About me
I understand that taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting. My approach is warm, empathic and non-judgemental, and I aim to help you feel comfortable, accepted and able to talk openly about whatever is happening in your life.
I offer a safe and confidential space where we can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences at your own pace. You may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, bereavement, relationship or family difficulties, low self-esteem, trauma or a significant change in your life. You may simply feel that something isn’t quite right and want some space to understand yourself better.
As an Integrative Counsellor, I don’t believe that one approach suits everyone. I tailor our work to you as an individual, drawing on different therapeutic approaches according to your needs. Together, we can explore what is troubling you, develop greater self-understanding and find ways of moving forward that feel right for you.
I have over 23 years’ counselling experience and work with children, young people and adults. Sessions can be in person at my practice in Alvechurch, online or by telephone.
I also offer Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) with Otis, my professionally trained therapy dog. His calm, gentle presence can help create a relaxed environment, support emotional regulation and make it easier for some people to engage with counselling. Having Otis involved is entirely optional - counselling sessions are always available without him.
Above all, I want counselling to feel like a space where you can be yourself, without judgement or pressure, and where we can work together at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP), with over 23 years’ counselling experience.
I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy and have worked therapeutically with children, young people and adults across a range of settings, including private practice, education and community services.
Alongside my private practice, I currently work as a Student and Staff Counsellor at the University of Birmingham School, where I support young people and adults with a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties.
Throughout my career, I have supported people experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, bereavement, low self-esteem, relationship and family difficulties, and significant life changes. I have experience of both short and longer-term therapeutic work and offer face-to-face, online and telephone counselling.
I have also undertaken professional training in Animal-Assisted Therapy and work alongside my trained therapy dog, Otis, where appropriate. This provides an additional therapeutic option for clients who may benefit from his calming presence.
My practice is fully insured, and I hold an Enhanced DBS for working with children and young people. I am committed to ongoing professional development and regular clinical supervision in accordance with BACP professional standards.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
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
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Sessions are £50 and concessions are available.
My current availability is Mondays and Fridays (all day) and alternate Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
When I work
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Further information
I offer a free 20-minute telephone consultation, giving you an opportunity to tell me a little about what has brought you to counselling, ask any questions and get a sense of whether I might be the right counsellor for you. If you would like to continue, we can then arrange your first session.
I also work with children and young people. Where appropriate, I can offer separate initial telephone consultations for the parent/carer and young person, allowing each the opportunity to discuss their needs and any questions they may have.
Alongside counselling, I offer a 5-week Stress Management Course designed to help you better understand the factors contributing to your stress, recognise your individual triggers and develop practical strategies to manage stress more effectively.
I also offer Animal-Assisted Therapy with Otis, my professionally trained therapy dog. For clients who would find this helpful, Otis can provide a calm and comforting presence alongside the counselling process.
