About me
Helping you come home to yourself — creatively, courageously, and without apology.
Welcome. I’m Em (She/Her) a qualified integrative counsellor and registered BACP, Pink Therapy and Creative Counsellors member, providing short and long term individual and relationship therapy in the centre of York.
I work to help people discover and accept who they are, what they want, to find their voice and make the changes they need to live a more fulfilling life. I provide a GSRD-affirming and inclusive, diversity-aware counselling, working respectfully and collaboratively across cultures and difference - warmly welcoming clients from LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and diverse family and cultural backgrounds.
Sometimes we can find ourselves feeling lost, confused, stuck, disconnected, exhausted and/or overwhelmed. It may be that we have been through a loss, received a diagnosis, are trying to understand your gender, going through a life transition, or we aren’t sure why we feel the way we do, but we no longer understand ourselves. Relationships with ourselves and others can be complex, I am here to fully listen and am interested in you and your story and helping you make sense of how you feel to make life better for you, and give you more control of your life.
Although you might come with something specific in mind, our work together doesn’t have to stay in just one place. Life isn’t neat and separate, so whatever feels important is welcome in the room. My role is to hold that space with you, and help you make sense of how it all weaves together in the bigger picture of your life.
I’ll help you to explore, connect and process your feelings so you can make the right decision for you. I offer a space free from judgement, and encourage you to not hold back any part of yourself, you can share whatever you need to, and you will never be a burden.
I can help you:
- Discover your needs and learn how to communicate them effectively.
- Turn your inner critic into an inner cheerleader.
- Be able to say no to unwanted requests.
- Feel more confident and comfortable to be who you want to be and reduce worry of what others think.
- Understand yourself better.
- Put in boundaries to create a better life balance.
- Improve your self esteem and confidence.
- Reduce stress and anxiety.
- Improve relationships.
- Let go of ‘shoulds’.
Relationship Therapy – Finding Connection, Healing, and Hope
I also offer in-person relationship therapy and am certified in counselling for couples/relationships, including a Certificate in Couple/Relationship Therapy awarded by The Grove which is accredited at Level 5 by COSRT.
If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or struggling in your relationship, you’re not alone. Whether you’re facing conflict, communication breakdowns, grief, or emotional distance, therapy offers a safe, supportive space to explore difficulties and discover new ways to reconnect.
Relationships can be both deeply fulfilling and incredibly challenging. When difficulties arise, it’s easy to blame the other person or feel hopeless about change. But every relationship is shaped by both/all partners, and understanding these dynamics can open the door to healing, growth, and greater intimacy. Therapy can help you develop self-awareness, improve communication, and strengthen your bond—leading to a more secure and loving connection.
I warmly welcome individuals and partners from all relationship backgrounds—whether you’re married, in a civil partnership, cohabiting, separated, or in a polyamorous relationship. I work with same-sex and opposite-sex couples, as well as diverse relationship structures, and I honour all identities, cultures, and orientations, including LGBTQIA+ clients seeking affirming, inclusive support.
If you’re longing for more harmony, trust, and closeness in your relationship, therapy can be the first step toward real change. Get in touch to learn more—And how I can support you on this journey.
At this time, I can accommodate up to three people in a session due to space limitations in my practice.
Fertility, Pregnancy and Infant Loss
I also offer counselling for individuals and couples navigating fertility challenges, pregnancy and baby loss, or decisions around treatment, donor conception and surrogacy. My training includes the BICA Foundation Course and Advanced Pregnancy and Infant Loss Practitioner Training. I provide an inclusive, compassionate space for people of all genders and backgrounds to explore grief, hope and the complex emotions that can arise along the way.
Training, qualifications & experience
I offer
- Face to Face
- Creative counselling (face to face)
- Relationship Counselling
- Fertility, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Counselling
- Online Counselling
- Counselling for students
I believe in a non-judgemental and non-directive approach. I don’t give advice, instead I listen and provide the therapeutic space and time that empowers you to discover your own answers. I take an integrative approach, drawing on various methods to suit each unique individual. My goal is to help clients connect with their inner resources and move forward with confidence in their chosen direction. I support clients to understand themselves better, to live more fulfilling lives, and build strength and resilience within themselves. I have worked with a wide range of clients, with experience working as a recovery counsellor for York Drug and Alcohol Service along with York Women's Counselling Service, York Carers and Menfulness.
It is my belief that we are all unique and diverse; I work with people of all genders, sexualities, faiths, cultures and backgrounds and encourage clients to bring all parts of their identities. As such, each individual requires unique and diverse support, and I therefore draw upon a range of tools from other approaches such as creative therapy, psycho-social skills training, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and eco therapy, depending on what feels right for you.
