About me
About me & my practice
It takes immense courage to address the experiences that hold us back. As a UKCP-registered psychotherapist, Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA), and qualified EMDR therapist, I provide a safe, collaborative, and identity-affirming space for individuals and couples from all walks of life. My practice is dedicated to helping you process trauma, break free from restrictive expectations, and move toward a life of greater autonomy and fulfilment.
Many of us carry the weight of chronic stress, relationship difficulties, or past anxieties that feel "stuck" in the body. Whether you are dealing with a harsh inner critic, the exhaustion of trying to fit into environments that don't suit you, or complex life transitions, you do not have to navigate it alone. I draw on years of deep clinical experience, including leading specialist counselling and identity-affirming services, to offer therapy tailored to your unique history and needs.
I work with individuals and couples both in person at my therapeutic space in either Brighton or Hove and online nationwide.
How I Work
I integrate two powerful, complementary modalities to support your transition from a state of survival to a state of thriving:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing): A highly effective, evidence-based approach to gently process painful memories, past rejections, and distressing events. EMDR works directly with how trauma is stored in the nervous system, allowing you to heal without requiring years of open-ended talking therapy.
Transactional Analysis (TA): A versatile psychological framework that helps us unpick your "life script." Together, we look at the repetitive patterns, relationship dynamics, and unwritten rules you may have absorbed growing up, helping you reclaim your autonomy and strengthen your authentic self.
While my practice is fully inclusive and open to anyone seeking meaningful change, I bring specialised, extensive experience to working with the LGBTQ+ community and those navigating complex identity or minority stress.
Next Steps
Taking the first step can feel daunting, which is why I offer a free 50-minute introductory session. This gives us the opportunity to meet, discuss what you hope to get out of therapy, and see how we might work together.
Please do contact me to arrange your introductory session.
Training, qualifications & experience
Alongside my private practice (Acorn Counselling Therapy), I serve as the Counselling Service Manager at MindOut, leading the counselling service for the LGBTQ+ community.
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
£90.00 - £100.00
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, £90.
- Couples therapy, face to face or online, 60 minutes, £100.
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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