How I can help you…
Am the right therapist for you?
A combination of gut instinct and an initial telephone chat with me are ways of helping you decide whether or not I am someone with whom you could feel comfortable.
I have also put together a question-and-answer section below to help you make up your mind, referencing the different issues I have either received training in, personally experienced or worked through therapeutically either on a personal level or with clients…
Relationships
Are you a couple whose relationship has hit a rocky patch?
I am trained to work with couples and also to facilitate discussion between groups of people or family members.
Do you sometimes feel as if you are putting more into relationships than you are getting from them?
Helping people understand why their relationships may follow unhealthy patterns and how to change that is something I can help you with.
Are you a parent?
As a parent of four adults and a former secondary school teacher who has studied child development, I can both empathise with your issues and offer knowledgeable, constructive responses including counselling of young people.
Or are you supporting someone with a serious illness or raising a child who has mental illness or physical disabilities?
The impact of caring for or supporting others is greatly under-estimated by society, yet the strain of such responsibility can break up relationships or lead people to seek solace in destructive addictive behaviours as a coping mechanism.
Counselling is a way of giving yourself the space and time to be an effective support to others as well as learning how to set boundaries and meet your own needs for self-care.
Mental health
Are you or is someone you know suffering with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, addictions, anger issues, eating disorders, panic attacks, chronic pain or medically unexplained symptoms?
I have experience, knowledge of and training in managing these and more complex mental health issues.
Are you struggling with your identity and self-harming as a result?
If so, then know there is no need to struggle alone. Help is at hand and I can offer LGBTQ - aware counselling.
Are you living with the impact of a partner’s addiction problems?
If so, I can help you regain a sense of self and climb out of the co-dependency or enabling trap.
Abuse
Have you had an emotionally abusive, harsh or chaotic upbringing either within a family or at a boarding school? Or have you experienced domestic abuse, psychological abuse, or workplace bullying as an adult?
Again, I have invested much time studying the possible long-term adverse effects of such experiences on the personality and want to reassure you that it is never too late for us to work together on reversing the impact of these experiences.
Have you experienced spiritual abuse, institutional abuse or been part of a Cult?
I have helped those who have undergone this type of abuse and had these types of experiences.
Have you suffered from childhood sexual abuse or adult sexual violence?
I have specialist training and experience in addressing both of these issues.
Traumatic and life-changing events
Experiencing a tragic event?
Anything from crime to suicide or mental breakdown can take us by surprise, leaving us reeling from their impact. Nothing in life has prepared us for how to cope with this.
How can we respond or even carry on with life?
Hopefully I can help you navigate this uncharted territory and, in the process, come up with some answers.
Things in your past?
Maybe you simply want to say things in confidence which need to be heard by a non-judgemental listener. Each person has a story to tell and yours will be heard both in safety and in the strictest confidence.
Maybe you just want answers to why something has happened – or keeps happening – to you or loved ones?
Whatever it is you want to bring, I am here to help adults, couples and teenagers overcome obstacles to happier lives and fulfilling relationships.
Loss
Have you lost someone close to you? Or experienced loss through pregnancy or abortion?
Supporting adults and children through traumatic bereavement is something in which I have specialist experience and training.
Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (CPTSD)
Have you suffered a traumatic incident such as a car crash, assault or distressing shock and are now experiencing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares phobias as a result?
‘Rewind’ is a special form of short-term trauma therapy - developed by David Muss who personally trained me - to tackle the symptoms of PTSD. The Rewind Technique primarily addresses the emotional and physiological responses associated with traumatic memories while respecting individual boundaries. This is particularly important for individuals who may be dealing with complex PTSD or dissociation because of the abuse.
I am a certified Clinical Trauma Professional which means that I have achieved training as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with the International Trauma Training Institute who are committed to the study of healing traumatic memories, a key component of CPTSD.
Other specialisms
Include my research into the mental health impact of Neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia), ongoing study of therapeutic methods for treating PTSD and Complex Trauma, plus an interest in the link between minority stress and diversity issues, particularly the impact of migration on second and third generations.
Make healthier choices
You may be feeling unsure about what has brought you here, or whether counselling is the right next step for you. Taking time to talk things through in a safe and confidential space can help you gain clarity, understand your patterns, and begin making choices that feel healthier and more supportive for you. If you would like to explore whether counselling could be helpful at this point in your life, you are very welcome to get in touch.