About me
It’s normal to feel nervous about seeking counselling for the first time. However, rest assured that taking that first step in coming to therapy allows you to talk about the issues that you are struggling with in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space.
Counselling offers a unique opportunity for you to be deeply heard, understood and validated in times of difficulty. This may involve slowing down to notice what is going on for you in that moment. At other times it may mean gently challenging your thoughts or experimenting with new ways of being and relating in the world. I would work alongside you at your own pace, supporting you to draw on your strengths and resources, helping you to feel more connected to your life in a meaningful way.
FREE Introductory Chat
I offer a FREE introductory 15-20 minute chat, either online or by phone, so that you can learn a bit more about me and my approach.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications
- Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy - Marjon University, Plymouth.
- Diploma in CBT, Integrative Counselling and Groupwork - Centre of Therapy, Glasgow
- COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills – University of Glasgow
- Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Studies in Education – The Open University
- B.A. (Hons) Applied Social Sciences - University of Lancaster
- MSc in Human Resource Management - The Open University
Training
- Mindfulness Now Teacher Training (BPS approved)
- Certificate in Trauma Treatments (BPS approved)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Core Skills (PESI)
- Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma (Janina Fisher)
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy (APT)
- Polyvagal Theory: Pathways into Stillness (Deb Dana)
- Compassion Focused Therapy for Trauma (Dr Chris Irons, SDS Seminars)
- Compassion Focused Therapy for Grief and Loss (Compassionate Mind Foundation)
- Compassion Focused Therapy Advanced Skills (Compassionate Mind Foundation)
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (PESI)
- Internal Family Systems: Clinical Applications (PESI)
- CBT and ACT for Health Anxiety (PESI)
- Autism & ADHD awareness (NHS)
- Understanding Personality Disorders (NHS)
- Suicide awareness and prevention (Pete's Dragons)
- DBT Skills (British Isles Training)
- Safeguarding Children & Adults Level 3 (NHS)
- Mental Health Act Level 3 (NHS)
- Mental Capacity Act & DOLS Level 3 (NHS)
- Difference and Diversity (Marjon University, Plymouth)
- Relational Depth (Marjon University, Plymouth)
- Advanced Psychology in Counselling (Marjon University, Plymouth)
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
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
Academic stress (higher education)
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£55.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Introductory chat by phone or online (15-20 minutes) - FREE
Subsequent sessions are £55.
*Please note: I am temporarily offering online sessions only.
When I work
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Further information
About My Approach
My therapeutic work utilises a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach. A trauma informed approach is a holistic view of each individual, taking into consideration each person’s unique way of being in the world, including personal identity, health and wellbeing, childhood experiences, family upbringing, interpersonal relationships, social networks, cultural factors, personal values and beliefs, losses and bereavements, and other experiences that have had an impact on you.
A strengths-based approach is rooted in positive psychology; this is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study and promotion of positive emotions, strengths, resilience, and overall functional well-being. Using this approach helps you to draw on your skills, values, character strengths, learning, achievements, interests and social networks in order to improve your wellbeing and resilience.
As well as looking at what is troubling you in the present, we would also explore your past and how it has affected you. We are all shaped by our surroundings and finding out how your problems have developed in your early years can lead to greater self-awareness and an improved ability to deal with difficulties in the future.
Below I have outlined some of the counselling approaches I use. More information on these approaches can be found on my website.
* Mindfulness & Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
* Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
* Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
* Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
* Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
* Behavioural Activation (BA) for depression
* Positive Psychology
* Internal Family Systems (IFS)
* Grounding and Stabilisation
While these approaches can be helpful, it is above all the therapeutic relationship which you and I build that will become central to your recovery. This is why it is so important to find a therapist you can trust and feel comfortable with.
