About me
Counselling for children and young people:
Are you looking for a child counsellor in the Cotswolds or Cheltenham who truly understands anxiety, school stress, and neurodivergence? I provide dedicated youth counselling face-to-face from my comfortable practice spaces in Bourton-on-the-Water and Cheltenham.
Having worked in education for sixteen years, I have a secure understanding of the stages of child and adolescent development. Taking a person-centred approach enables me to see the world from their point of view with empathy and understanding. I work at their pace to explore challenges such as perfectionism, academic pressure, burnout, school avoidance, and social anxiety. I am experienced in supporting neurodivergent young people to recognise their needs; empowering them to advocate for themselves in a neurotypical-centric world, including those with Autism, ADHD, or AuDHD (whether formally diagnosed, self-identified, or exploring).
Perhaps your young person has had short-term counselling before, but found it too short to meet their needs? I can provide a consistent therapeutic relationship where they don’t need to worry about waiting lists or abrupt endings. I can support your child through the pressures of SATs, GCSEs, A Levels and transitions into college or university. I offer tailored support for home-educated children, sixth form students and young people experiencing school avoidance (EBSA).
Traditional "sitting and talking" therapy can feel incredibly high-pressure, especially for an anxious or masking child. That is why I integrate creative strategies into our sessions to help young people process big emotions safely and at their own pace.
Depending on what your child enjoys, we might use:
- Art and drawing to map out internal feelings and anxiety triggers
- Sand tray work and miniatures to visually tell stories without needing the "right" words
- Therapeutic games and movement to release physical tension and calm the nervous system
- Sensory-friendly tools that respect neurodivergent needs and remove the pressure of intense eye contact
Counselling for parents:
In this fast-paced world, it can be difficult to carve out some time for yourself. When you’re juggling responsibilities, it can be really useful to have a space to sit down and unpack the things you have been carrying from day to day. I can offer quiet reflection to support you, whether you’re navigating anxiety, burnout, parenting challenges, or stressful family dynamics. If you’re a new parent adapting to parenting pressures or supporting a young person who is struggling emotionally, you will find someone who gets it and truly understands the challenges families are currently facing.
A little bit about how I work: I follow your lead, whilst tailoring my approach to your unique needs. I offer an integrative practice that blends person-centred principles with aspects of ACT, CBT and the Proactive approach. Where appropriate, I offer creative strategies to unlock other forms of communication and self-expression. This might be in the form of drawing, colouring, painting or using symbolic objects to represent experiences, emotions or life events. I work alongside you, at your pace, to piece together a deeper self-understanding. Whether you’re looking for emotional support, to find your voice, or to improve relationships, I’m here to empower you.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have 16+ years experience working in educational settings supporting young people. I have been the mental health lead in a primary school as well as a teacher during this time. I supported young people with counselling in schools through Let's Talk Well.
- PG Dip (CPCAB) Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling for Adults, Children & Young People
- Level 2 &3 (CPCAB) Counselling Skills
- PGCE Primary
- BA (Hons) English and Drama
- Level 2 Safeguarding
- Enhanced DBS
- Online and Telephone Counselling
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 National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. 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
- Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
- Academic pressure
- Perfectionism
- Parenthood
- Perinatal anxiety
- Postnatal anxiety
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 per session
Concessions offered for
When I work
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Bourton-on-the-Water or Online: Wednesdays and Fridays
Cheltenham: Thursdays only
Further information
Location:
My physical practice spaces are ideally located to serve families across Cheltenham and the North Cotswolds:
- Bourton-on-the-Water GL54: Conveniently located for the surrounding rural communities, including Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh, Northleach, and Lower Slaughter.
- Cheltenham GL51: Easily accessible for families in Shurdington, Leckhampton, Charlton Kings, Up Hatherley, and Warden Hill.
- Online Therapy: Safe, interactive digital sessions available for teens, young adults and parents nationwide.
