Meet the Synergie team

Our team includes a number of fully trained and qualified counsellors and tutors.

They are every day people who have come to the field of counselling from a range of jobs and backgrounds.

Rene Bates: Founder of Synergie, tutor and counsellor

I set up Synergie Counselling in 2008 the hope of promoting mental health in the Hillingdon area.

In 2009, I had the opportunity to further promote mental health by setting up Synergie Training. We initially trained students at introductory and beginner levels, and it went so well we expanded so that students could train up to full qualification (Level 4), which means they can practice as professional therapists.

Since then, the business has expanded further so we now offer all Levels, from 2 to 6 (supervision), as well as providing a course in Understanding Substance Misuse (USM).

I am pleased that over the years we have successfully trained a number of our students now fully practising in the community. It has been enormously rewarding to have been a part of this. I believe the journey to qualification should be enjoyable, educational and enhance the students' self-awareness.

Janet Morgan: Tutor and counsellor

I am an integrative therapist. My core model is person-centred, incorporating CBT tools. I am also training as a play and creative arts therapist with Play Therapy UK. My ethos is that of humanism, respecting difference, and valuing individuality.

For me, the counsellor's role is to help facilitate change through encouraging clients to reflect upon and explore their experiences so they can endeavour to become the person they feel they should be.

I have been training students at Synergie, from Level 2 to Level 4, since 2011. I really enjoy supporting students on the fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified therapist.

Sabrina Khan: Tutor and counsellor

As an integrative therapist, I draw upon a range of counselling styles, including person-centred therapy, mindfulness, inner child work, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

I offer one-to-one, family and couples therapy, and have delivered parenting and domestic abuse awareness programmes.

I have a particular interest in working with trauma, specialising in domestic and sexual abuse. In September 2022, I founded ‘No Excuse for Abuse' to offer counselling for survivors, age 16+, of domestic and sexual abuse. This service also delivers a range of awareness programmes, including behaviour-change programmes for perpetrators of abuse.

I joined Synergie in 2020 after completing its Diploma programme. I really enjoy teaching, sharing skills and bringing out the best in future counsellors.

Teresa Arapi: Tutor, counsellor and office manager