About me
I am a person-centred counsellor and psychotherapist who currently offers sessions either online or by telephone. My main specialism is working with survivors of sexual trauma, however I do have experience working with a wide range of clients.
The person-centred approach is founded on the belief that in the right conditions, people are growth orientated and will become the best versions of themselves. Unfortunately, there are many people who have experienced adversity, whether that is through suffering abuse, experiencing bereavement or for many other reasons unique to that person.
Sometimes there might not be an obvious traumatic event that has happened, but a pervasive feeling of anxiety, depression or distress for which the exact cause is unknown.
Whatever the reason is that has led you to seeking therapy, the person-centred approach can be beneficial. There also doesn't have to be anything 'wrong' to benefit as rather than 'fixing' the person, the approach holds that personal development is always possible. This means that I will not make assumptions or have a set treatment plan based on the diagnosis you have or the trauma you have suffered.
Instead, I hold the view that you are the expert of your own experience; as such, you as the client has the freedom to bring what you need and want to our sessions. It is my role to provide a safe space to explore and process you experiences, hopefully finding new understanding and insight.
Training, qualifications & experience
Counselling Experience
I have worked with clients with many different diagnoses and reasons for accessing therapy. This includes different forms of abuse, experienced in childhood and adulthood; relationship problems; anxiety and/or depression; PTSD and Complex PTSD, both diagnosed and clients experiencing symptoms associated with these conditions such as flashbacks, nightmares and other traumatic re-experiencing of the event(s); Borderline Personality Disorder/ Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder; autism; ADHD; OCD; different forms of bereavement; long term physical health conditions; workplace stress and other concerns related to career; refugees and asylum seekers adapting to life in the UK; family issues; perpetrators of abuse; personal growth and development.
This list is not exhaustive and my approach is first and foremost about cultivating a strong relationship with you as my client. If approached by a prospective client where I feel I might not be the right fit for any reason, I will happily direct you you to to a trusted colleague who I feel has sufficient skills and experience to meet your needs.
Qualifications and other work Experience
I graduated with an MA in Person-Centred Experiential Counselling and Psychotherapy (with distinction) from the University of Nottingham in 2020. However, I believe that learning shouldn't ever stop and I continue to engage with different training and forms of continued professional development where possible.
Prior to this, I worked as a Samaritans volunteer. This is what led me to training in the person-centred approach as it seemed to align so well with the active listening skills used on the phone in this role.
Currently, I also work for a charity in a lead therapist role, working with survivors of sexual violence. I also have experience providing therapy for a range of clients in a student-led research clinic.
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
Fees
£35.00 - £50.00
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Therapy is a big investment and you have to feel assured I am the right person for you to work with. As such, I offer a free, 15-minute initial consultation to help you make this decision.
If you might be interested in working with me or have anything further questions, please get in touch via email. I will aim to get back to you ASAP.
My usual fee is £50ph with occasional reductions offered for students or clients on a low income.
When I work
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My current availability is usually on Tuesday and Friday mornings 8.30am-11am, Wednesdays from 8.30am-5pm and occasional evenings.
Further information
I have had training in the delivery of pre-trial therapy meaning I have experience working with clients who are involved in the criminal justice system and are awaiting the trial. This is especially significant for survivors of sexual violence. It was previously advised that clients in this situation did not talk about the incident whilst accessing therapy. Thankfully this has now changed and if this situation applies to you at any stage of therapy, this can be discussed to ensure you are supported and have the right information.
I originally studied fine art and following on from this I worked as a model for artists and photographers for many years. I currently enjoy long distance running and gardening, and am a big proponent of being in nature as much as possible.
I do have a wealth of life experiences that have brought me to the place I am now and have helped develop my counselling practice.
