Cathleen Long - Independent Social Worker
I am a highly competent and experienced Independent Social Worker who provides expert assessments and reports for adults and children with complex needs for Special Educational Needs and Disablity Tribunals and/or Judicial Review. As an Approved Mental Health Professional, I assess individuals detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983, providing reports for Mental Health Review Tribunals. I am a Best Interests Assessor (BIA) and have received instructions from solicitors, including the Official Solicitor, where best interest decisions need to be made for the Court of Protection. I undertake parenting assessments, including PAMS 4, where the parents(s) and/or children have a learning disability or are on the autism spectrum. I hold the Practice Assessors and the Post-qualifying Awards in Social Work (PQSW). I have over 26 years of post-qualifying experience working with adults and older people who have mental health problems (including dementia), a learning disability and/or physical health needs. I am an independent trainer and run courses on Autism, Mental Capacity, the Care Act 2014 and Safeguarding Adults in Need of Care and Support. I am a visiting lecturer at both Swansea University, where I teach on their Approved Mental Health Professionals programme, and the University of South Wales, teaching on the MA SEN/ALN (Autism) course. I hold an MA in Autism, from the University of South Wales, and was awarded ‘The Professional Learning Award Outstanding Achievement (Autism)’ in December 2017. I am studying with the West Wales Institute of Counselling and Psychotherapy for a Degree in Transactional Analysis (UKATA Registration No: 4418). I am registered with Social Care Wales (Regulatory Body No: W/1004368) and the Health and Care Professions Council (Registration No: SW 109123). I hold an up to date enhanced DBS certificate.
Covid-19 - Affordable Online Therapy Support
As as a highly qualified, experienced mental health practitioner and a trainee psychotherapist, I am aware that the current pandemic has caused significant changes in our day-to-day functioning. Ultimately, Covid-19 is scary and thus it has affected our feelings of safety and, for some this has knocked our usual coping skills into something which can feel very different. I have the privilege of learning and working alongside two fabulous women, Abi and Josie, who are both trainee psychotherapists. They are available to offer a very affordable online service to those of you who want a safe space to express and explore your feelings. I too can offer a limited number of appointments for online therapeutic mental health support, all at affordable rates. Please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.
