About me
I am an integrative trauma informed therapist, this means I have trained in a lot of areas, however I hold the relationship between therapist and client at the heart of counselling & psychotherapy, I strive to build this first and foremost. Trust is essential for any therapy practice, especially any involving trauma and long-term work.
Whilst I do have a background in trauma training, I do not expect all clients to come with trauma as their reasons for seeking counselling. I am here for you, whatever it is you wish to discuss. My work with clients is open-ended, as such, needs and goals can change over time, reviewing our work periodically will help address any change in your desired outcome(s).
As well as being a qualified trauma therapist, I am an LGBTQ+ experienced therapist. The sessions will be led by you, we will discuss what you want, at your pace. If discussing trauma, we will first establish a safe parameter to work within, ensuring you are not put at risk. Trauma may not be a presenting issue, but can still come from and be worked with within the therapy.
I work with adults and young people aged 16+. I understand that reaching out for support can be daunting. If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you, I’m always happy to have a chat so you can get a feel for how I work. You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. You've already made an important first step, let's walk the next ones together.
Training, qualifications & experience
My experience has been in working with Neurodivergent clients within various settings such as my private practice, a college and a low cost counselling service. I have worked with Sue Ryder as part of their bereavement service and am currently volunteering with Herts Mind Network as a qualified therapist dealing with an array of mental health issues.
I have a level 5 diploma in trauma therapy from the Bedfordshire Centre for Therapeutic Studies and I also have my level 4 diploma in therapeutic counselling from BCTS.
More recently I have studied with Carolyn Spring and completed courses in Childhood Sexual Abuse: Hope for healing and Dealing with Distress: Working with Suicide and Self-Harm.
I have years of experience working with neurodivergent clients across different roles, in therapy, healthcare and within a school, as well as counselling. I also have personal experience through friends and immediate family who are neurodivergent. I have experience with ASD (autistic spectrum disorder), ADHD, ADD and other learning difficulties like dyspraxia, dyslexia etc. I have also done additional training and research and reading to continue to update my knowledge on this growing subject.
I have worked in health and social care for the past 5 years whilst steadily growing a private practice, which means I have training and a lot of insight and empathy for anyone experiencing cognitive impairment like dementia - and the friends and family who are also affected by this.
Through PINK Therapy, I also hold training experience and qualifications in GSRD - gender, sex, relationships and diversity, which strengthens my interest and knowledge of being a part of and also working with the LGBTQ+ community, which is especially important to me.
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
As mentioned, I am an integrative trauma informed practitioner. I tend to use a person-centred approach to first build trust and rapport with the client before trying any interventions specific to any modality. As an integrative practitioner, I have trained in a variety of approaches but talk therapy is what I predominantly work with.
This is led by the client, I go where you lead and will be directive when needed, in the best interests of each individual client. The course of therapy often proves different for everyone, no two clients are the same and therefore I adapt the type of counselling I give, to fit the needs and wants of my clients.
I believe that therapy cannot take place until I have built an empathic connection that has been felt and experienced by the client. It can take time to find the right therapist and connection, it can be like trying on shoes - clients might wanna try out different options before committing, to find the right fit and level of comfort and stability.
Therapies offered
Fees
£60.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Concessions are available online for students and trainee therapists upon discussion as well as people on low income/benefits.
I am unable to make concessions for face to face clients, as the room hire and my travel costs will be taken into account as well as the fees mentioned below.
My price is reflective of my costs with BACP and NCPS memberships, my professional insurance, advertising costs and phone and internet costs etc, as well as my time and level of training.
Prices may be subject to change.
When I work
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Further information
Currently, I work using Teams as an online platform, I can access a room for face to face and this can be discussed during the assessment stage. I see the majority of clients online however, through Microsoft Teams.
Following an introductory call, we can book session 1 and I will carry out the assessment and discuss the contract during that session and allow time for you to begin where you would like with your sharing.
The sessions will go at your pace, I don't expect you to jump in and tell me everything - you will most likely be trying to gauge whether or not you can trust me by sharing little bits of information gradually and testing how I react and how that resonates. My hope is that as time goes on and we develop more rapport, you'll feel more at ease to talk about whatever material you want to bring.
