“The key to any therapeutic work lies within the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client”

A Warm Welcome

Choosing a counsellor is a personal decision, and it’s important to find someone you feel comfortable with. My aim is to provide a warm, collaborative and non-judgemental space where you can explore whatever has brought you to therapy.

On this page, you’ll learn a little about my journey into counselling, the way I work, and the values that guide my practice. If you’d like to learn more about my qualifications, professional registration and experience, you can also visit my Qualifications & Professional Background page.

My Story

“It became increasingly clear that I wanted a career centred around supporting people through some of life’s most challenging experiences.”

My journey into counselling began somewhat unexpectedly. At the age of 16, while choosing my A-Level subjects, Psychology was never part of the plan. Due to a timetable clash, I found myself selecting it almost by chance. What started as an unexpected choice quickly became a genuine passion, sparking a fascination with understanding people, their experiences and the ways we make sense of the world around us.

That interest led me to study Psychology at the University of the West of England, where I developed a deeper understanding of mental health, human behaviour and psychological research. Throughout my degree, I found myself drawn most strongly to counselling, clinical psychology, sport psychology and, above all, the therapeutic relationship. It became increasingly clear that I wanted a career centred around supporting people through some of life’s most challenging experiences.

Although the route wasn’t entirely straightforward, it confirmed something important to me: counselling was where I wanted to be. I completed a Certificate in Counselling Skills before undertaking a Master’s degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy, graduating with Distinction. Alongside my academic training, I completed over 100 hours of personal therapy, gained extensive clinical experience across a range of counselling placements, and have continued to develop my practice through ongoing professional development, training and clinical supervision.

Alongside my counselling training, I spent more than seven years working within NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Working alongside psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, nurses and other mental health professionals gave me valuable insight into the many different ways people experience emotional distress and reinforced the importance of compassionate, collaborative care.

Whatever has brought you to counselling, my hope is that you feel listened to, understood and accepted from our very first session. I believe that when people are given the right environment, meaningful change becomes possible.

My Therapeutic Approach

As an Integrative Counselling Psychotherapist, I believe there is no single approach that suits everyone. Each person brings their own experiences, relationships, strengths and challenges, so therapy should be tailored to the individual rather than expecting the individual to fit one particular model of counselling.

My work is grounded primarily in Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, Gestalt and Transactional Analysis (TA) approaches, while also drawing upon CBT-informed techniques where they may be helpful. Rather than focusing on labels or diagnoses, I aim to understand you as a whole person and work collaboratively to explore whatever feels most important to you.

Above all, I believe the therapeutic relationship is at the heart of meaningful counselling. Feeling listened to, understood and accepted creates the foundation from which lasting change can begin.

The Therapeutic Approaches I Draw Upon

As an Integrative Counselling Psychotherapist, I draw upon a number of different therapeutic approaches depending on your individual needs, experiences and goals. Rather than working rigidly from one model, integration allows me to adapt my approach so that our work together feels personal, flexible and responsive to you.

The approaches that most strongly inform my work include:

Person-Centred Therapy

Person-Centred Therapy places you at the heart of the counselling process. I believe that when people feel genuinely listened to, accepted and understood without judgement, they are better able to explore their experiences, develop greater self-awareness and move towards meaningful change.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Sometimes our present difficulties are influenced by experiences and relationships from earlier in life. Psychodynamic Therapy helps us explore how past experiences, unconscious patterns and longstanding ways of relating may continue to affect how we think, feel and behave today.

Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt Therapy encourages greater awareness of your thoughts, emotions and experiences in the present moment. It can help identify recurring patterns, increase self-understanding and support you in making choices that feel more authentic and fulfilling.

Transactional Analysis (TA)

Transactional Analysis focuses on the ways we communicate, relate to others and develop patterns of thinking and behaving throughout our lives. It can help us understand why certain situations, relationships or interactions can feel difficult, recognise recurring patterns and develop healthier, more effective ways of relating to ourselves and those around us.

CBT-Informed Practice

Where appropriate, I also draw upon Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-informed techniques. These can help us explore the relationship between thoughts, emotions and behaviours, identify unhelpful patterns and develop practical strategies that support positive change.

Rather than expecting you to fit one particular model of therapy, I aim to work collaboratively and flexibly, drawing upon these approaches in a way that best supports your individual needs. My priority is always to create a therapeutic relationship in which you feel safe, understood and empowered to explore whatever has brought you to counselling.

You can read more about these therapeutic approaches here.

My Values

Compassion

Every person’s story deserves to be heard with empathy, understanding and without judgement.

Collaboration

I believe counselling is something we do together. We will work collaboratively to understand your experiences and discover what feels meaningful and helpful for you.

Respect

You are the expert in your own life. My role is not to tell you what to do, but to support you in exploring your thoughts, emotions and choices.

Honesty

I value openness and authenticity in the therapeutic relationship. I aim to be genuine, transparent and supportive throughout our work together.

Confidentiality

Feeling safe is fundamental to counselling. I provide a confidential environment where you can speak openly, knowing your privacy will be respected.

Warmth

Therapy doesn’t need to feel cold or clinical. I strive to create an environment where you feel comfortable, accepted and able to be yourself.

Interested in learning more about my qualifications and professional experience?

You can read more about my education, training, professional registration and clinical experience here.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re considering counselling, I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have. Whether you’re ready to begin therapy or simply want to find out more, you’re very welcome to get in touch.