I find creativity can help us work at a deeper, often subconscious level, bringing to light thoughts and emotions that influence your feelings and behaviours. I integrate creative activities—such as drawing, cards, or figurines—into sessions when they might be helpful. These approaches can be particularly useful for neurodivergent clients, supporting you to communicate what you need, understand your thoughts, and express yourself in ways that feel clear and accessible. Creative methods are always optional and used only if you feel they would support your therapy.
Ongoing training
I am a fully qualified counsellor and a registered member of BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), Pink Therapy, and Creative Counsellors. I have completed specialist training with BiCA and The Foundation for Infant Loss, enhancing my expertise as a Pregnancy and Infant Loss Practitioner, including supporting clients as a Rainbow Baby and Infertility Specialist. My qualifications also include a Certificate in Couple/Relationship Therapy from The Grove (Level 5 accredited by COSRT), alongside additional GSRD training (gender, relationships, sexuality, diversity) through Pink Therapy. I work in a gender-affirming way, ensuring all clients feel seen, respected, and supported.
In addition I continue to complete training and develop the range of knowledge and interventions I can draw upon. These include:
- Infertility and Infant Loss
- Working therapeutically with people with eating-based difficulties
- Walk and Talk Ecotherapy
- Domestic abuse
- Trauma
- Creative Counselling Interventions
- The Fear System
- Management of Alcohol problems
- Loss and Bereavement
- Adult 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
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£65.00 - £90.00
Additional information
I offer counselling for individuals and relationships: £65 for individuals and £90 for relationship work. Offering a regular, reserved space each week or fortnight.
Flexible Sessions - For both individual and relationship work, I can offer flexible session times to accommodate busy or unpredictable schedules where possible. To ensure I can provide consistent support and maintain availability for all clients, I only take on a small number of clients on this flexible basis. Availability is therefore limited, and some types of therapeutic work are better suited to regular, ongoing appointments. We can discuss the most suitable approach for your needs during your initial call.
Once you get in touch you will be invited to a free 15 minute initial phone consultation (20 minute google-meet for relationship work) - this gives us the opportunity to go through any questions you might have, explore your needs and how I might be able to support you in your journey.
If we decide to go ahead we can then arrange an initial assessment session charged at full fee. This session is to understand what is bringing you to counselling and what you're hoping to get out of it in more detail, and how we can work together to best support you. Should we both/all feel there is a good fit then we can then book in subsequent sessions.
Please be assured that taking part in an initial phone consultation or assessment session does not mean that you are committed to work with me.
Full details about fees and how I work can be found on my website.
I know everyone’s circumstances are different. If you have questions or special billing requirements; or if the cost or payment structure feels like a barrier, please don't hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to have a conversation and explore whether there’s a way to make it work for you
When I work
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Further information
Practice Hours
My practice runs Monday to Thursday, with evening appointments offered on a Tuesday and Thursday, depending on availability.
Session Information
I have a personal understanding of how difficult and daunting it can be to reach out, it can be daunting and takes courage, I also know how important it is to find a counsellor that you feel comfortable and confident with. I therefore welcome you to get in touch and offer a free initial consultation where you can ask any questions you may have, discuss how I may support you so you can decide if working together feels right for you.
Accessibility
My practice is within Blake House on St Martins Lane, in the centre of York. If you have concerns about getting to the room due to accessibility, or being in the room (e.g. sensory preferences and sensitivities, concerns around what the space is like), please do talk with me. If you have mobility needs or struggle with stairs, please note that my office is based on the third floor of the building, which is a historical building with no lift access and the flights of stairs are short but quite steep. I do offer online therapy via video call if this is something that would be accessible for you.
Walk and Talk
Walk and talk counselling is great to utilise the proven psychological and physical benefits of nature. You may find an indoor environment too challenging and feel more comfortable in the outdoor space, or it may be that you want to reconnect with nature as part of the work we do together.
Each walk will last about an hour at a pace chosen by you, though sessions can be longer if preferred. I use a variety of routes in the York area which we can discuss and decide together which might be the best fit for your preferences.
We will talk about safety, what you might need to bring for the session and what we might do if we meet others, though walks are generally in quiet areas with few people around.
Weather can be unpredictable, and we will discuss your preferences with regards to weather conditions beforehand. Contingency of an online session is an option if the weather is bad although I do encourage clients to walk and embrace all weathers.
