I am a qualified Psychodynamic Psychotherapist.

I offer both brief solution focused counselling and longer-term open–ended psychotherapy for individuals and couples. I have undertaken further training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Systemic family therapy and
Psychosexual studies.

Prior to training as a counsellor I worked for sixteen years in the NHS in adult and mental health nursing where I specialised in HIV and palliative care.

I am an accredited member of the UK council for Psychotherapy [UKCP] and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy [BACP] and I practice under their code of ethics.

I strive to work holistically, tailoring my approach and use of psychotherapeutic models very much in response to the individual needs of each particular client. By developing a safe, secure and collaborative therapeutic relationship with each client I hope to create the conditions that make change and transformation through therapy possible.

People come for therapy with a diverse range of issues ranging from depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship breakdown, loss and bereavement and crises in their mental health. Others may come in order to make time and space to reflect on and explore their lives, thoughts and experiences in a way that might otherwise not be possible.

Sometimes emotional problems or mental health difficulties can feel overwhelming and not easily resolved without accessing professional help.

Much of the success of any therapy lies in the establishment of a secure and trusting relationship between client and therapist.
I strive to create a relaxed, safe and containing space for my clients to begin to explore   their particular issues and concerns.
A Psychodynamic training underpins my therapeutic practice.  I am interested in how past events and the unconscious mind impact on current events in a client’s life.  Therapy is an opportunity for the client to become curious about old and dysfunctional patterns of relating to the self and others, and to explore new ways of being. An awareness of current research into neuroscience, human growth and development and attachment theory further informs this approach.

Therapy is an investment in yourself and a resource for personal growth. It requires a curiosity of mind and a commitment to the process but the rewards can be profound.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Counselling is a term used generally to describe focused therapeutic work, suitable perhaps when someone has had a specific trauma or crisis that they want some support for and to find strategies for coping. Psychotherapy tends to be longer term and more explorative, in depth work.

How long does therapy last?

The length of time you might come depends very much on your particular presenting issues and what you want to get out of the therapy. This is something that can be discussed at the outset of therapy and on an on-going basis. Sessions are generally held on a weekly basis and last for 50 minutes.

What are the first steps to beginning therapy?

An initial appointment gives you the opportunity to meet with me and get some idea if you think my approach to therapy might be one that suits you. It is really important that you feel you have a comfortable relational ‘fit’ with your therapist and so you are encouraged to come along to this initial session with no sense of pressure that you should make a decision then and there. It is often easiest if initially contact is made by email, we can then arrange a convenient time to speak over the phone if that is something you would like. I will endeavour to get back to you within 24 hours, and to arrange for an initial session within a week whenever possible.