My approach
I am an integrative therapist. This means I trained in the main traditions of psychotherapy and whilst my work draws from all of them, I am able to adapt my approach to meet the needs of the client. What feels right for one person may be different for another. I work with individuals aged 18+ on a range of experiences, including abuse, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, gender, isolation, loss, relationships, self-harm, sex, sexuality, trauma and more.
Sometimes the feelings that bring someone to therapy can be painful or distressing. Or there may be an absence of or difficulty in naming feelings that feels confusing. I try not to pre-empt what therapy means for someone as each client will need something different. As therapist I try to understand the client’s experience as they live it; I will offer questions, reflections, and ideas as we explore together but ultimately, I believe the client is the expert of their experience. I recognise it can take time to feel safe with a new therapist; I welcome clients sharing their experience of me, so that together we can work out what is needed to feel comfortable and build trust.
My approach is relational, which means I recognise the feelings that bring someone to therapy are likely to be relational – that is, experienced in relationship. I pay attention to how these feelings might be showing up in a client’s current relationships, as well as what happened in their history, going back to their earliest caregiver relationships. What happens in the therapeutic relationship can also offer important information about the client’s relational experience.
Taking a relational approach also means adopting a non-pathologising stance – that is, especially where trauma is concerned, I tend not to see emotional problems as located within individuals but in the relationships, and social and political structures in which we exist. I also make space for the body in therapy, which is a vital aspect of trauma-informed support. My practice is queer and trans affirmative; I am committed to anti-oppressive practice.
Qualifications
I have a Diploma in Integrative Counselling from The Minster Centre, where I am also completing a MA in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) and work in accordance with their Ethical Framework.
Getting started
I encourage prospective clients to come for an initial session to explore their reasons for seeking therapy and their aims. Together we can decide if we feel like a good fit. If not, that’s ok and I may be able to recommend other therapists.
Before the initial session I will send some information by email about how I work and data protection. If the client has any questions before attending, we can arrange a short call.
Fees: £70 - £90. I operate a sliding scale and ask clients to decide what they can afford. I also offer a small number of low-cost appointments. These are currently full and I have a waiting list.
