About me
For you to be reading this, it is likely that you are finding aspects of life or life as a whole difficult. That may be due to anxiety, depression, health issues, relationships, recent or past experiences, or a whole mixture of things that you may not be able to identify, but you just know you are struggling.
I can offer a compassionate, calm, non-judgmental space in which you can talk about whatever is causing you difficulties and emotional stress.
Talking to a complete stranger in unfamiliar surroundings may feel like a daunting prospect but having that safe space of your own away from daily life and the freedom to say how you think and feel without worrying about the effect on other people around you can be invaluable, and it is what I can provide.
You may feel that this has been building for a long while, or life has suddenly become overwhelming. You may feel you are supposed to be “the strong one” but find you are struggling or there have always been things that have caused you difficulties. Whatever the cause counselling can offer the opportunity to step back, look at what is happening and why; express those difficult emotions and look at events in a safe place, where you can feel heard and supported.
We all form beliefs about ourselves and our lives plus rules about how we should think and feel due to our experiences and those people around us. We repeat patterns of behaviors which seem to have worked in the past but now cause us more problems than they solve. Often, we are not even aware of this happening but we just know we don’t feel right. Together, we can explore all this and help you cope better and move forward again.
I work using both a Person-Centred approach and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This allows me to be flexible with the counselling I offer to fit with what you need as everyone is unique. However, the main aspect of counselling that allows the therapy to work is the relationship with you so it is important that I get to know you and you feel comfortable working with me, to enable us to work together.
I qualified in 2007 and spent 8 years working for the NHS Primary Care Mental Health Team and then in the NHS IAPT service offering short term counselling (6-12 sessions) before I moved into private counselling so I am experienced in working with people with a wide range of issues. Offering private counselling means I am able to offer both short term and long term work depending on your need.
I work in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire and can offer help with issues such as, but not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Depression, including post-natal depression for men and women
- Life events and transitions
- Menopause and peri-menopause
- Trauma
- Relationship difficulties
- Bereavement and loss
- Abuse: physical, sexual and financial
- Difficult childbirth experiences
- Autism and ADHD within the family
- Low self-esteem and self-confidence
- OCD and phobias
Counselling works best when it is done face to face but I can offer Zoom sessions if needed.
Training, qualifications & experience
I completed all my counselling training at Filton College (now known as South Gloucestershire and Stroud College) up to Diploma level. I am an Accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (MNCPS) and adhere to their ethical framework. I continue to increase my counselling skills and knowledge, both directly related to therapy but also other interests. In 2023, I passed the Royal Horticultural Society Level 2 Theory Certificate, part of which covers how nature and the environment can support mental and physical health. I am a mother to two grown up sons and a grandmother to a young grandson. I have a particular interest in the effect of the menopause on mental and physical health and all aspects of life.
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 National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. 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
Therapies offered
Fees
£55.00 per session
Additional information
I have a limited number of low cost spaces, charged at £35.
Further information
- Sessions are for 1 hour.
- Sessions are booked weekly or fortnightly.
- I have sessions available on Tuesdays or Friday daytimes.
- Please call, text or email me to talk through what you feel you need and we can arrange an initial session.
