THERAPIES
From time to time, many of us will be presented with either a life event, or something happening from within that affects the way we think and feel. At those times, exploring what is happening can be helpful.
Throughout our sessions I will be alongside you as you make sense of what is happening, before coming to some sort of resolution.
Sometimes you may find that you can become ‘bogged down’ with problems, feeling stuck and not able to see a way out; solution focused sessions can help you identify your best hopes, working together towards your preferred future.
I offer both short term counselling and brief solution focused therapy (up to 6 sessions), longer term counselling/ psychotherapy , or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Re-processing) based upon your needs.
Throughout our sessions together I will endeavour to provide you with a safe ‘containing’ space, where you do not feel judged, no matter what issues you bring to counselling.
THERAPY SERVICES
Support That Makes a Difference
I am person-centred experiential psychotherapist, who will work alongside you, and adapt my approach based on your needs.
I have experience working with clients with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety and relationship issues.
I have a number of special interests including Bereavement Counselling (including child loss and bereavement by murder or suicide); Appearance Issues (facial difference or disfigurement) and Trauma. I have a wealth of experience counselling Autistic, Neurodivergent and Learning Disabled clients. I am currently training to become a World Professional Association for Transgender Health certified mental health practitioner.
PERSON-CENTRED EXPERIENTIAL COUNSELLING
I firmly believe that the vital ingredient in therapy is the relationship between a counsellor and their client.
If you feel, safe, secure and not judged then you are more likely to be able to explore your inner most thoughts and feelings.
I am deeply respectful to each and every client and what they bring to counselling; this is sometimes called ‘Unconditional Positive Regard’ or UPR.
Whatever you have experienced in your life, you are an individual who I value and will not judge.
I see my role as a companion, being alongside you on your journey. I will not tell you what to do, or how to think or feel; rather my role is to help you discover this for yourself.
Whilst my core training is as a person-centred experiential psychotherapist, I have completed a wealth of training in other therapeutic approaches. This means I am in a position to draw on this knowledge and experience to tailor sessions to meet your needs as an individual.
TRAUMA
I am an experienced EMDR practioner (both children, young people and adults) and a member of EMDR UK, working towards Accreditation.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Re-processing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy for trauma, yet is also highly effective with other presenting issues such as anxiety and phobias.
It is an approach that emphasises the brain’s information processing system and memories of disturbing experiences (see http://www.emdr-europe.org/ for more information).
NEURODIVERSITY & NEURODIVERGENT CLIENTS (e.g.,
AUTISM, ADHD, DYSLEXIA, SENSORY PROCESSING DIFFERENCES etc.)
I am Neurodivergent, living with a neuro-genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis. I have worked as a counsellor in private practice since 2013. However, I have over 20 years experience of working therapeutically in Child and Young Peoples Mental Health; working with children, young people and their families.
I have experience working therapeutically with Neurodivergent children, adolescents and adults including
Autistic clients, and those with learning disabilities.
This can relate to issues of diagnosis and what this means for you or about adapting my work to meet your needs.
It may also include developing a detailed functional analysis or sensory assessment.
I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
and MA in Special Educational Needs in 2003. I am a recipient of the National Autistic Society (NAS) "Autism Happiness Hero" Awards.
In 2021, I helped set up the Association for Neurodivergent Therapists and sit on their steering group.
I can offer sessions either face to face, online (email or Zoom) or via telephone.
I will work with you to accomodate any sensory needs that may impact on your ability to access therapy.
BRIEF SOLUTION FOCUSED THERAPY
I hold a certificate in Brief Solution Focused Practice (BSFT) from BRIEF, the UK’s leading provider of solution focused training. This includes Solution Focused Practice with Couples and Families, and Solution Focused Coaching
Rather than focusing on the past and being problem orientated, solution focused therapy looks towards best hopes and preferred future.
BSFT can be a highly successful way of working, particularly if you feel stuck in a situation.
GENDER AFFIRMING THERAPY
for Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, Gender Expansive and Non-Binary People
I am a full member of the World Association for Transgender Health WPATH.
I completed WPATH's Foundation and Advanced Mental Health courses and their Advanced Child and Adolescent workshops in Spring 2021; I am working to achieve WPATH GEI Certification.
I have worked with a number of clients who are both Autistic (or otherwise Neurodivergent) and Transgender or Gender Expansive. My growing experience of working with the Trans community, alongside my extensive experience of Neurodiversity, places me in a unique position to support you.
I will provide you with a safe and affirming space to explore, process and understand without judgement. I am committed to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU2) on Conversion Therapy and I actively campaigning for Conversion Therapy to be made illegal in the UK.
Please note
I have limited ability for private therapy and more often than not, my caseload is full.
If my caseload is full when you contact me, I will do my best to signpost you to another therapist in your locality.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.