About me
Everyone calls me Nat for short, so feel free to do the same.
If you're here, I imagine you feel lost, overwhelmed, stuck, or all of the above. Having struggled myself, I know just how exhausting that can be! I also know the value of having someone to share the load with when your thoughts start to spiral, and that's where counselling can help.
What to expect:
People come to therapy for lots of different reasons, so how we approach things depends on what feels right for you. This could involve:
- Exploring emotions or memories that feel heavy or consuming
- Looking to understand yourself or your situation more clearly
- Finding a new perspective
- Setting goals and staying accountable
- or simply having the space to vent, cry, laugh, or swear!
We also don't have to focus on a specific goal or problem. For some, having regular check-ins can help with managing life's ongoing messiness.
In my view, it's important to have a place where we can really be honest with ourselves, and in counselling that requires trust. For this reason, my focus is to build a relationship that feels human, and where you feel safe sharing what's on your mind.
Most people say that I'm friendly, open-minded, and straightforward, and I'd describe my approach to sessions as a thoughtful conversation rather than one that's based heavily on techniques or exercises.
As we talk, I'll sometimes ask questions, make observations, or offer a different perspective, but won't patronise you or pressure you into anything that doesn't feel right.
Above all, we’ll always go at your pace.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications:
- MSc Counselling & Psychotherapy - Keele University
- Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling - Keele University
- BA Business Management - Manchester Metropolitan University
I've also completed specific training in the following areas:
- Trauma-informed Counselling
- Relationship Counselling
- Interpersonal Abuse and Complex-PTSD
- Neurodivergence-affirming Counselling
Over the years, I've found I work particularly well with people who need time to let their guard down. This includes people who've experienced difficult relationships, abuse, neglect, or other circumstances that have left them feeling unsafe, on edge, or disconnected from themselves.
I also have a particular interest in working with queer identity and neurodiversity, as well as anyone who feels like they don't quite fit with the world around them. As someone who’s often felt outside of the mainstream, I know how valuable it can be to have a space where you don't have to justify or filter yourself.
I'm keen that you find the right counsellor for you, and sometimes that's more about personality than experience. I always work hard to understand and educate myself on different perspectives/life experiences, so welcome you reaching out even if your struggles aren't listed.
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
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 per session
Additional information
Sessions last for 60 minutes (unless agreed otherwise).
FREE 30 minute introduction call if you'd like to test the water before deciding.
When I work
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Further information
Recognising how important trust and integrity are in counselling, I'm also proud to be part of a small group of counsellors who support each other with best practice, ongoing training, and professional accountability.
We're also happy to refer you between us if your needs change, or you feel that another counsellor might be a better fit. If you'd like to know more, please visit our site:
www.thestokeontrentcounsellors.co.uk