About me
Update: July 2020
Due to the restrictions placed by COVID-19, I have suspended all 'face to face' appointments in Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale. With the gradual easing of restrictions, I am hoping that normal service will be restored, However, any decision will be strictly guided by the advice of both the government and my professional body, UKCP. I will not compromise the health or safety of either my clients or myself. As such – and until further notice – all my counselling contacts will continue to be either online (Zoom or Skype) or via the telephone.
If you want to think about some counselling, the first step is to contact me to arrange a session (either online of via the telephone) where we can talk. This initial session comes with no obligations attached. It is an opportunity for you to share, in confidence, as much as you feel able at this first meeting and for me to think about whether I have the professional know-how to support you with what you are presenting. If we decide not to work together, I can help you to think about other possibilities and/or suitable therapists.
Many issues can be resolved with short term work, typically 6 to 12 sessions, whilst others might need longer term work. This is an important matter that will also be discussed when we meet.
Training, qualifications & experience
In 2006, I completed a four-year core training in psychotherapy at 'WPF Therapy' in London, one of the UK's leading training institutes. A further year of study followed at the Tavistock (also in London), to deepen my professional practice with clients presenting with the impact of trauma and PTSD.
I am registered and accredited with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and abide by their code of ethics. I am also a member of the Foundation for Psychotherapy and Counselling (FPC).
As a counsellor/psychotherapist, I have worked with clients in both the NHS and the voluntary sector for many years. I have also managed a community-based counselling service (in Bucks) and been a senior manager in an NHS IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) service (in London).
Throughout, I have maintained a small private counselling practice.
I have considerable experience delivering both short (6-12 sessions) and longer-term therapy. I am also an accredited practitioner in delivering Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT), a 16-session intervention for clients who've experienced recurrent depressive states.
To ensure the ongoing quality of my professional work, I regularly attend continuing professional development (CPD) events. I also discuss my work - confidentially - in monthly supervision with a senior psychotherapist.
I am currently pursuing BACP accreditation in supervision.
I have undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from Teesside, Glasgow and Reading Universities
Member organisations
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.

UK Council for Psychotherapy
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

Accredited Register Scheme
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
Non-paid carers
Refugees & Asylum Seekers
Therapies offered
Fees
Fees
The assessment fee is £25 and subsequent sessions are £35. Concessionary fee arrangements may be available depending on circumstances and availability. This can be discussed at our first meeting.
Supervision
I also offer supervision for psychotherapists and counsellors, again on-line or via the telephone, at £30/session. This is at a reduced rate whilst I am completing a course in supervision, accredited by BACP.
Concessions offered for
Further information
Please contact me by phone or email if you are thinking about making an appointment.