A bit about me

My personal development as a therapist is ongoing and I have a particular interest in difficult early years relationships and the effects of shame, which are very much a part of my own story. 

I have over thirty years experience of working with, and managing, people in a variety of operational roles. However, despite being lucky enough to have all sorts of opportunities during my career I always knew my heart was in helping people. So, in 2014, I started a Degree course in Counselling and Psychotherapy with the Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute in Nottingham and graduated in 2017 - a big deal for a kid from a small town who was bullied for being different.. 

I spent two years in a University setting, using brief therapy models to help clients focus on specific issues during a limited number of sessions. These are broadly similar to the techniques used in Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) work, which I also have experience of. The majority of my counselling work has taken place in the voluntary sector, where clients can explore more complex issues over a much longer period of time.

My core training is in Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling. 

That might sound a bit intimidating but put simply, the humanistic approach focuses on you as a unique individual. Your ability to change and grow; to make choices and be responsible for yourself.

The integrative aspect means I draw on different theories to help develop our work.

I also describe my approach as relational and developmental. 

I believe we have a fundamental need for relationships as human beings; we’re not designed to exist in isolation. The quality of the relationship we build is key, especially if you see yourself as someone who doesn’t feel valued. The developmental element allows us to look in depth at your story and see whether 

there are events or relationships in your earlier years that have had an impact on your sense of who you are now. 

We can’t rewrite the past, but we can get a better understanding of our coping strategies and why they might not be as useful as they once were.

All of this is why finding the right therapist is so important. And it’s why I take the trust you place in me so seriously.

 The nature of therapy means that there’s a fair amount of talking and listening, but I believe there’s more to it than that. We might work creatively with colour, music and objects if finding your voice is difficult. Like an interactive mirror, I reflect what I see and hear back to you, helping you identify patterns of behaviour you might not have recognised before. A different perspective for you to consider. 

It’s important that you know I’m bound by the BACP Ethical Framework which includes regular clinical supervision and continuous professional development. You can read more about standards for therapists here: 

https://www.bacp.co.uk/media/3103/bacp-ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions-2018.pdf 

I also hold an Enhanced Certificate from the Disclosure & Barring Service.