Solution Focused

About

I recognise that I work in an unjust world where systems and processes need to change to address social injustices.

I lived in Aotearoa/New Zealand from 2011 to November 2022 and learnt so much, particularly from Māori culture, it has changed me for the better.

I play and coach badminton as well as being an avid collector of vinyl records, a Tottenham Hotspur football fan, lover of curry and am an outdoor person.

I have worked in the mental health, drug & alcohol fields since 1990, including working for myself for 6 years:

  • Welfare Advisor, Middlesex University Student’s Union
  • Young people’s worker and manager in Greenwich HIV/Drugs project
  • Advice & Counselling worker at the Angel Drug Project
  • Young people’s drug & alcohol service manager, Barnsley (The BARN)
  • Drug Action Team Joint Commissioning Manager (Funder), Barnsley
  • Solution Focused Psychotherapist (PCT Psychology Department)
  • Manager Wakefield YP Drug & Alcohol Services (CRI Rebound)
  • Clinical Manager Wakeria Prison Drug Treatment unit (DTU) Therapeutic Community (CareNZ)
  • National Manager: Quality & Performance (CareNZ)
  • Clinical Project lead: Te Pou o te Whakaaro Nui
  • Manager; St Mark’s therapeutic community
  • CEO St Marks Residential treatment centre
  • Head of Children & Young People’s services, London & South for Change, Grow, Live.

I have an M.A from Birmingham University in Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and have over 10,000 hours experience as a therapist with individuals and in groups.

I also have BA (Hons) in German, History and Religious Studies (Middlesex), and a Post Grad Certificate in Substance Misuse: Education and Training (Roehampton).

Reg. MBACP (Accred).

DAPAANZ accredited supervisor.

Publications

I am extensively published, all articles are here:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Paul_Hanton/research

In addition:

Can Solution Focused Techniques Help Improve Mental Health and Employment Outcomes?
Alyson Wells, Melanie Devonald, Victoria Graham and Rebecca Molyneux. Journal of Occupational Psychology, Employment and Disability, Vol 12, No 1, Spring 2010 (I was the clinical supervisor of this project).

Substance of Young Needs
2001, Health Advisory Service, DoH, London
http://www.drugs.gov.uk/publication-search/dpas/DPAS15.pdf?
(I was on the advisory panel of this publication).

Evaluation of Drug Interventions Programme pilots for children and young people: arrest referral, drug testing and Drug Treatment and Testing Requirements: Matrix Research and Consultancy and Institute for Criminal Policy Research, Kings College. Home Office Online Report 07/07 (member of expert panel).
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs07/rdsolr0707.pdf