About me
Every child and young person deserves to feel the best they can in life. Art Therapy can help children and young people to use creativity as a way of exploring their world and working through any difficulties or problems they may be facing.
I’ve been an accredited Art Psychotherapist for 15years. My experience includes working with various charities like Victim Support NI, Schools settings (mainstream & special), and private practice. I've had extensive experience working with a variety of issues including: trauma, anger, anxiety, abuse, family difficulties and separation, low self-esteem, depression, bereavement.
My approach places strong emphasis on building a positive relationship with the child or young person. I work at the young person’s pace, using empathy, curiosity, and a genuine interest to understand their experiences. Building rapport and creating a space where they feel heard, respected, and understood is central to my practice, as I believe positive therapeutic change is rooted in the quality of relationship.
As a trauma specialist and fully qualified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, I work from the understanding that trauma affects more than our thoughts and memories – it can be carried in the body as well. When someone has experienced trauma their nervous system may remain on high alert, constantly scanning for danger and preparing to protect them. This can make every day things such as relaxing, having fun, learning, concentrating, socialising, or simply feeling at ease much more difficult. By working with both mind and body, I help children and young people better understand their responses and reconnect with a sense of safety.
What Happens Next?
An initial meeting together will be an opportunity to meet me and find out if Art Therapy is a suitable pathway for your child/young person. We can discuss goals for the therapy and it will be a chance to ask any questions or raise concerns. We can chat about whether a short or ongoing arrangement is most suited to your child’s needs and unique situation.
If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a meeting I’d be delighted to chat with you.
Training, qualifications & experience
Experience
- Nov 2021 - Present: Art Therapist, Phoenix Youth Project, Victim Support
- Jan 2019 - Jan 2020: Art Therapist, Jigsaw Community Counselling Centre
- Sept 2015 - Jan 2019: Art Therapist, Familyworks Ni Schools Counselling
- Jan 2011 - Sept 2015: Art Therapist, Contact NI Counselling
Qualifications
- 2022 - Present : Somatic Experiencing (Currently an advanced level trainee)
- June 2016: PQ Diploma level 5: Working Therapeutically with Children and Young people
- June 2010: MA Art Therapy
Training
- 2017: Understanding Anxiety, Familyworks NI
- 2015: Understanding Trauma, Somatic Experiencing Ireland
- 2014: Art Therapy in Education, British Association of Art Therapists
- 2014: Lifeline Telephone Crisis Support Training
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 HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 per session
