About me
Deciding that now is the right time for therapy is an important step. It probably means that you don’t want, or no longer feel you are able to, struggle on your own I would like to help you. I work in-person and online, and can offer sessions on either a short term or open-ended basis.
As a Gestalt Therapist I am interested in all aspect of living. I make use of experiences in the present moment to explore how we make contact with our world. This might include attending to how we are in our relationships, in our environment, or how we think about and treat ourselves. I work in a relational way which means that I have deep respect for the unique experiences you have encountered in life, and understand that these will have impacted and shaped how you arrive in the therapy room. I value our differences as well as those experiences which might connect us. I offer a curious approach towards the ways you have adapted to cope with the different situations that you have gone through in your life. I pay particular attention to how we relate in the session as this allows me to understand more about habitual or stuck patterns which might be playing out in your life. I find that to focus on what is happening in the present moment brings, opportunity to develop awareness of embodied experiences, relational patterns and offers possibility for connecting with personal power and response-ability.
In my experience, entering into a therapeutic relationship can bring a sense of relief, clarity and new perspectives. Often times, you will discover that you are stronger than you currently think that you are, and that your vulnerabilities are not to be feared, but cared for and honoured. I am here, ready to meet you when you are ready to begin … Therapy is part of a journey … you can invite someone to walk with you.
I can offer no guarantees about how you will benefit as no two people will have the same therapeutic experience, however, I strongly believe that counselling and psychotherapy, with the right therapist, can promote awareness, well-being, development and change.
Should you choose me as your therapist I will work hard to understand your particular situation and to discover what you need to grow in the way you would most like to. I believe in human potential. And, I believe that change is possible through connection and relationship.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a UKCP registered Psychotherapeutic Counsellor.
I decided that I wanted to become a counsellor because of both personal and professional experiences. Personally, I was offered a short course of counselling after a personal situation which floored me. I was blown away by the understanding I gained through talking to the counsellor - who was attentive, direct and skilled - I started to feel less anxious more clear about what I wanted. I learned the meaning of support; I learned that I don’t need to do everything on my own.
Professionally, I worked with children who have lived though complex social challenges and trauma. In this work I realised the power of being in a thoughtful, honest, responsive relationships. I was supported to develop relational awareness by experienced psychotherapists; they provided the reflective space and encouragement I needed to explore the ways relationships can be therapeutic. I learned that I wanted to provide this kind of support to others.
I became a psychotherapeutic counsellor in order to develop my knowledge, understanding and skills for working therapeutically. I am committed to my own going development and to the ethical practice of psychotherapy. I am supported myself, as a therapist, by attending regular supervision, and continuing to learn. I am committed to my own therapeutic journey and to engage in regular personal therapy. This helps me to ensure that I am well resoursed for my work with you.
I am a member of the GPTI and the UKCP and work in accordance with their ethical code and code of practice.
I am fully insured and ICO registered.
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
What might be bringing you to therapy now …
People seek out therapy for many different reasons. You may be going through changes in your life or you might be experiencing intense or unusual thoughts, feelings and sensations which you need help to understand or sort through. You may be feeling alone and unsupported. You may want to understand yourself and your relationships on a deeper level, or be curious about your own potential, and how to live the fullest life you can. Whether you are overwhelmed, anxious, struggling with depression, have feelings of low self worth or are trying to come to terms with challenging circumstances though grief, loss, or life's transitions, I am available to listen, and explore with you, so you do not have to do so alone.
I see therapy as a collaborative exploration. At the heart of my approach is the connection we build. I am interested in meeting you as a whole person and to understanding your unique experience. While a specific diagnosis or label may be the reason you come to therapy, you do not exist in a vacuum and are constantly adapting to your ever changing situation. You are a whole person, with capacity for a range of experiences, greater than only those symptoms that are troubling you now. I am open to supporting you with whatever you bring.
If we discover that your needs fall outside my experience, I will help you to find a more suitable therapist and try to ensure you get the right support.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£55.00 per session
Additional information
Contact me to arrange an initial consultation. We can meet, talk and you can get a feel for how I work. If you decide to move forward my fee is £55 per session. I accept payment in cash or bank transfer prior to the session. If you have any questions about my fees please do not hesitate to ask.
Further information
In life, I love connecting with other than human realm. I love nature, trees, animals, plants, the moon, the stars and the sun! I find comfort and relaxation when I am roaming and allowing my senses to take over. I am also interested in the state of the world and feel deeply some of the goings on, and impacts we have as humans. I care deeply about environmental and social justice. This is part of my own ongoing journey. As a white, Scottish, heterosexual, cis-woman form a working class background, I have a growing awareness colonialism, and how it has shaped the world. I am passionate about challenging myself to become aware of my own privileges, and about respecting the dignity of all humans. I hope you will experience this should you choose to meet with me.
If reading about my approach to gestalt therapy resonates with you and you are curious about what this kind of exploration could offer, please email me now, and we can arrange an initial consultation.
