About me
I am a Systemic family psychotherapist and also a Couples counsellor and experienced in increasing the communication between people who want to explore how they want their relationships to change and grow. I work with family stories, present relationships and future hopes.
I see individuals as well as couples and families in my private practice in Portishead for ten years.
Talking with others gives direction and meaning to our lives. I see explorations of conversation as essential for developing our relationships. Understanding of others sense of meaning can be the context for change. Sometimes our family stories can be seen as problematic but they can also be a source of inspiration to find a way forward in our lives. The way we communicate or behave can have an affect on the whole of a relationship. Change happens as part of the process of living, but being able to grow more positively within our close relationships can reduce the conflict we might experience. Moving towards what we would like for our future also helps to provide a sense of wellbeing and balance. We all encounter challenges through life and can experience different ways of being in the world which over time, may change our way of relating to others. Talking with someone, not directly involved, can enable new responses and reflections, helping appreciation and understanding of the choices we have made and can make in the future.
I have experience working in a wide variety of contexts, working with abuse, depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, grief, abuse, bullying, physical illness, disability and general mental health. I work with people of different ages, culture, religion and economic background.
I have specialised experience with couples and family communication and I like to work with children in the context of their families or carers.
I have trained in supervision at the Centre for Systemic Studies in Wales under the Association of Family Therapy. I am able to offer low cost supervision and reduced rates for students.
Training, qualifications & experience
Registered with UKCP as a Systemic Family Psychotherapist and Couples Counsellor.
Certificate in Supervision (Centre for Systemic Learning 2016 Merit)
MSc in Systemic Psychotherapy (South Wales University 2015 - Research distinction)
Post Grad Cert CBT (UWE 2014)
MSc Psychological Research Methods (Open University 2010 - Research distinction)
MA Ed Applied Linguistics (Open University 2009)
BPS Counselling Psychology (part one) Diploma (2001)
Research studies Developmental Psychology (1995-2000)
P/G Cert Ed (Eng.and Drama) Leeds University (1994)
BA Psychology Hons. Open University (1990)
BA Eng Language and Literature Hons. Sheffield University (1974)
I was Open University Tutor for BA and MA level Developmental, Critical Social and Cognitive Psychology for over twenty years and previously taught in schools and further education. I am now working in private practice as a Systemic and Family Psychotherapist. I have worked at the Priory Hospital Bristol (adolescent mental health) and NHS Wales (individual mental health) and England (families and adult mental health).
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 UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. 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
Relationships within the life cycle including children to old age
Adolescence - social problems and bullying
Depression related to Chronic fatigue,MS, Raynauds disease, lupus or stroke
Therapies offered
Fees
£70.00 - £100.00
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
In Person and Online Zoom sessions.
Individual £70 for a one hour session.
Couples or Families £100 for a one and a half hour session.
I can be contacted by email or phone.
When I work
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Further information
I have run my own private practice for several years. I have been working online during the pandemic and am now beginning to offer in person sessions following safety guidelines. ( Sanitising, airing room, use of spacing, signing responsibility for risk form, disclosure of recent illness of self or family and agreements to cancel).
