About me
About me
If you’re struggling with something in your life at the moment — whether that’s a relationship difficulty, low mood, anxiety, or a sense that things just aren’t quite right — you’re not alone.
I offer counselling, psychotherapy and personal development sessions in Felixstowe, Suffolk, in a calm, friendly and confidential setting.
Clients sometimes ask about the difference between counselling and psychotherapy. A simple way to think about it is:
If something has recently knocked you off track, counselling can help you regain your balance
If you feel stuck in longer-term patterns, or want a deeper understanding of yourself, psychotherapy may be more helpful
We can always think this through together — you don’t need to have it figured out in advance.
How I can help
I work with a range of issues, including:
relationship difficulties (partners or family)
low self-confidence or self-esteem
jealousy and insecurity
communication difficulties
depression and low mood
loss and bereavement
repeating patterns that are hard to change
the effects of difficult or painful past experiences
How I work
I offer a relaxed, informal and supportive space where we can talk openly.
We work together as equals — you bring your own experience and understanding of your life, and I bring tools and perspectives that can help you make sense of things and move forward.
Sessions are conversational rather than clinical. You won’t be judged or analysed — just listened to and supported.
Where helpful, I also offer practical tools and strategies to help you:
understand your patterns
respond differently to challenges
build healthier relationships
feel more in control of your thoughts and emotions
Not sure about therapy?
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about starting therapy, or to wonder whether it’s right for you.
You’re very welcome to get in touch just to ask questions — there’s no pressure or expectation.
First step
I offer a free 30–45 minute initial consultation.
This is simply an opportunity for us to talk things through and see whether working together feels right for you.
There is no obligation to continue.
Personal development sessions
If you’re interested in understanding yourself better but don’t feel you need therapy, I also offer structured personal development sessions.
These focus on helping you recognise and change patterns in your thoughts, feelings and behaviour, and build healthier relationships.
Practical details
Ground floor practice room
Toilet upstairs (one flight of stairs)
Parking available outside
On the 75 bus route (near Grange School)
Get in touch
If this feels like it might be helpful, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
Even a first conversation can be a positive step.
Training, qualifications & experience
Diploma in Transactional Analysis Counselling (2006)
Masters' Degree in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy (2015)
Registered with U.K.C.P. (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy)
Member of U.K.A.T.A. (United Kingdom Association for Transactional Analysis)
I did my first two years training in Manchester, and then transferred to the Oxford Centre for Psychotherapy Training for a further five years. I completed my Counselling Diploma in 2006 and then embarked on advanced training at The Berne Institute in Kegworth where I completed my Masters' Degree in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy.
I'm UKATA Registered (United Kingdom Association for Transactional Analysis) and I'm also registered with UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy). I receive regular supervision, and I adhere to the UKCP and UKATA codes of ethics.
I have over 8000 hours of experience with clients gained over 20 years.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Sometimes clients are unable to explain why, exactly, they feel they need help, and sometimes they feel that their issues are too 'vague'. The following are some typical issues:
"I feel guilty even when I know it's not my fault"
"I'm not sure what I want, but I'm sure life shouldn't be like this"
"I get angry really easily - I'm afraid I might lash out"
"I don't know whether I want to leave my partner or not... I feel confused"
"I'm such a people-pleaser that I don't even know what I want for myself anymore"
"I have to make a decision and I'm scared I'll get it wrong"
"I know my partner loves me, but I still get jealous all the time"
"Everything always seems to be my fault and I'm fed up with it"
"I'm afraid I might have a compulsive personality"
"My partner died over two years ago and I still can't get over it"
"I spend money to make myself feel better, and I'm afraid I'm getting into serious debt"
"I feel anxious all the time"
There are many other reasons why people come into therapy. If you're not sure whether therapy is appropriate for you then the assessment session is an opportunity to discuss whether it is, and to explore your options.
If you are interested in self-development you might also consider a course of self-development sessions. During these one-to-one classes I can teach you some psychology models and techniques that can help you to examine and understand your own behaviour, and provide you with skills that can help you to have healthier relationships.
Fees
£48.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
There is no charge for an initial consultation - this meeting gives us an opportunity to discuss whether counselling is appropriate for you at this time, and also an oppotunity for you to see whether you feel comfortable with me. This introductory session usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.
My standard fee for full sessions (60 minutes) is £48.
If you would find the full fee difficult, I offer a reduced rate (£36) for up to 12 sessions. If you require long-term therapy and cannot afford to switch to £48 for weekly sessions (after 12 weeks at £36), it may be an option to then have sessions fortnightly. Please see my website at www.dena.org.uk for full details including prices and terms & conditions.
When I work
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Further information
My style of psychotherapy is informal and friendly, and I believe that we are equal partners in the therapy work: my clients bring an understanding of themselves to the work, and I bring skills and techniques that can help them to make the changes that they want.
I usually start off by asking clients if they have a 'shopping list' of what they'd like to get out of therapy, and then I ask about their experiences from childhood onwards in order to get to know them and to understand some of the events that have shaped their personality. My style of therapy is a two-way conversation, and can feel much like having a conversation with a friend: I ask a question and my client responds, I ask another question and my client responds and possibly talks at more length about a certain incident. Sometimes my client 'dries up' and prefers me to take the lead in the converstaion, and sometimes my client asks me a question, and then I respond, just as it is in a normal conversation.
Most people don't realise that there is no statutory regulation of counsellors or psychotherapists: whilst someone calling themselves a dentist or a physio has to be trained and qualified, there is no such regulation of people advertising themselves as a counsellor or psychotherapist. Anyone at all, without training or qualification, can advertise themselves as a counsellor or psychotherapist. Those who are registered with UKCP or BACP will have to meet certain training requirements, and there are other registers that will also demand high standards: price is not an indication of expertise. A personal recommendation can be useful, but if you have not been recommended to a particular practitioner, then when you contact a practitioner it is safest to enquire after training and experience.
