How I Work

I am an Integrative Counsellor – this means that I was trained in a number of approaches and using my learning and experience can offer you mixture of these in our work together depending on your needs.   One size definitely does not fit all.  During a session it might be that we explore your thoughts or behaviours using CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy); relationships using Psychodynamic Theory; feelings using Person Centred Counselling; or potential solutions to a problem using Solution Focussed Therapy.  I may offer you some practical tools or strategies to try between sessions, but you are the expert on you and I will not tell you what do or think.

I am a Registered Member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) – this gives you assurance that I work in an ethical way, have regular professional supervision and keep up to date with my own professional development and training.

In addition to my counselling qualifications and training, I have a degree in Applied Psychology (First Class).

Alongside my private practice, I work on a self-employed basis as a counsellor for a charity which supports those who have experienced domestic abuse/violence or family violence.  I was previously employed as a counsellor in a residential setting where the majority of clients had experienced adverse experiences in their childhood or trauma as adults.  As part of my role, I also developed and delivered a weekly self-esteem group.

My counselling qualifications and training include: Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling. Certificate in Counselling. Solution Focussed Therapy, Level 2 Accredited. Certificate in Mental Health Awareness, Level 2. Transactional Analysis 101. ASIST Suicide Intervention Training. Training for Bereavement Counselling.

The most important thing in counselling is to feel comfortable with the person you are going to be working with. To help you do this I offer an initial 30-minute phone call free of charge. This gives you a chance to tell me what has prompted you to look for a counsellor and to ask any questions you may have.  It also gives me the opportunity to ask you a few questions which helps us both to assess whether I am the most appropriate person for you.  The call is completely without obligation to book further paid sessions with me, and I will not expect you to make a decision there and then.

If you think I might be the right counsellor for you, feel free to call or send a message so that we can arrange the initial chat on the phone.  

Abuse.  Anxiety.  Bereavement.  Bullying.  Depression.  Domestic abuse.  Emotional abuse.  Feeling sad.  Generalised anxiety disorder.  Low self-confidence.  Low self-esteem. Mid-life Crisis. Relationship. Stress. Self Reflection. Trauma.  Work-related stress.