About me
I am a UKCP registered psychotherapist and counsellor with over 30 years experience of working with people of all ages and stages of life. I provide a safe, empathic space where whatever is troubling you can be expressed, explored and processed with compassion and understanding. I can support you to feel more confident and to move forward in a direction that feels right for you.
People come to therapy for many different reasons. Well done for taking the first step to finding the support you need.
You might be reading this because you are feeling anxious or depressed. Perhaps there are challenges in your life with work, family or relationships that are painful or difficult. Sometimes, life may simply feel hard and overwhelming. Past experiences may be preventing you from moving forward, and hindering your enjoyment of the everyday.
I offer a therapeutic space where I can help you to explore issues that feel upsetting or challenging. These may be issues that are current in your life or rooted in early life experiences. Often limiting self beliefs and behavioural patterns have their origins in childhood and family dynamics, even without us being aware of it. We may find ourselves repeating patterns and familiar situations without really knowing why. Maybe we feel low in self esteem or have negative, self critical thoughts that are hard to let go of. I offer a safe space to explore issues and find ways to resolve them.
Feeling heard and understood by another person in a therapeutic environment can be a powerful means of personal growth. Research shows that a positive, trusting relationship with your therapist is the most effective vehicle for change. It can bring insight and understanding and a sense of relief and empowerment. It can enable you to recognise and let go of negative patterns and to feel more positive and confident.
Alongside talking therapy, I also draw on gentle, non- intrusive somatic methods to work with breath and the nervous system.The techniques can also be useful self-help tools for you to use to calm and centre yourself at home.
As well as working in private practice for many years, I have also worked as a therapist, supervisor and clinical lead with a number of statutory and voluntary sector organisations and bring this additional experience to my work.
I work with adults of all ages and stages of life. I also work with young people, aged 16 plus.
I have experience of working with a wide range of issues including PTSD, complex trauma, depression, anxiety, attachment issues, grief, family dynamics, emotional dysregulation. I am experienced working with people with ASD and ADHD.
Work can be long term or time limited. Sessions are 50 minutes long and usually take place weekly at the same time each week.
I offer a free initial 25-minute consultation either in person, on Zoom or telephone.
Please contact me if you have any questions or to arrange an initial consultation.
I am based in Frome for in person work. I am able to provide counselling and psychotherapy on Zoom if you live further away or if this is more convenient.
Parenting therapy: I offer a therapeutic space for parents to explore how they feel about being a parent and how they deal with the struggles and difficulties that often come with having a family. Having a space to talk about your experiences and feelings as a parent can help you entangle your own experiences of being parented from your current relationship with your child. Having a space for you as a parent/parents can help you to deal better with day to day issues, as well as supporting your child through challenges and transitions. It can help you to become the parent you would like to be. I have many years of experience as a child and adolescent psychotherapist and I am trained in parent work and systemic family work. I bring this experience and knowledge base to my work with parents.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a fully trained and qualified adult integrative psychotherapist (IATE, London, 1992-97). I am a senior psychotherapist fully registered with the UKCP.
I have additionally completed an advanced Diploma in Energy Psychotherapy and I am a member of the Energy Therapy Network. Alongside talking therapy, I work with the body, breath, nervous system and other bodily systems to help process and let go of negative self- beliefs, patterns, feelings and traumatic experiences held in the body.
I am also fully qualified and registered with the UKCP to work with young people and their families as a child and adolescent psychotherapist and currently work in private practice with parents or with young people aged 16 and over.
I have many years experience working therapeutically with parents and carers. I offer a space to explore your feelings and what it means for you to be a parent; issues you and your child may be struggling with and feelings from your own life experiences that may be stirred up in your relationship with your child.
I am also an experienced Parent Infant Psychotherapist. I worked in this area with OXPIP for 9 years as therapist, supervisor, trainer and Clinical Lead working with families with a child under 2 presenting with a wide range of issues including difficulties with conception, IVF, traumatic births, pre or post birth depression, anxiety and other mental health issues, bonding and attachment issues, parental self doubt and ambivalence.
I have many years of experience of working with people struggling with issues relating to ASD, ADHD and neurodivergence.
I have undertaken many different post qualifying and CPD trainings to support my professional development including:
- Systemic Theory and Practise at Bath University. (2016-17)
- Post qualification diploma in Energy psychotherapy (2024-2026)
- MA in Safeguarding and Family Work from the Tavistock and Portman Trust. (1997-2000))
- Child and Adolescent post qualification conversion course (2001-2004)
- Parent infant Observation training (2001-2003)
- Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) (practitioner level, 2005 and 2020)
- Emotional Freedom Technique (2010)
- Watch Wait Wonder play therapy,(2011)
- Theraplay (level 1) (2020)
- EMDR (level 1).(2017)
- I have also undertaken shorter CPD training in many areas including: trauma, attachment, ADHD, ASD, anxiety, depression, narcissism and other personality disorders, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, suicidal ideation, low mood and grief.
As well as working privately, I have worked as a psychotherapist, supervisor, trainer and clinical director/manager in a number of organisational contexts over the last 30 years including the NHS and Education and also non statutory organisations such as Respond, Relate, OXPIP (Oxford Parent Infant Project), Place to Be, Children's Society, Action for Children, Capstone Foster Care Agency, Family Counselling Trust, Adoption West.
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
Alongside my private practice with adults, I offer:
* parenting therapy/support for parents with children of all ages
* Parent infant psychotherapy (work with a parent/parents and their infant (under2) together)
* Antenatal work with individuals and couples to support you through pregnancy or pre pregnancy
I currently work with young people aged 16+
Therapies offered
Fees
£60.00 per session
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
My standard charge is £60.00 for a 50 minute in person or online session. Some concessionary places may be available. Please ask.
When I work
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Further information
I undertake regular CPD training in line with UKCP expectations. I receive regular supervision for all my work following UKCP guidelines. I abide by the UKCP code of ethics.
I work from home in Frome in a garden office space that enables me to provide a safe and confidential service that you can have confidence in.
I am near to the train station for those who are travelling from outside Frome. There is also free on street parking. I am a 10minute walk from the town centre.
Please note that there are 3 steps up to the therapy room.
