A BIT ABOUT ME
I trained as a counsellor after many years of my own therapy and personal development. I understand the depths of despair, struggle and isolation clients can experience. I know how it feels to be depressed, feel afraid, feel hopeless. I’ve survived significant loss and fought serious ill health. I’ve overcome some of life’s big challenges, challenges that you are likely facing right now. Overcoming these challenges has been easier with the support of others, both professional and otherwise. Somehow, accepting uncertainty around the things I can’t change has been a big life lesson. I bring this knowing to my work with clients, it is informed and authentic. It helps me to connect to your experience.
Integral to my wellbeing is mindfulness practice which also, supports me in my work with clients. As a keen gardener, I’m constantly inspired by the resilience of nature and its ability to thrive, even under the poorest conditions. I believe in our innate ability to do the same. When I’m not seeing clients, I can usually be found in the garden, it’s a labour of love, usually close by is Ted. If we’re not in the garden we’re often out walking in our local fields and woods.
Qualifications & Experience
Higher Level Diploma Humanistic Counselling.
University of Chichester.
Registered member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (MBACP).
During my training placement I was a volunteer counsellor at Carer’s Support West Sussex. I supported clients who were coping with the challenges of caring, often clients who had little or no respite from caring for their loved ones or friends. I worked with some clients who had additional ordeals to deal with, including, socio economic challenges, accommodation issues, or their own health or mental health issues.
After qualifying I volunteered at The Horizon Centre Hospice working with clients who were in recovery from cancer, plus their families. Not only were some clients dealing with prolonged recovery, some were also experiencing financial challenges due to their cancer and treatment.
Prior to training to be a counsellor I worked for many years in the NHS, in GP practices, working face to face and over the phone with patients.
I also worked as a gardener for several years, caring for client’s and their gardens.
WHAT TYPES OF COUNSELLING DO I OFFER?
Attachment-based, Embodied, Cognitive Behavioural (CBT), Emotionally Focused, Existential, Gestalt, Human Givens, Humanistic, Integrative, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Person-Centred, Relational, Transactional Analysis.
Experience & Enhancements
ADDITIONAL TRAINING & CPD
Anxiety, ADHD, Anger Management, Autism – Neurobiology, Bereavement, Brief Therapy, CBT, Cancer, Covid, Depression, Diversity, Disordered Eating, Embodied Practice, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness & Compassion, Narcissism, Polyvagal Theory, Safeguarding, Shame, Suicide, Suicide Prevention & Risk, Therapy and the Arts, Siblings, Trauma
Important to me – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
I work in an inclusive way and acknowledge your uniqueness; I respect your individuality. My practice is affirming of all LGBTQIA+ identities and communities. I am anti racist and anti oppressive and will always respect your culture, heritage and spiritual beliefs. I welcome neurodivergent clients and always aim to provide safety, consistency and flexibility. As a person centred counsellor, I don’t use labels or pathologize client’s issues.
I am aware of my own privilege and bias and am committed to the continuous work of identifying my blind spots whilst developing my knowledge and understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion, integrating this into my work with clients and their lived experience.
