About me
It takes immense courage to address the experiences that hold us back. As a UKCP-registered psychotherapist and qualified EMDR therapist, I provide a dedicated online space for LGBTQ+ individuals to process trauma and move towards a life of greater authenticity.
Many members of our community carry the weight of "minority stress," rejection, or past traumas that feel "stuck." I specialise in using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) to help you process these painful memories without the need for lengthy talking therapy. By working online, I offer you the opportunity to engage in this transformative work from the safety and privacy of your own home.
My approach is identity-affirming and rooted in Transactional Analysis. Together, we will work to clear the path for your personal growth, helping you move from a place of survival to one of thriving.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a UKCP-registered Psychotherapist, Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA) and EMDR therapist. My professional journey is rooted in a deep commitment to mental health, spanning over 15 years across private practice, the charitable sector, and clinical settings.
Clinical Training & Qualifications
- Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA): A gold-standard qualification in psychotherapy.
- Qualified EMDR Therapist (EMDR Europe): Specialising in trauma processing.
- BSc (Hons) Psychology: The Open University.
- Diploma in Counselling: The Link Centre.
- General Certificate in Online Counselling: Ensuring safe and effective remote practice.
- Specialist CPD: Extensive training in Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity (GSRD), suicide intervention, and working with gender dysphoria.
Professional Experience
Alongside my private practice, Acorn Counselling Therapy, I have held significant roles within the LGBTQ+ mental health sector:
- Counselling Service Manager at MindOut: I lead and develop counselling services specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, overseeing a team of over 20 counsellors.
- The Samaritans: Spent five years as a listening volunteer, supporting individuals in acute emotional crisis and suicidal distress.
Clinical Settings
- Experience working within psychiatric units and running reminiscence groups for people living with dementia in NHS hospital settings.
My Specialism
My work is predominantly focused on the LGBTQ+ community. My combination of professional training and lived experience allows me to offer an empathic, identity-affirming space. I specialise in helping clients navigate:
- Identity & Sexuality
- Gender Identity & Gender Dysphoria
- Trauma & Minority Stress (via EMDR)
- Anxiety & Relational Patterns
I am an approved provider for major insurers, including AXA Health, Aviva, and WPA.
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 UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
- LGBTQ issues
- Identity issues
- Trans Identity
- Gender queer
- Non-binary
- Health and illness
Photos & videos
Fees
£80.00 - £90.00
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
You can arrange for an introductory session, which is free for 50 minutes. This is useful for giving you important information about whether I would be the right therapist for you. There is no obligation to continue.
- Individual therapy, face-to-face or online, 50 minutes, £80.
- Couples therapy, face to face, 60 minutes, £90.
Please feel free to contact me by phone or email if you have any questions. I will get back to you within 24 hours.
When I work
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