Enjoys hiking for well-being
Timeline
Counsellor
Gibraltar Health Authority
10.2024 - 09.2025
Trainee Counsellor
Age UK Wirral
07.2023 - 03.2024
Peer Support & Charitable Placement
Bangor University Counselling Program
01.2022 - 12.2024
Learning Support Assistant
Schools in Gibraltar
09.2019 - 07.2022
MSc - Counselling
Bangor University
MSc - Psychology of Child Development
University of Central Lancashire
BSc - Psychology and Criminology
University of Central Lancashire
A-Levels - Spanish, English Literature
Westside Comprehensive School
GCSEs - Spanish, English Lit/Language, Maths, French
Westside Comprehensive School
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