Liane is tackling childhood problems
Dec 15 2009 By The Journal
A FORMER primary school teacher and psychology graduate from Durham has set up a successful counselling service.
Liane Collins launched Silverleaf Counselling in Lanchester, this year and is ahead of her forecast turnover.
The firm offers a one-to-one service for children and adults and helps people address and overcome problems related to issues such as bereavement and work-related stress. Liane also does work with autistic spectrum and attention deficit disorders.
She said: "Setting up my own business has been one of the best things I have ever done. I had felt restricted in teaching. Every child has very specific needs and in a classroom of 30 it is not possible to give the level of attention that everyone requires. I felt some children needed something extra to help them access education in a mainstream classroom successfully. I believe every moment is an opportunity for change."
She attended a series of Business Link workshops prior to setting up her company, which gave practical advice on issues such as business planning, marketing and customer service.
"In many ways adults have the same requirements as children and issues that manifest in childhood have their mirror in adult behaviour, and vice-versa. Counselling is a hugely rewarding and challenging vocation and Business Link assistance has allowed me to take control of my own career path, which is fantastic.
Stuart Nicholas, Business Link adviser for Silverleaf Counselling, said: "It has been a privilege working with Liane, helping her to establish a successful business that is making a real difference to people with counselling needs in North East England. I look forward to working with Liane on an ongoing basis as she develops the business further."
