ABOUT ME I initially graduated as a Cultural Anthropologist I worked as a researcher, studying cultural behaviour. Gradually, as my career developed, I became more interested in behaviour from a philosophical and psychological point of view. This introduced me to Philosophy, Artistic Expression, Psychology and Counselling & Psychotherapy.
Over more than three decades I gained extensive therapeutic experience in many different settings: the community, universities, colleges, counselling organisations and private practice.
I integrate different theories. As a trained person-centred therapist I anchor my approach in person centred therapy. I draw from other theories in which I completed additional training: Gestalt, Existential therapies, Focusing and Person Centred Expressive Art Therapy and Creative Supervision.
I greatly value the therapeutic relationship, I have with my clients . Therapy would not work if the relationship between me and my clients would not be based on a deep,/true connection and trust. Additionally I endeavour to meet my client 'where they are', as they are the expert on their life.
Over the years I have seen that the traditional way of communicating, talking, and a more expressive way of communicating, art, can very successfully be applied as part of therapy. A client will however always be asked beforehand if they want to engage in a more expressive way of communicating. I gained specific experience in Loss & Bereavement issues. The issues clients have brought to the sessions over the years however, have related to issues reaching far beyond the specific issue of loss & bereavement:
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM COUNSELLING? I offer telephone, online or face-to-face sessions. Happy to discuss via a free of charge half hour telephone/ online conversation what would suit the client best.
For some people the decision to engage in therapy is an easy one. For most it is something they have thought about but not acted upon because the thought of therapy can be daunting
Making the first step takes courage and strength because you might have known for a while you needed help but the thought of asking for that help, as in going to therapy, might make you anxious and worried as you have no idea what to expect.
Therapy is for you and about you. At every session you will decide what to talk about. You will never be 'put on the spot', asked to talk about something or do something you feel uncomfortable with.
An option for you might be to book an initial session, free of charge. This session will last 1/2 hour and give you an excellent opportunity to familiarise yourself with me and counselling. It will enable you to decide if this is the way forward for you. Once you decide to go ahead , every session lasts 1 hour and is confidential.
It is important to know that: I am a member of the accredited voluntary register (NR 046500) I am a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and abide by the BACP ethical framework. (MBACP Membership Number 701210) HTTP://WWW.BACP.CO.UK/ETHICAL_FRAMEWORK/ I hold a current indemnity insurance I have an up to date DBS
NB Counselling occurs typically weekly. In my experience, however, clients sometimes prefer, for whatever reason, to attend fortnightly. It is perfectly fine to facilitate a beneficial therapeutic relationship for clients who prefer to attend every other week.