About me
A BACP qualified, accredited therapist I have many years experience of working with people in struggle and pain. Issues include abuse, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, gender and sexuality, relationships, low self-esteem, trauma and in particular, 15 years of specialising in working with alcohol and substance use issues in community programs, residential rehabs, and in counselling services.
I have witnessed countless people transform their lives, moving from addiction to the freedom of recovery, from grief to acceptance, from deep pain back into living life again. I am continually inspired by this process of change that as humans we are capable of – it works.
I have a background in yoga, dance, and meditation, which feeds my therapeutic work to become alive and embodied, and have additional training in embodied therapeutic work. I initially qualified as a Community and Youth worker many years ago, and now also hold a certificate in Counselling children and young people
Equality, inclusion and being an active ally when needed are core values to me. If you have any particular needs please let me know in advance.
I am d/Deaf aware and can sign (BSL).
Counselling sessions – what to expect
Sessions are held online via Zoom. Sessions are 50 minutes in duration, usually weekly, and fees are £75. During the first session you will tell me a little about yourself, why you are coming to counselling at this time and what support you are looking for. I work in terms of 5-6 weeks reviewing how we are doing as we go along to ensure we are meeting what you need. I do not work currently in a long-term open-ended way and will be aiming for us have done a valuable piece of work and to have reached a positive therapeutic ending within a maximum of 6-12 months.
My work is integrative, which means I am able to use a variety of approaches to meet you. Some people want to focus on behaviour change – for example changing their relationship with food or alcohol. We can work directly with that in session and with suggestions for work for you to do inbetween sessions.
Some people need space for exploration of current struggles. You may like to try to make sense of what is happening in your life now by thinking about experiences in childhood - this work needs slow listening and a deep respect for your individual story and the meanings held within. What is important for me is that I follow what you need, and I will be checking in with you about how the therapy is working for you as we go along – this process is very much co-created.
Although I draw from many theories and skills, the heart of my work will always be rooted in both humanistic values of empathy and acceptance entwined with a psychodynamic curiosity - what our words, actions and relationships may mean in the here and now, and how they connect to and have evolved from our past experiences.
