About Me

Qualifications

I hold a Masters degree and Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy (2015, The Minster Centre, London and Middlesex University). In July 2023, I successfully completed the Advanced Certificate in Somatic Trauma Theory and Skills (with Temenos Education). I also hold the Advanced Certificate in Deep Psychotheraputic Bodywork, a form of body psychotherapy (Entelia Institute, London). 

I am accredited and registered with the UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy). I am also a member of the Bristish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Being registered with these organisations means that I work within their Ethical Principles and adhere to their Professional Occupational Standards. Therefore you can be sure that I practice therapy within a good professional framework. I attend workshops, groups, courses and regular clinical consultation for my continuing professional development.

Experience

I bring 25 years of experience in counselling people with substance misuse and mental health problems, as well as their partners, families and friends. Furthermore, I have worked in the charitable sector as well as in GP settings with a variety of clients from all walks of life. I have a background in general as well as mental health nursing, which has led me into counselling. I’ve worked in private practice for 10 years.

My Therapeutic Approach: Relational, Embodied and Trauma Informed

At the core of my work is the therapeutic relationship. This means that I intend to offer a secure holding environment, from which you can begin your exploration. We may also look at other relationships in your life (past and present), and how they may have shaped you. The therapeutic alliance itself is a rich resource in therapy, as whatever happens here can be looked at and worked through together. The theories underpinning this approach are relational psychoanalysis and attachment.

I apply a similar approach to my couples’ work, although here I combine counselling with mediation therapy. I refer to a ‘couple’ in a wider sense, i.e. this can be two partners or a couple of family members or friends. I draw on years of experience of working in residential rehabilitation for addiction, where I supported affected family members to make sense of what was happening to them and their addicted son, daughter or partner, and empowered them in healing long standing rifts. In couples’ work generally I see myself as a guide, helping the couple to work out what’s ultimately best for them – viewing them as the experts of their relationship. I draw on ideas from Non Violent Communication (NVC), emotionally focussed therapy, and attachment based couples therapy.

I am also curious about the role of the body as part of psychological healing. Neuroscience research has shown a significant link between the mind and body in emotion regulation and the healing of trauma. When we are able to “think with our body”, i.e. to draw on the wisdom of our own embodied experience, we can feel more centered in ourselves and connected in relationships. Thus I integrate important elements of body psychotherapy into my work, which is especially effective for the resolution of trauma.

Finally, I believe that greater self-awareness can be a stepping stone to healing change. However,  without self-compassion, our emerging insights can leave us feeling exposed. When kindness can be an anchor for this vulnerability, we can feel more supported in being with our feelings. This is mindfulness-informed psychotherapy, which brings a gentle attentiveness to every step of your process. I offer mindful self-care programmes for burnout care and prevention on a regular basis. Please ask for further information.