About me
With over 10 years’ experience as a registered nurse working across various NHS settings, I developed a clear understanding of the close relationship between emotional wellbeing and physical health. My experience supporting individuals and families through illness, grief, anxiety, trauma and significant life challenges led me to establish Willow & Olive Counselling and pursue a dedicated therapeutic role focused on emotional wellbeing, mental health and relationships.
I offer counselling for individuals and couples. I understand that reaching out for support can feel daunting, and I aim to provide a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where each person feels safe, heard and understood. My approach is client-led, working collaboratively at a pace that feels comfortable and manageable, whether you attend individually or with your partner.
I work using an integrative counselling approach, recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all method in therapy. Every person brings their own life experiences, relationships, family dynamics and personal beliefs into the counselling space. I tailor therapy to the unique needs of each individual or couple rather than strictly following one therapeutic model.
My work draws primarily from person-centred counselling, alongside elements of psychodynamic, humanistic, Gestalt and existential approaches. I also recognise the importance of attachment, childhood experiences, unconscious processes and relational patterns in shaping emotional wellbeing and the way we relate to ourselves and others.
In couples counselling, I support both partners to explore their relationship, understand recurring patterns and communicate their feelings and needs more openly. We may work with conflict, emotional distance, difficulties with trust or intimacy, and the impact of past experiences or life changes on the relationship. My role is to offer a balanced space where both perspectives can be heard, helping you develop greater understanding and consider how you wish to move forward.
Couples work is tailored to your relationship and may include individual assessment sessions alongside joint sessions. Where helpful and mutually agreed, further individual sessions can form part of the couples work, with clear boundaries to support the shared therapeutic process.
I recognise the strong connection between emotional wellbeing, physical health, past experiences and behavioural patterns. I support clients with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, stress, burnout, trauma, PTSD, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, caring responsibilities, life transitions, long-term illness, emotional overwhelm and workplace-related stress and anxiety.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications
- BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Adult)
- MSc General Psychology
- Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling
- Registered Member MBACP
- Certificate in Working with Couples — Cedars Therapy Institute
I have over 10 years’ experience working as a registered nurse within the NHS across a range of medical and surgical settings, including Intensive Care and General Surgery.
My professional experience includes supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, long-term illness, palliative care, dementia, alcohol and substance misuse, emotional distress, and significant life challenges. I have also worked closely with families and carers during emotionally demanding periods of care and adjustment.
My therapeutic work is informed by both clinical healthcare experience and psychological understanding, alongside ongoing professional development, reflective practice, and regular clinical supervision.
My core values align closely with the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), promoting empathy, respect, authenticity, autonomy, and safe therapeutic practice throughout the counselling process.
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£60.00 - £80.00
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I offer individual counselling in person, online and by telephone, alongside couples counselling in person and online. Sessions last 60 minutes and are charged at £60 for individuals and £80 for joint couples sessions. Individual assessment sessions within couples work are charged at £60 per partner.
A limited number of reduced-fee concessionary spaces for individual counselling are available for young adults aged 18–24 who are in full-time education, charged at £45 per session. Please feel free to get in touch to discuss availability.
Payment is required by the end of each session and can be made by cash or bank transfer.
Before beginning counselling, all clients will be asked to read and agree to a counselling agreement outlining the therapeutic process, confidentiality and safeguarding. For couples work, each partner will complete their own client agreement during their first individual assessment, before attending the first joint session.
To arrange a free 20-minute telephone consultation for individual or couples counselling, please use the booking button on my profile. Alternatively, you are welcome to contact me directly or visit the Willow & Olive Counselling website.
When I work
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Individual and couples counselling appointments are available:
Tuesday–Friday: 9am–5pm
Saturday: 9am–2pm
Online evening appointments:
Tuesday and Thursday: 7pm–10pm
Please get in touch to discuss current availability.
Further information
I offer individual and couples counselling from a welcoming therapy space in North Shields, with a selection of hot and cold drinks available on arrival. Individual sessions are also available online and by telephone, with couples sessions available online.
I believe therapy is a journey of self-awareness, acceptance and change, undertaken at a pace that feels comfortable within a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. My approach is collaborative and tailored to the needs of each individual or couple.
I support individuals and couples in developing a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships, building healthier coping and communication strategies, and making choices that support their emotional wellbeing. In couples work, I offer a balanced, non-judgemental space where both partners can feel heard, explore recurring patterns and develop a greater understanding of each other’s feelings and needs.
