About me
My approach and how counselling can help
I am an Integrative Arts Psychotherapist and counsellor providing a safe and confidential space for the exploration of feelings and thoughts. I bring warmth, empathic listening and creativity to my work as a therapist. My underlying philosophy and approach support a person’s own resources for developing psychological growth. I respect every client as an individual with their own experiences and their own way of engaging with this process. As an integrative psychotherapist, I draw on a range of approaches and resources. I am particularly interested in using the therapeutic relationship as a way of understanding other relational dynamics in the client's life.
What to expect in the first session
The initial session will be an opportunity for both of us to introduce ourselves and explore the areas that could be the focus of the therapeutic work. This will allow us to reach an agreement in the type of support that will be suitable. This could take the form of establishing goals or allowing space to see what might emerge later in therapy.
Using the arts
When words fail, I am trained to facilitate the therapeutic use of other modes of creative and artistic expression. This can provide further and useful insight, resonance and self-understanding. Often this will involve drawing or painting a picture to express a thought or feeling. You do not need to have any experience to be able to engage with this aspect of the therapy. I have adapted these practises for effective therapy online with Zoom and in phone counselling.
Covid-19 crisis support
During the Covid-19 crisis, I am offering a number of reduced fee and free sessions online. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need support during these challenging times.
Training, qualifications & experience
Training
BACP accredited 'How to do therapy online' certificate from the Open University (C19OT_1)
MA in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy from the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education, University of East London.
Certificate in Counselling Skills from the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education.
BA Hons First Class, from the University of York.
Experience as a therapist
In addition to my private practice, I have experience working in the NHS as part of a regional Complex Needs Service in London, for addictions services (in UK and India) and at a St Mungo's recovery centre for homeless people. I also run music and arts group psychotherapy sessions in these settings.
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.

Health and Care Professions Council
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Anxiety related to careers in the performing arts: performance anxiety (stage fright), adapting to life after or on tour, stress related to loss of work
Therapies offered
Fees
Face to face: £50 per therapeutic hour (50 minutes)
Online: £40 per therapeutic hour (50 minutes)
Please contact me for information regarding concessions.
I see clients weekly and recommend a minimum commitment of 6 sessions, though I am happy to discuss other arrangements if this is not possible.
Concessions offered for
Further information
I am a member of the British Association of Art Therapists and of the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education.