I have a degree in psychology and have worked in education for many years. I have written a novel – which was a great therapeutic exercise! I am married with two children and being happy for me is yoga, walking, writing, gardening, watching great (ok, sometimes just comfort) tv and films. I enjoy being with my family and friends, going to the theatre, and visiting new places. Some days I feel whole and strong, other days I’m fragmented and tearful. I am human, like you.

I am particularly interested in compassion-focused therapy, supporting women post-partum and through the menopause, LGBT+ issues, and working compassionately with depression and anxiety.

My approach

At the core of the person-centred approach is respect. We are all doing our best and if we are struggling, it is because life can be hard. I will listen to you, be open and honest and you will have the time to talk things through without being judged. When we are understood for all that we are with compassion and support, it helps us to understand ourselves. We gain self awareness, we learn to be more compassiante to ourselves and we learn what we need to feel happier and healthier. This knowledge frees us up to do whatever we need to do to move forward. 

The power in the person centred counselling is that the approach follows you. You decide what you want to being each session. Some approaches to counselling impose a way of working on you. For example, some approaches will take you into to the past, whereas other approaches will encourage you to leave the past behind and focus on ways forward. The person centred approach prioritises you rather than imposing a rigid method; it changes and evolves with you. Some people find just talking things through is enough, others want a little more direction. We will discuss what feels right for you. I’m able to work in a more problem-solving way and if this feels most helpful, we’ll do that.