About me
I know it’s hard to find the right fit, and equally, that so many of our profiles and words now look and feel the same. If a phone call to discuss would help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch - there will be no expectations or obligations.
A Little More About Working With Me:
Psychotherapy offers you a safe space for growth and exploration. It may be something particular that you’re struggling to cope with such as anxiety, bereavement, trauma, or “simply” a longer-term pattern of living which you want to break free from. Feeling stuck is exhausting, and it’s something you can find the strength to move past.
The Setting:
I offer counselling and psychotherapy from a cosy private space in central Hexham. I often have my little spaniel, Jarvis, with me at work - so if you enjoy a wiggly greeting or a little cuddle, he’s there for that. Equally, I entirely understand if that is not for you. I’m warm and open minded, as well as authentic. I take immense pride and fulfilment in my work, and I’m passionate about supporting individuals through change, or working at accepting that which can’t be changed. I’m friendly and chatty, so any fears of feeling uncomfortable, I hope can be eased.
My Experience:
I am a qualified integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, registered with the BACP. I gained my qualification at Northern Guild in the North East, and am currently studying towards a further diploma. I am also currently training as a tutor and am due to complete my certificate in supervision later this year. I will soon be opening availability for couples therapy later in the Summer.
I have worked for a number of charitable organisations, such as Age UK and Tynedale Hospice. During this time, I worked predominantly as a pre and post-bereavement counsellor. I have also worked within the NHS for a few years, offering short and long-term support in a GP practice. Much of my work during this time has been around low self-esteem, bereavement, anxiety, depression, trauma and family issues.
Personal Details:
On a more personal level, I've had a rich and often challenging life. I've worked in a number of different settings, including retail, hospitality and healthcare. I've experienced wonderful highs and heart-breaking losses, and although difficult, I'm grateful of the growth my varied life has offered me, and I hope it makes me a more rounded therapist (and general human being!)
My own personal circumstances have lead me to have a particular interest and passion for helping those suffering life-changing illnesses such as cancer. I equally have gained a wealth of experience working at depth on identity issues, relationships/attachment and stuckness.
My therapeutic approach is deeply person-centred and relational, focusing on who you are and what you need. I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches such as Gestalt techniques, attachment theory, and transactional analysis. I am also a deeply philosophical person, and enjoy drawing on existential themes, as well as Jungian thought. I enjoy creative methods of working, such as sandtray/metaphor and poetry.
Crucially, I never let theory overshadow our work together. Instead, I blend these methods to support your unique journey toward growth and understanding. At the heart of my approach is offering a safe therapeutic relationship, where you can be you.
There is no pressure to book anything, but it’s hard to really get a feel for someone based on words alone. Please let me know if you’d like a call or Zoom, so you can establish how comfortable and ready you may feel to work with me.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Northern Guild).
- Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy (Newcastle University)
- Experience working with charitable organisations, such as Age UK and Tynedale Hospice. Predominantly offered pre and post-bereavement counselling support.
- 3 years experience offering short and long-term counselling and psychotherapy in a GP practice.
- Currently training as a tutor at Northern Guild.
- Scheduled to complete certificate in supervision in July 2025.
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
£65.00 per session
Additional information
I know therapy can be expensive, but I am committed to making it as accessible as I am able. Concessionary rates may be available for students and those on benefits or with low income.
