“We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars” Oscar Wilde

“No-one can make you feel inferior without your consent” Eleanor Roosevelt

I believe building each person’s core inner self-belief and esteem is the key foundation to finding the necessary resilience and capability to deal with whatever issue faces them and discover the energy to feel a fresh perspective…Just like the Japanese Pagoda which is one of the safest structures able to withstand an earthquake with its strong core.

Working primarily under the modality of the Integrative Humanistic approach; I am guided by the Rogerian belief that you know deep inside, what is right for you but right now, you need me to shine a torch and guide your way using tools from other approaches when they are beneficial too. To achieve a sustainable new way of being, we would seek to clean and heal original wounds before undertaking e.g. any Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), if it is needed.

Counselling is a collaborative, team process. I would explain the tools I believe to be useful to you so you are understanding what we are aiming to achieve and you are able to discuss with me.

You will decide if I am empathetic towards you, making you feel understood and safe in a confidential environment. That is why I offer a free, short, initial session.

I am wary of detailing my life experience as it is irrelevant to your experience and circumstances and offers up the danger of you perceiving advice and that is the opposite of counselling – I will help you discover your way and perhaps break free from repeating the same old patterns. I have unconditional positive regard or respect for you; vital to helping you to being your best version of you. But Clients often seek reassurance that I, their Counsellor, has at least some insight into what concerns them.

I have personal experience of being a Criminology and Social Policy Graduate; managerial roles in the private sector and pastoral education role; caring for a close relative with Alzheimer’s Disease; bereavement support and since 2016, past clients have included young people (11+) seeking to overcome bullying; to better cope with exam stress; self-harm; eating disorder; complex family issues some including substance misuse; Victims of Domestic Abuse seeking to become Survivors; those dealing with traumatic events and work stresses.

I offer 1:1 or small family group sessions. In person, by phone or Zoom for the technologically willing.