About me
Hello, and welcome! Sometimes people have significant experiences which lead them to look for some counselling or psychotherapy - it might be a bereavement, a breakdown in a relationship, an life-changing illness or a major trauma (these are just a few) - but sometimes you just don't feel that great and can't work out why. Maybe you're feeling anxious or your mood is low and you haven't got the energy or interest to do the things you normally enjoy. Stress or worry might be getting to you and impacting on your day to day life. We all struggle at times and sometimes just need someone outside of our situation to listen and help us make sense of how we feel and what is going on for us, especially if we don't want to burden family or friends.
Whether you are a young people or adult, I offer a warm and safe space in which to explore your thoughts and feelings in confidence and without judgement. If you have any questions or are wondering whether I am the right person for you, I offer a free 15-20 minute call so you can find out a bit more about how I work and get a sense of whether you feel comfortable talking with me.
As a counsellor, my aim is to put you at your ease so that you feel welcome and accepted as you are. Building a trusting relationship where you can talk about what is going on for you, whatever and however you feel is vital to the success of therapy, and the process of talking with the right person, exploring things together, can have a really positive impact, helping you make sense of things and feel lighter.
"Meeting" can be face-to-face or remote (video call or phone). Often people (especially young people or those who are neurodivergent) find it easier to meet up in person, particularly to start with, and once they feel more at ease or familiar with counselling, it's ok to switch to a video call or phone session if that's sometimes easier. Some people really like being outside in nature or walking and talking. We can discuss Walk and Talk locations if you would like to work in the natural environment. Being outside in nature can improve physical health and has proven benefits for anxiety and depression too. For anyone who finds talking face to face difficult, being side by side can feel like a much easier way to explore things.
I am based in Keynsham, which is easily accessible by public transport from both Bristol and Bath and I offer a shorter, free introductory phone consultation to help you decide whether you would like to work with me. I work with clients both short and long-term.
I also offer low-cost supervision to counsellors and therapists on a one to one basis. I also have extensive experience of supervising practitioners working in organisations, one to one and in groups, and in particular within Education, the Church of England and with carers.
How counselling can help
As a Gestalt therapist, I am interested not just in the issues that trouble you, but in what is happening in the wider context of your life and its impact on you. I hope our conversations and contact will, in a gentle way, help bring greater awareness, clarity, and balance to your life, so that difficulties diminish and you feel stronger and have a greater sense of wellbeing and being able to achieve your potential. My role is not to "fix" you but to offer support and a safe space and where you can explore and find the best way forward for you.
How I work
While many people feel comfortable talking one to one, others, and especially young people, can find just sitting still and talking about emotional issues harder. Being able to use art materials, clay, games and other sensory tools can really help with expressing feelings and thoughts that it might be difficult to put into words initially. I offer all these possibilities within the space I work in and it is fine "just" to talk too.
Who I work with
I work with adults and also with young people, and with couples and families when there are difficulties within relationships.
I have specialist training and experience in working with trauma, anxiety and depression, young people, families (be they birth, adoptive or with children-in-care), carers, depression, self-harm, relationship difficulties, eating issues, and abuse of all kinds. I have a particular interest in the impact of childhood experience on later life.
What to expect
The process of finding a therapist should always be a mutual one and finding the right one is so important! Speaking on the phone first offers an opportunity for you to find out what I can offer and whether you feel comfortable enough to work with me. It is an opportunity for you to tell me about what seems not to be going well and what you'd like support with. If when we first meet you don't feel at ease, that is something to pay attention to, as the relationship between the therapist and client is vital as it is through that relationship that so much repair and healing can come about.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a qualified counsellor and have many years experience of working with both young people and adults, within Education settings,, private practice, the NHS and the Third Sector.
- Post Graduate Diploma in Gestalt Therapy
- Post Graduate Certificate in Group Work,
- Post Graduate Certificate in working with Children and Adolescents using a Gestalt Approach
- Diploma in Supervision
CPD (Continual Professional Development) training including:
- Living Towards Dying
- An exploration of Rest: Don't Just Do Something: Sit There!
- The Secret Agent of Shame: Shame in the Therapeutic Relationship
- Working Creatively in the Outdoors (Ecotherapy & Walk and Talk Counselling)
- Mental Health First Aid for young people
- Social Media and Mental Health: Shame and Clinical Implications for young people
- Advanced Safeguarding training
- Working with Adolescents Experiencing Neglect
- Resilience Building
- Motivational Interviewing
- Certificate in Therapeutic Mentoring (Trauma Recovery Centre, Bath)
- Action Trauma: Intergenerational Trauma and Childhood Experiences
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anxiety and Depression
- Louise Hayes: DNA-Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for young people
- Chaotic Eating
- The Development of Creativity in Supervision
- Reflective Supervision in Education
- Supervising Outdoor Practice
Professional Membership:
- I am an accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society and registered on the NCPS Children and Young People's Therapist Accredited Register.
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
£60.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Initial telephone consultation (up to 20 minutes): Free
Individual counselling: £60 for 50 minutes.
Couples and families: £75 for 60 minutes
Supervision: £70 for 60 minutes individual supervision.
When I work
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Further information
As a member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society, I abide by its Code of Ethics. I also have regular supervision and am committed to the development of my own skills and expertise by undertaking regular Continual Professional Development.
I work centrally in Keynsham, in a discrete location and within easy walking distance of public transport (there is some free parking nearby). I also work outdoors, where we can walk and talk and explore whatever is going on for you in nature, which many people find helpful. Remote sessions, by phone or video call are always a possibility too.
