ABOUT ME
I am a humanistic, integrative counsellor and psychotherapist and an accredited member of BACP. I work relationally in all of my therapeutic work, which means I work from the understanding that the relationship between myself and my client will be a catalyst of change in the therapeutic work we undertake together. I will not usually advise you, or tell you what I think you should do, but rather I will offer you a space to talk through your concerns and find your own meanings for your experiences. Sometimes I might offer theoretical concepts which I think could be of use, however these are just offerings, and there is no expectation that you should adopt those ideas. It is my belief that you are the expert on yourself; I endeavour to be alongside you in our work together.
I trained at Leeds Beckett University with a postgraduate diploma level in counselling and psychotherapy and a psychotherapy MA. My master's research looked into working with clients who have experienced harm in previous therapeutic relationships, and I have a special interest in this area.
I take a keen interest in social responsibility, especially working to oppose discrimination in all forms, promoting social justice and campaigning for a fairer, more inclusive profession. I write, speak publicly, and campaign and participate in events relating to these issues across the country.
My Background
Prior to my psychotherapeutic training, I worked in dementia care, promoting emotional wellbeing and social interaction amongst people living with dementia. I continue to have an interest in dementia and issues affecting older people; I have volunteered on the BACP older people's strategy expert panel, working towards encouraging engagement with therapy amongst older people.
My experiences as a client influence my learning on a personal and professional level, and I continue to undertake personal therapy as part of my ongoing commitment to self-development.
Qualifications and Experience
I hold an MA in psychotherapy, a postgraduate diploma in counselling and psychotherapy and a postgraduate certificate in counselling and interpersonal skills. I have previously worked as a counsellor, offering a mixture of short and long-term therapy for Community Counselling in Malton, and Talking Spaces in Harrogate, where I counselled in a specialist bereavement project. I have also co-facilitated anger management, anxiety and loneliness workshops for service users at York Mind.
I have been working in private practice since 2018.
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