A little about how I work

My approach

 

I originally trained in the person-centred approach, and I stay true to its ethos of client as expert – you know you better than I could, after all. I’m not here to tell you what to do, offer solutions or advise you. I aim to provide an environment in which you feel safe to explore whatever's going on for you at a pace that suits you, to get you to where you want to be.

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I’ve a firm belief that talking can only take us so far and I undertook training in focusing. Focusing was introduced into talking therapy after research in the 1950s discovered clients who were able to connect to their bodily experience as they spoke - for instance if their heart began to ache as they spoke about a loss - experienced deeper therapeutic change. It’s gentle and does not involve any physical contact from me; this is about you gaining awareness and connecting to your experience.

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Because I was curious to understand more about ways in which we communicate with others, I completed a foundation certificate in transactional analysis, which sounds a lot more clinical than it actually is! I sometimes bring parts of this theory into sessions to help clients make sense of frustrating or difficult relationships with people around them, both personally and professionally.

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My approach is also influenced by my training in gestalt, which has a focus on the here and now. Sometimes we can wrestle with different parts of ourselves who may have conflicting views, causing us to feel a bit stuck. In sessions we can bring them to life, approaching them with growing curiosity and understanding, enabling you to feel more in control.

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Practicalities

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I qualified with a diploma in therapeutic counselling, and I'm an accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (register number 381002), with an enhanced DBS and full insurance.

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Additionally, I hold a foundation certificate in gestalt counselling from the Manchester Gestalt Centre, a foundation certificate in transactional analysis from The Berne Institute, and a British Focusing Association certificate in focusing skills.

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I also have a certificate in trauma therapy from the Link Centre, and am trained in the Rewind approach, which can be helpful for PTSD.

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Undertaking continuous professional development regularly to keep my practice up-to-date is something I take seriously.  I want my practice to be as inclusive and welcoming as possible.