About me
Welcome
Searching for a therapist can be a daunting task, at a time when you might already be feeling overwhelmed. You might be feeling lost, lonely or stuck, or wondering where you fit in. Perhaps you are suffering with distressing feelings, poor sleep, anxiety, low self confidence and depression. It might be that you are struggling with the after-effects of challenging events, trauma or abuse. You may be dealing with relationship or family problems.
Why therapy?
Many people coming into therapy are asking big questions: How can I develop self-esteem and purpose in this uncertain world? Is it possible to move on from painful past experiences? How can I have satisfying relationships? Who am I really and who do I want to become? I have worked with people facing all of these challenges who have used our therapy to grow and thrive.
Please get in touch and we can have a conversation about your needs. I offer a free 20 minute phone or zoom call, where we can find out more about each other. Read on to discover more about my way of working.
Who I work with
I'm an Integrative Arts Psychotherapist, which means I have a varied tool kit of techniques and approaches we can use depending on what suits you. I offer both talking and creative therapy, in person and online. I work with adults, young people and older teens, many of whom identify as neurodivergent, including ADHD or Autism. I also welcome people in the LGBTQIA+ community, young carers and many others who may be dealing with the challenges of feeling marginalised.
How I can help
I'm friendly, respectful and collaborative, open to the uniqueness of each person I meet. I have been alongside many people as they learn about themselves, grow in confidence and move forward. The starting point for this is working together to find a pace for therapy to move at, one that feels safe and manageable.
Together we can develop an approach that is tailored to you. This can be talking therapy or it can include some creativity if that feels helpful. There is no need to be an 'arty' person to benefit. People often find that creative therapy can shift blocks more effectively than just talking. It allows us to make discoveries and look at things from a fresh perspective. It gives us a different vocabulary to express things that might be difficult. Since creativity is close to play it is also a great way to work with our “inner child” shifting relational patterns learnt in childhood with gentleness and kindness.
You are very welcome to email me or text me to book a free call to find out more.
Somatic working
Art making is a physical process and it allows us to work with awareness of the body. I offer somatic bilateral drawing, a process from Sensory Motor Art Therapy, which is a gentle way to get in touch with what the body needs. It is also a trauma treatment which many people appreciate since it does not require talking about difficult memories, since we are working directly with the body.
Sleep and Dreams
I am also a qualified Lucid Dreaming Facilitator. I believe that sleep and dreams are a powerful resource. Learning how to rest better can transform all areas of life. We can all benefit from a better relationship with sleep and rest even if we don’t commonly remember dreams. For those interested to explore dreams more deeply, techniques such as lucid dreaming can be profoundly transformative. Lucid dreaming is also an innovative way to address trauma and nightmares.
I have supported people who are making sense of extra-ordinary moments, including spiritual experiences. Many people find that creativity is a great resource when we need to integrate things that are hard to talk about.
Training, qualifications & experience
- UKCP Registered Psychotherapist.
- HCPC registered Art Therapist.
- Lucid Dreaming Facilitator. (Trained by Charlie Morley)
- On going role as neurodivergence specialist and sessional therapist for charity supporting survivors of sexual abuse. Safeguarding and specialist training.
- Certificate in Guided Drawing (Bilateral Drawing) for Trauma Treatment from the Institute of Sensory Motor Art Therapy.
- NHS experience working both in and out patient settings.
- MBT (Mentalisation Based Therapy) NHS art therapy working experience.
- NHS, NAT Autism and Anna Freud Centre specialised autism training.
- 6 years' clinical experience working with neuro-divergent clients.
- Member of the Institute for Psychedelic Therapy.
- Many years' experience as arts, nature and wellbeing facilitator with diverse groups.
- Meditation and mindfullness practitioner.
- Developing and teaching drawing as a meditation practice for 8 years.
- I research, write and teach on art therapy, dreaming and creative integration of altered states.
I am a qualified psychotherapist and an art therapist, open to flexible ways of working. I am a lucid dreaming facilitator, happy to discuss this safe and powerful method of self support. I teaching drawing as a meditation practice for the Recovery College and other groups.
I've supported survivors of abuse and trauma in charity and NHS settings. I've helped people with creative blocks and those struggling to let go of life-limiting shame. Also major life transitions and trauma integration.
I have completed specialist training on working with neurodiversity and worked with neurodivergent people, those with ADHD and Autism, adapting therapy to their needs and strengths.
I am also an artist and community and wellbeing arts facilitator with many years of experience. I run a monthly arts and integration group for the Psychedelic Society.
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 HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
- Life transitions
- Dreaming and Lucid Dreaming
- Identity issues
- Creative blocks
- Working with and releasing shame
- Integrating peak, extraordinary and psychedelic experiences
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£70.00 per session
Concessions offered for
When I work
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My in person clinic is tuesday evenings and thursday day time.
For online working I can be more flexible.
Please note I am on leave between July 1st and 13th.
Further information
I am registered with and adhere to the codes of practice and ethical framework of the Health and Care Professionals Council. I am also a member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). I have full Professional Liability Insurance through Howden. I have DBS enhanced status.
I offer groups and CPD training using creative therapy techniques.
