What I offer
We will work together to explore what has brought you to therapy, ways to make sense of your experiences, and to find insights and perspectives which can bring about the changes you wish to make. Getting to know you as an individual and understanding your point of view on life will be a core part of this process.
I am a relational integrative counsellor and psychotherapist, so building a warm and genuine relationship will form the basis of our work together. Within this, we may integrate elements from various therapeutic modalities (such as person-centred, gestalt, compassion-focused, CBT) to best meet your individual needs and therapy goals. My aim is to work in a collaborative and non-judgmental way to first establish what you hope to gain from therapy, and then to work towards lasting change in a way that feels right for you.
About me
I have experience working both within the public and charity sector, and welcome meeting individuals with a variety of experiences and in diverse situations. I have worked with a wide range of individuals and issues, including; anxiety, panic, depression or low mood, EBSA (emotionally based school avoidance), addiction, loss and bereavement, trauma, self-harm, gender dysphoria, attachment difficulties, systemic oppression (eg gender, race, disability), work pressure and stress, difficult relationships, existential questions – looking for meaning, parenting difficulties or pressures, disordered eating, fostering/adoption/kinship care/court proceedings.
This list is not exhaustive and I will spend time understanding you as an individual, so please get in touch to discuss your support needs.
I aim to work in a neurodivergent affirming way and in an anti-discriminatory manner.
My qualifications include a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Relational Counselling and Psychotherapy from Leeds Beckett University and an MA in Social Work from the University of York.
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Young people
I have worked with children and young people throughout my career in various roles, including within school settings, in the home/in care and through volunteer work in the community. I hold current enhanced DBS clearance.
I enjoy building relationships with young people through play, creative activities, games and talking, and will work to find which approaches fit best for them.
Please contact me for an initial 15 – 20 minute conversation to discuss you and your child’s needs and explore how we could work together.
What to expect from a session
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I offer an initial 15-20 minute phone conversation free of charge. This will give you an opportunity to tell me a little about yourself, ask questions and decide if I’m the right therapist for you. We can discuss your needs and you can then consider whether you want to work with me. We can also explore practical arrangements (times, days, venue).
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If you decide to go ahead, I will email you some information to confirm how we plan to work and a brief questionnaire to gather background information.
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Payment via bank transfer will be required prior to the first session (or cash on arrival).
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All sessions are 50 minutes. In our first session we will spend time getting to know each other; we’ll talk about what’s going on for you and what you hope to achieve through therapy. We will agree how we plan to work together.
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Sessions will then usually be weekly, at the same time, as this allows us to build up a consistent, reliable relationship. If you require flexibility then we can discuss this.
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We will regularly review how the sessions are going to ensure that they continue to meet your needs.
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We will plan towards an ending at a time that feels appropriate for you.
FAQs
How much will it cost?
All sessions are £50 for 50 minutes and this is payable prior to each session either via bank transfer or cash.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies for each person; some people will want to address a particular problem in a time limited manner, whilst others may want to explore a range of issues over a longer period. There is no need to decide this in advance as we will review regularly.
Where will sessions take place?
We can meet online (via video-link is preferred), phone or face to face in Wetherby Therapy Rooms.
What if I need to cancel or re-arrange an appointment?
If you have to cancel a session, please give at least 24 hours notice otherwise full payment will be required.
How do I book an appointment?
Please get in touch via the contact page, email or phone. I will usually respond within 48 hours, but this may be longer at weekends or during holiday periods.
Will anyone find out I am having therapy?
Confidentiality is an essential part of our counselling relationship and included in the code of ethics of the BACP. There are a few exceptions to this which will be covered in our initial discussions.
Are you a member of any professional organisations?
I am a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) which means that I abide by their ethical framework, receive regular supervision in my work and undertake ongoing training. As a registered social worker I am also a member of Social Work England which means I am regulated by them and undertake relevant updates to my practice.
Contact me
If you are in need of urgent support please contact relevant NHS services, such as your GP, local crisis line or call 111 or 999.
If you are looking for someone to speak to right now, you may like to call Samaritans on 0116123 or text Shout to 85258.