About me
Five years ago, my life changed dramatically following a significant mental health crisis caused by accumulated trauma. I live with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and have experienced suicidal thoughts and the challenges of understanding my own neurodivergence.
Having been in therapy myself since 2017, I understand how difficult it can be to take that first step, open up and allow yourself to be vulnerable.
During my darkest moments, some incredible people held a light for me. They didn't try to fix me or tell me what to do. Instead, they listened without judgement, offered compassion and helped me find my own way forward. This experience inspired the name Hold a Light Counselling.
My recovery hasn't been straightforward. Through therapy, mindfulness, education, spirituality, physical activity and time in nature, I've learned that everyone's journey is different and that healing takes many forms.
My Background
Before becoming a counsellor, I spent over 20 years working in the emergency services, supporting people from all walks of life through challenging and emotionally demanding situations. These experiences strengthened my belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
How I Work
As a qualified Integrative Counsellor and BACP Registered Member, I place Person-Centred therapy at the heart of my practice.
I offer a warm, welcoming and non-judgemental environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences at your own pace.
I support clients with whatever they bring to the counselling session. I am flexible, adapt to your needs, whether this is short, medium or long-term therapy. I offer flexibility for clients, offering sessions late evening around shift workers.
Alongside talking therapy, I can incorporate grounding techniques, mindfulness, creative approaches, body awareness and reflective exercises where appropriate. Also utilise other therapeutic approaches to uncover the strengths and tools you already have and provide resources that may support your well-being beyond the counselling room.
My counselling room provides a comfortable, peaceful and confidential space where you can feel at ease.
Above all, I believe counselling isn't about someone telling you how to live your life. It's about having someone walk alongside you, offering empathy, understanding, and acceptance as you discover your own way forward.
Sometimes, we all need someone to hold a light for us when life feels dark.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Foundation Degree in Arts — Level 5
Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, awarded by Lancaster University on 18th June 2026 - Currently Studying Level 6 Top-up Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Other Training
- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Safeguarding Children Level 1
- Safeguarding Children Level 2
- Domestic Abuse
- Radicalisation
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
- Mental Capacity Act
- Information Governance
- Care Act
- Autism Awareness
- Safeguarding Adults Level 1
- Safeguarding Adults Level 2
- Dyslexia Awareness
- ADHD Awareness
- Autism - Verbal & Non-Verbal Awareness
- A Counsellor's Guide to PTSD
- Rewind Therapy
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Men's Mental Health Support
CPTSD/ PTSD mental health recovery and life adjustment
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£45.00 - £50.00
Additional information
- In Person £50
- Online £45 via Teams
- Phone £45
Further information
- Reiki Master Practitioner
- Level 1 - Reiki Usui Natural Healing
- Level 2 - Reiki Usui Natural Healing
- Level 3 - Reiki Master Practitioner, Genuine Reiki Usui Natural Healing
- Emergency Services Support for shift workers
- Flexible appointments for clients - late evening sessions available and flexibility for shift workers
- Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Support / Coping Strategies / Life Adjustment
- Life Adjustment after leaving job
