About Me
I have extensive experience working with people of varying ages and from a range of cultural and social backgrounds. Some of the main issues I work with include: depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, family, culture, work, bereavement and loss, identity and self-esteem.
I have specialist training in trauma informed therapy and experience working with people suffering from the effects of trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD).
I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy - an interactive psychotherapy that helps people to heal from symptoms of psychological distress resulting from disturbing life experiences. EMDR has been recognised by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and the World Health Organization as a treatment of choice for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and can also be helpful for people suffering with anxiety, depression and phobias.
“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it.” -Brené Brown
I am passionate about supporting people to face their difficulties, find their own solutions and to live more fulfilling lives. I was inspired to train as a psychotherapist after having a transformative experience whilst in therapy in my late twenties, when I was feeling stuck and frustrated with where I was in my life.
For a number of years, I worked in the NHS and for charities and understand the pressures and challenges of working working within organisations.
How I work
I believe that everyone is unique and tailor my approach to suit individual needs. I see my role as helping you to become more aware of your own resources, supporting you to gain greater self-awareness and self-acceptance so you can make meaningful and lasting changes in your life. I aim to co-create a space of trust and will work with you to explore the issues you bring to therapy.
I take a holistic approach where I work with you as a whole person (mind, body and spirit) to help you gain more understanding of the underlying issues related to your difficulties and to help you live to your fullest potential. As well as talking about your thoughts and emotions, I may also encourage you to notice your breathing, body sensations and beliefs in relation to what we are discussing to support your self-awareness.
I recognise that our social environment, community, culture, gender, sexual identity, "race", ethnicity, disability, religious and spiritual beliefs influence our experiences and understanding of ourselves and the world. I respect diversity and enjoy working with people from different backgrounds. I always aim to be sensitive to cultural, sexual and other differences.
Next Steps
It is through relationships that we develop and learn about ourselves. My experience has shown me that we can grow and heal within a supportive, non-judgemental and caring relationship, therefore, I believe that it is important that you find a therapist who will be a good fit for you.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” -Carl Jung
If you are thinking of working with me, please get in touch. I am happy to answer any questions you have and I offer a free 15 minute telephone discussion to help you decide if you would like to meet me for an initial session.
Coming to an initial session can help us both decide if we would like to work together, but there is no obligation for you to continue.
Training and Qualifications
I undertook a rigorous training at the renowned Metanoia Institute in London, first gaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy then an MSc in Person-Centred Psychotherapy. I am also a registered member of the UK Council of Psychotherapy (UKCP).
I have always had a deep interest in social justice, culture and wanting to help people, and before I retrained as a therapist I gained a BA (Hons) in Social Anthropology and an MA in International Law and Human Rights.
I am committed to my professional development and continue to update my work through reading new research, attending conferences and undertaking further training.
I have additional training in:
- •Somatic Trauma Therapy (Babette Rothschild- trauma specialist)
- •Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) (Sandi Richaman Training)
- •Neurobiology of Trauma and Trauma Informed Yoga (Alex Cat- The Yoga Clinic)
- •Group Facilitation (Metanoia Institute, London)
I am also qualified in therapeutic massage, Reiki and Transformational Breath. Although, I do not offer these within psychotherapy sessions, my experience and knowledge of these modalities has helped to inform my psychotherapy practice by giving me a deep understanding of the interconnection between mind, body and spirit.
