About me
I'm an integrative counsellor with 17 years’ experience of working with young people in secondary school settings and with adults in private practice.
I use a wide range of approaches to meet my clients’ particular needs. I listen carefully for what is said and what is left unsaid; I attend to my client’s physical presence, whether in the room or online, and to their emotional wellbeing. Above all, my way of working is relational, building trust with warmth, respect and understanding. Whatever your experience, we can explore it together in a non-judgemental space in which you are seen and valued.
I have always been deeply interested in stories; the stories we have grown up with about who we are and how we are expected to be, those we have inherited from others that may not serve us well, and those that stifle the myriad other versions of ourselves that we have the potential to be. These stories can have a powerful grip, and our work together may include identifying the unconscious beliefs we hold about who we are allowed to be, so that they can be re-examined and recreated - allowing us to let go of old and restrictive patterns and make space for change.
Whilst my practice is rooted in talking therapy, I also enjoy working creatively. I discovered the pleasure and mindfulness of clay through pottery, and I now use clay in my sessions with clients who enjoy working this way. Working with our hands soothes and calms our nervous system; it also lends itself to working at a subconscious level. Symbols can emerge from the clay which escape the gatekeeping of our conscious mind and allow us to find new meaning. Having our hands occupied can also be a wonderful way for neurodivergent clients to find peaceful mental focus. I have had the privilege of working with neurodivergent clients throughout my years of practice, and I welcome young people (age 13+), parents, and adults with neurodiversity to bring your unique selves and know that you will be deeply seen and valued.
Training, qualifications & experience
Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling, Post-Qualification Diploma in Counselling Children & Adolescents, Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Theory, Registered member of the BACP.
I bring a range of experience to my work; I continue to practice as a secondary school counsellor, but I have also worked with young people for Relate and under contract for CAMHS, with adults in private practice, and with new mums in a community setting. I have lectured on a variety of integrative counselling courses from advanced diplomas to foundation degree level. I have enjoyed the breadth and stretch of these different roles, each of which has brought fresh insights to my work with clients.
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
Fees
£65.00 per session
Free initial telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Concessionary rates available, please ask.
When I work
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I can be flexible and work around your availability.
Further information
I am happy to work in person or online. My in-person practice is based in Axminster, or I can offer limited availability in my pottery studio in Bridport.
I appreciate you taking the time to read my profile, and if you would like to take the next step, please feel free to make contact via email so that we can arrange a 30 min introductory call (there’s no charge for this) to see if you feel I would be a good fit for you.
I look forward to the opportunity to work with you on your stories, past, present, and future.
