About me
I believe I have had an unusual but a very fortunate life. I was born with an undiagnosed genetic condition which, amongst other things, limited my growth and caused ADHD and dyslexia. Back then everyone thought I was simply a naughty wee lad. My parents worked abroad and I grew up in India and Australia before being sent to boarding school in Edinburgh at seven years of age. After that, I only saw my family once a year. This experience taught me a lot about life, about independence, resilience, loyalty and trust.
Despite the punitive environment of boarding schools in that era, and despite my struggles with dyslexia, I survived, made lifelong friends and learnt a lot about vulnerability, justice and compassion. During my childhood I visited many parts of the world, though on reflection, I did not realise the privilege of experiencing many different cultures until later in life. After school I became a PE teacher and worked in both state and independent secondary schools before moving into Special Education. In all these positions I also held senior pastoral roles. My background in teaching and latterly counselling, as well as life experiences have shown me the importance of building trust, encouraging open honest, communication, and providing emotional support. With clients' cooperation, together we create a safe, non-judgemental environment where individuals feel understood and valued.
My desire to become a Counsellor / Psychotherapist arose as I became more aware of the importance of developing strategies and skills to protect our mental health - in a world of constant change, where many familial and community support systems have broken down. I consider myself to be an open, honest and approachable person. I am a good listener and communicator and I believe in creating a strong therapeutic relationship with clients to acquire strategies to overcome resistance and motivate expansion. I have experience in working with clients presenting with anxiety, panic disorder, depression, loss and bereavement issues, trauma and emotional dysregulation.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications and Training:
- Alsager Teacher Training College, Cert Ed (PE)
- University of Birmingham Bachelor of Philosophy (Education)Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties
- Diploma in Hypnotherapy and Counselling Skills
- Diploma in Psychotherapy
- Diploma in Advanced Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Tailoring the Practice to the Person
- Mindfulness in Psychotherapy Mindfulness for Anxiety and Depression
- Qualified teacher of Mindfulness - CIC Teacher Training
- Certificate of Completion ‘Overview of third wave CBT’
- ACT and Mindfulness for Trauma
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Training Course
- Compassion Focussed Therapy Training Course
- Qualified teacher of Tai Chi and Qi Gong
Experience:
I taught PE and outdoor activities for many years and in this role I was also responsible for pastoral care, behavioural issues and mentoring students with emotional difficulties. After training to become a counsellor/psychotherapist, I worked in a voluntary capacity at Kemp Hospice and Cotswold Counselling, whilst developing my own practice and working with clients with anxiety, panic disorder, depression, loss and bereavement and emotional dysregulation. Unfortunately, I had to take time out as I had to have treatment for blood cancer but I am now in remission and am rebuilding my practice.
I work ethically and adhere to the NCPS Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy and its Professional Conduct Procedures.
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 National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. 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
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 per session
Additional information
I offer a free 40-minute introductory session, either in person, online or via telephone so that we can discuss how I may be able to support you. If you feel what I have to offer might be helpful, you are very welcome to contact me.
Call or text on 07792482499 or email
Sessions are for 50 minutes and 2 - 12 weekly sessions are usually required to enable clients to identify and use appropriate self-help strategies. However, this could be shorter or longer depending on individual needs.
Further information
Types of clients
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (18 plus)
I welcome people from all backgrounds
Online platforms
Whatsapp
Zoom
Microsoft Teams
Key details
DBS check
Safeguarding Training
Fully insured
For in-person sessions, my home office is fully accessible.
