About me
You may have reached a point where you're questioning who you are, what you want, or why you keep finding yourself in the same patterns.
Perhaps you're struggling in a relationship or coming to terms with the end of one. You may be facing a change in work or family life, experiencing low self-esteem, or simply have a sense that you've lost touch with yourself somewhere along the way. Sometimes there isn't one obvious problem, just a feeling of being stuck or unsure about what comes next.
I'm an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist offering a warm, down-to-earth space where we can make sense of what is happening for you. You don't need to arrive knowing exactly what you want to talk about; we can begin with whatever has brought you here.
Relationships, identity and change
Relationships are an area of particular interest in my work. You might find it difficult to express what you need, worry about rejection or conflict, put other people's needs before your own, or notice the same patterns appearing again and again.
Therapy gives us space to become curious about these patterns rather than judging them. Together, we can explore where they may have come from, how they affect you now and whether there are different ways you would like to relate to yourself and others.
I also work with people at significant crossroads in life. Changes in relationships, work, family roles or circumstances can leave us questioning who we are and what we want. Therapy can provide space to think when the way forward doesn't feel clear.
Family life and caring
I have considerable experience working with complex family relationships and with parents of children with disabilities. I understand that parenting and caring can affect many parts of life; relationships, identity, hopes and expectations, and the space available for your own needs.
Therapy can be somewhere that your experience has a place too.
Trauma and the body
I am trauma-informed and have a particular interest in how difficult or overwhelming experiences can continue to influence how we feel, relate to others and experience ourselves.
As a qualified Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) facilitator, I can also bring an awareness of the body and nervous system into our work where this feels helpful. There is no expectation to practise yoga or work in this way, my approach is shaped around you.
Outdoor therapy
I am based in the Brecon Beacons and can offer outdoor and walk-and-talk therapy alongside more traditional sessions. Some people find walking side by side makes conversation feel more natural or that being outdoors gives them space to think and reflect.
At the heart of my work is the relationship between us. I aim to offer a space where you feel listened to and taken seriously, offering space for compassion and curiosity.
If you're considering counselling, you don't need to be certain about what you need or where to begin. You're very welcome to get in touch and we can have an initial conversation about what has brought you to therapy and whether working together feels right.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have over 20 years of professional experience across statutory and third-sector services. Before training as a counsellor and psychotherapist, I worked as a Social Worker, supporting individuals and families experiencing a wide range of complex circumstances.
My social work background continues to influence how I work as a therapist. I understand people within the wider context of their relationships, families, experiences and circumstances, rather than seeing emotional difficulties in isolation.
I have extensive experience of complex family systems and of working alongside parents of children with disabilities. I have also developed a particular interest in relationships, identity, trauma and the ways our past experiences can influence how we relate to ourselves and others.
My core psychotherapy training is in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, and I continue to undertake professional development in relational, trauma-informed and body-based approaches.
Qualifications
Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy (Distinction) — University of South Wales
Postgraduate Certificate in Integrative Counselling Skills — University of South Wales
MA Social Work — Cardiff University
BSc Econ (Hons) Sociology (2:1) — Cardiff University
Certified Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) Facilitator — Center for Trauma and Embodiment
200-hour Yoga Teacher Training — Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow & Pranayama
My continuing professional development includes training in trauma, Polyvagal Theory and the nervous system, Suicide First Aid, Mental Health First Aid and safeguarding.
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
Adults with experience of social care/social services
Parents of children with complex health needs/disabilities
Nervous system approaches to anxiety/depression
Relationships/attachment
Therapies offered
Fees
£60.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I offer a number of low-cost spaces and a discounted rate for student therapists. Please contact me for details
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early morning | |||||||
| Morning | |||||||
| Early afternoon | |||||||
| Late afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
Further information
I offer 1:1 in-person therapy as well as online and telephone sessions. In addition, I offer walk and talk therapy in a range of locations in Abergavenny, Crickhowell, Bwlch and Brecon.
