My own journey....

The road to becoming a therapist has taken many twists and turns since I first completed a Pre-Diploma in Counselling at Sussex University in 2003 followed up by a few weekend immersives which focussed on various approaches to therapy including Humanistic and Existential theory.

I very much developed a passion and interest for counselling and psychotherapy but at that time I was also on a pathway gaining experience in a wide range of settings (see below) and wasn't ready to embark on a career as a therapist. 

I continued to work in Social Care settings and completed a BA in Social Work at Chichester University and I also travelled a fair bit and it wasn't until 2011 that I reignited my passion for Counselling and Psychotherapy completing an Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling qualifying as a Psychotherapist in 2013 and I then followed this up with an MA in Psychotherapy and Healing at Middlesex University. 

Over the past 20 years I have been lucky enough to work with a range of clients including the homeless, older people, clients with learning difficulties, younger people and children. I have extensive experience of working with substance misuse and mental health as well as families. 

I am passionate about the work that I do and I think that is reflected in my personality and within our sessions.  The person that I am and the way I engage with the world is rooted in nature. We are all cut from the same cloth and the strength that I receive from nature and the world around me is the strength that I bring to my client work. I regularly practice yoga, meditation and mindfulness all of which can bring so much to our healing journey, it's not for everyone, but I believe that we all know how to heal ourselves and we just have to search within, listen and then believe that we can live a happier, healthier life....the life that we've always wanted to live.

 

My counselling practice

I am an Integrative Psychotherapist with a grounding in Jungian theory.  I use many different models in my practice depending on individual needs, this is often referred to as an Integrative approach, so irrespective of my training I am able to adapt according to the needs and circumstances of my clients and my approach is tailored to reflect this.

Primarily the models of practice that I rely on are Humanistic, Psychodynamic and Mindfulness but I also place great focus and emphasis on healing as this does not follow a style or modality and there is no theory, healing and getting in touch with your true self, I believe, is beyond intelligence as we know it, it's a process, a feeling, a way of life which is unique to the individual. Our sessions are not confined to 4 walls and wherever possible I aim to create a flexible environment which might mean holding the session outside of the room, including play, creativity, dream exploration or adapting the session to what you need, this could mean tucking you up in the armchair with a blanket a cup of tea, let's see. 

From my own experience there have been times when talking about my own problems within therapy has been difficult so there was a need to explore other ways to heal, talking is great but sometimes we need a little help to open up. By accessing nature or moving our bodies we can open doors to then talk about what's bothering us, this can be self perpetuating as opening up can breed confidence and instil a positive sense of self worth which in turns assists us in opening up some more. This process is about starting to listen to that voice within that has been telling you to lose weight or leave your job or to start a hobby, the voice that is telling you that you could live a happier more meaningful life.

Incorporating mindfulness into my practice I have found this can be helpful with anxiety, depression, substance misuse as well as assisting in making positive life changes. Spending time in nature can often be very healing and I have seen many breakthroughs in the healing process using mindfulness tools in nature and this can be very liberating. 

If you feel you need support or if you need someone to talk to working with me can help to make this an easier and less stressful process. 

Professional Memberships

I am a Registered Member of the BACP  and abide by their code of ethics. I am fully insured and I am in ongoing professional supervision. I am also committed to ongoing professional development and seek to enhance my skills by attending regular courses and training sessions (CPD).