About me..

 

​

​​

As an Integrative Counsellor, I’ve been trained to draw from a range of therapeutic approaches, thoughtfully weaving them together to form my own way of working. This allows me to offer a contemporary, flexible approach to counselling, grounded in a strong professional and ethical framework. My work is guided by the principles of the BACP Ethical Framework, which places safety, respect, and care at the heart of the therapeutic relationship.

​

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I change.”
Carl Rogers

​

At its heart, my work is about supporting you to develop greater self-awareness. From this, self-acceptance can begin to grow — and with it, the possibility of meaningful change. As we become more aware of our inner world, we gain more choice in how we respond to life.

​

When something in our lives feels painful or stuck, there are often three broad options available to us:

​

• to change it

• to accept it

• or to walk away

​

Part of our work together is gently exploring which of these feels right for you, and then supporting you to move towards it in a way that feels manageable and authentic.

​

How I work

If you’d like to understand a little more about the therapeutic approaches that inform my work, I’ve outlined them below. You don’t need to have any prior knowledge — these simply help explain the lenses I may use to support you.

​

Psychodynamic therapy helps us explore how past experiences, particularly early relationships, may continue to influence how you feel, think, and relate in the present. These influences are often unconscious and can show up in patterns within relationships or in how we relate to ourselves. This way of working has roots in the ideas of Freud and Jung, and I also draw on the more contemporary approach of Internal Family Systems (IFS). This involves gently getting to know different ‘parts’ of ourselves, learning to understand them with curiosity and compassion, which can lead to a deeper sense of inner balance and peace.

​

I also enjoy working with transpersonal approaches, where this feels relevant and meaningful for you. This can include guided imagery, meditation, breathwork, body awareness, creative expression, and inner child work. These approaches can support a sense of connection — to yourself, to your intuition, and sometimes to something larger than you — helping you to reconnect with your inherent worth and inner resources.

​

I am trauma informed and my understanding of trauma is strongly informed by polyvagal theory and contemporary neuroscience. Trauma, particularly when it is repeated or relational, can leave the nervous system in a state of constant alert. Even when there is no immediate danger, the body may respond as though there is. Learning to understand and gently regulate these responses can be profoundly freeing. I use a range of tools to support nervous system regulation, including grounding, breathing techniques, developing awareness of triggers, and cultivating self-soothing strategies.

​

At times, it can also be helpful to work more directly with the thinking mind. When this feels appropriate, I draw on elements of REBT and CBT, which can help identify and gently challenge unhelpful thought patterns. Some clients find this approach particularly grounding and practical.

​

As someone once wisely said:

​

“You can’t fix a problem using the same kind of thinking that created it in the first place.”

​

Often, new perspectives and compassionate feedback help us develop a kinder and more flexible way of seeing ourselves and the world — especially if our early relationships did not provide this.

 

The importance of relationship

 

Regardless of approach, I believe the therapeutic relationship is the foundation that holds all effective therapy together. My work is underpinned by clear boundaries, ethical awareness, and mutual respect, creating a space that is both safe and alive. Within this relationship, it’s possible to experience something reparative — a different way of being with another person that supports healing and growth.

​

I value authenticity and aim to meet you genuinely and thoughtfully, even when the work feels challenging. Often, it’s at the edge of our comfort that the most meaningful change can take place.

​

It’s also important to say that I won’t use all of these approaches with every client. I work collaboratively, choosing what feels most appropriate and helpful for you. Any exercises or creative methods are always offered by invitation — you will never be expected to do anything that doesn’t feel right for you.

​

And yes… sometimes therapy can even be enjoyable.​​​​​