My background
I’ve always loved listening to others and trying to help them work through their problems. I started counselling training in 2000 but had to pause for personal reasons. I found myself working in the criminal justice for a long time supporting a range of people with multiple disadvantages in life, leading to criminal behaviour. I finally set about therapist training again from 2015 and now run my own private practice as a counsellor/psychotherapist alongside my other work.
I trained at the Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute graduating in 2021 with an MSc in Person-centred and Experiential Psychotherapy (I can explain more about what that means if you ask).
My approach
I believe you know your world better than me even though things might have become a bit muddled. You can grow into the person you want to be if you're provided with the right conditions. My approach means that I won't analyse or advise you. I would work with you to explore the areas you have identified as important in order for you to come to your own conclusions and find your own way forward. I adapt my way of working depending on your needs and see feedback as an important part of the therapy process. This helps me understand what's working for you or what I might need to change about my style.
Sometimes coming to therapy can feel daunting, especially if you've never done tried it before. Using humour and being down to earth are two of my qualities that clients find make them feel comfortable and at ease to open up.
My experience and interests
As well as extensive experience of working relationally with offending behaviour, I have worked as a therapist with teenagers and young adults, women, and vulnerable people with complex needs. I set up my private practice in 2021. I have a wealth of experience building relationships with a variety of clients from all walks of life.
I have worked with many clients with a range of issues including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, substance misuse, trauma, relationship difficulties, stress, offending behaviour, self-esteem, impact of abuse, bereavement, and identity issues.
I specialise in the following areas:
- Body acceptance and fat liberation - as a plus-sized woman I have lived experience of the barriers, judgements and stigmatisation of being in bigger body. I welcome you if you feel marginalised because of your size and/or wish to explore your body image.
- Supporting people to make change - the change process is unique and complex and rarely linear. Having worked for years of working with people who struggle to change their behaviour to achieve better outcomes for themselves even when they really want to, I will support you overcome barriers and understand why you may be stuck.
- Therapy for men - I recognise that seeking support and being open about emotions can be a tough step for men and want to encourage the de-stigmatisation of this process. My approach is down to earth and matter-of-fact which men tend to find easy to engage with.
- The inner critic - being hard on yourself can get in the way of you fulfilling your potential. We can explore why this might be happening and nurture self-compassion.
- The use of culture in supporting reflection and learning about ourselves - have you ever found yourself really relating to someone on screen or in a book? Sometimes starting a discussion focussed on a fictional character or situation can be an easier way to begin to explore what is going on for you.
Ethics
I see it as essential that my practice adheres to ethical requirements in order to keep you safe. I am accredited by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapists (UKCP). I am also a graduate member of the Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute. I adhere to the ethical frameworks of these organisations.