About me
I offer one to one individual therapeutic counselling for adults of all ages and young people (aged 13+).
I believe that talking therapy can benefit anyone. It is an opportunity to reflect on who you are and how things are going, clarify goals and understand your past and potential future choices. It is not for a minority of troubled people with ‘mental health problems’ - the implication being that the majority, all those so-called ‘normal people’, have it all together - but for everyone, through different stages of their lives, variously coping with the ups and downs of being human and finding a way to live in this complex world.
What is happening to you?
You are struggling with difficult feelings which you may or may not understand or be able to explain. You may not know what is wrong but some instinct is telling you to seek help. You may be feeling overwhelmed or out of control or unable to function as you always have before or you believe you 'should'. It may be that events which happened many years ago are resurfacing and demanding your attention which seems out of place with where you are in the present.
What can you expect from me?
I provide a safe, confidential space (either in-person or online) where you can take a step back from your life and gain some perspective on what has been going on for you. Here you will find acceptance and support as you explore your thoughts and feelings, whatever they relate to. There is no pressure, there is no judgement. I am not a friend or an expert with all 'the answers' but someone external to your experience who can offer a perspective uncomplicated by personal, social or professional ties.
Your part in the therapeutic process
You make a commitment to attend sessions on a regular basis. You have to want to come. It can be no-one else’s decision but yours, whatever age you happen to be (consent is particularly crucial for young people - parents often demand attendance but young clients have to be willing participants or will gain little from the experience). Taking that first step can be daunting and many people believe it to be an admission of personal weakness, but as the counselling process progresses, many clients realise that the choice to enter therapy is actually about taking charge of life and building mental strength and resilience.
As we attempt together to make sense of your experience, I may challenge you. It will not be easy and I know this from personal experience of being a client. Looking inside yourself and facing up to your choices, however unconscious, takes courage and a willingness to accept the parts of yourself that you may not like. It is not for everyone. And I might not be the right therapist for you. But I truly believe that if you persist in trying to discover who you are -your values, your meanings - exploring the whys and the hows and the best way of balancing the competing demands of life, for as long as it takes, then the potential rewards for your mental health and wellbeing are limitless.
Where therapy takes place
The therapy room is a blue shed next to my house close to the centre of Saffron Walden. There is no designated parking unfortunately, but street parking is generally available nearby. I will meet you by the side gate at the appointment time. If at all possible please do not arrive earlier than the appointment time as there is nowhere for you to wait.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and am committed to the principles of the Ethical Framework for Good Practice. It is a requirement of BACP membership that I undertake continuing professional development (CPD) to ensure that my practice is reflective and my skills are kept up to date.
Relevant training and CPD:
- Advanced Certificate in Counselling Studies: workshops in Suicide, Family counselling, Safe Trauma therapy and creative counselling methods
- Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. Study units: Humanistic approaches, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Helping Children and Young People
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
These categories are for general guidance only. You may feel that you don't fit with any of them but that doesn't mean you would not benefit from counselling. Every individual is different and their circumstances as they see them, unique.
Photos & videos
Fees
£70.00 per session
Additional information
£40 for the initial consultation (50 minutes)
£70 per 50 minute counselling session
When I work
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Daytime appointments available on Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri. Evening appointments available on Mon, Tues and Thurs
Further information
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Certificate no. 001461351630
