About me
How can counselling help you
I offer safe, confidential and non-judgemental space, where you will feel truly heard and understood. I will listen to you with empathy, respect and without judgement, and this in itself can be the beginning of your process of healing.
We will explore together your difficulties at your own pace. I will give you time and space to untangle your feelings and emotions and help you clarify what you are experiencing and why.
One of the most important ways counselling makes a difference is by acknowledging the problems as real and valid. My work is all around recognising, understanding and validating your pain, taking your concerns seriously and working with you to address your specific needs and goals for therapy.
I will also support you in developing coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, regulate emotions, communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships.
Counselling does not promise life without challenges, but it will offer you support, understanding and practical tools to help you face difficulties with greater strength and more clarity.
How I work
My aim is to give you a flexible, holistic support that suits your needs and will empower you to make positive and meaningful changes in your life.
These changes will come from within the relationship between you and me, your therapist. This is why it is important to choose the right therapist for you. To allow you decide if it is me, I offer the first session FREE of charge.
I can offer you flexible and in your own environment sessions online, where you can decide if you want to be on or off camera. I also offer sessions over the phone.
If you feel you prefer to have sessions in person, I offer face to face sessions at my therapy room in Eaton Socon, St. Neots.
If you would like to get away from your desk and love nature, I offer walk and talk sessions in and outside St. Neots (within 10 miles radius). This type of therapy is like a regular counselling session but it takes place outdoors offering the blend of physical activity with psychological support. If you are interested and would like to know more, please view my website or contact me directly for details.
I also offer home visits and care home visits in and within 10 miles radius of St. Neots to those who are not able to leave home and/or access internet. This offers easier accessibility to therapy to those who might struggle accessing traditional settings, particularly to clients with mobility issues, chronic illness, disabilities, caring responsibilities or limited transport options.
My work is with adults, young adults and children 11+
I work with a wide range of issues, but I have a specific interest in:
anxiety, relationship issues, neurodiversity (ADHD), substance use/addictions, sleep difficulties, long term illnesses, childhood trauma, cultural differences and challenges and loneliness/isolation.
In my sleep therapy I use CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Techniques) to help in overcoming insomnia and other sleep problems. It is a targeted therapy for a long term sleep improvement. If you have sleep problems and would like to learn more how I can help you, please view my website for details or contact me directly.
My background
My background is in Education, where I have worked as a teacher, tutor and a play worker. I have a sound knowledge of Special Educational Needs (SEN) needs and systems, and experience of ADHD and neurodiversity.
I also worked for many years in a big international corporation, which gave me experience and understanding of the pressures and stresses of working in a high-paced and demanding environment and work-related burnout.
Having suffered from long-term illness which resulted in a deterioration of my own mental health, I sought counselling for the first time and discovered how important it is to take care of our mental wellbeing. This, along with my passion to help others, led me on the path to retrain as a counsellor and sleep therapist.
My experience
I have worked with clients with dual diagnosis: common mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression and substance use disorder, within Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership.
I have also worked with victims of crime as part of VictimsFirst programme for the Thames Valley Partnership.
Within my private practice, Birchwood Counselling, I have been working mainly with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, ADHD-related challenges and trauma.
My work beyond the therapy room
I have been volunteering with Age UK since 2013 providing emotional support and companionship to individuals who suffer from loneliness and isolation.
I am also a qualified English and History teacher and I tutor children 11+
Training, qualifications & experience
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, CPCAB
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies, CPCAB
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, CPCAB
- Sleep Therapy Diploma, ELEARN College
- I’m a member of NCPS (The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society).
- I’m fully insured.
- I’m DBS checked
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
Cultural-related issues
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 - £55.00
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Counselling fees:
- Free 20 minute initial phone/online consultation
- First session FREE
- In person/0nline/phone sessions £50
- Walk & Talk sessions around St. Neots £50
- Walk & Talk sessions outside St. Neots £55
- Home/care home visit sessions in St. Neots £50
- Home/care home visit sessions outside St. Neots £55
All sessions are 50 minutes. Walk & talk, home, care home visit sessions are within 10 miles radius of St. Neots.
Sleep therapy fees:
- Free 20 minute initial phone/online consultation
- Assessment £75 (1.5 hrs)
- First session FREE
- Sessions £50 (50 mins)
Concessions:
I offer discounted sessions for students, counselling trainees and OAPs. Limited spaces available.
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early morning | |||||||
| Morning | |||||||
| Early afternoon | |||||||
| Late afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
