Experience
I have worked as a Counsellor and Psychotherapist for over 25 years and I remain passionate about the work and the transformation it can bring to people's lives. I have continued to train in therapies which offer effective ways of working with psychological issues. This includes EMDR, CBT and IFS (Internal Family Systems). In the past, I have had a varied work career: including social work with children and families, youth work, teaching, and working for a media company. I have worked in the NHS as a CBT and EMDR therapist.
My approach
Part of my job is to help you to understand what therapy is and how it might help you. This can be a very useful source of help and it shouldn't be either mysterious or frightening. Many people avoid coming for help because of the continuing stigma about mental health - and that may result in continuing to suffer. I believe that all human beings, at some time in their life, will experience a psychological issue of some kind - because most of us will experience loss, stress, relationship difficulties or problematic mood - simply by living our lives.
Key features of how I work:
- I tailor the therapy to you, not the other way round.
- I work in partnership with you. This means I listen to what you have to say about the issue but I also contribute from my knowledge and expertise. In the therapy session we are in this together - in a mutual therapeutic relationship.
- I believe you are coming to see me because I have a valuable professional contribution to make to your life. Although I allow and offer silence when I think it may be helpful, I am very active in the sessions.
- I'm flexible. I can work in a very structured way or I can work in a much looser, explorative way.
- I believe that warmth, kindness, compassion, openness, the willingness to relate and be alongside you in your trouble are valuable aspects of therapy.
- Psychotherapies such as EMDR, CBT and IFS (Internal Family Systems) have some very valuable techniques which offer people a way out of the traps of psychological difficulty. I ensure that I stay up-to-date with new research and techniques that are helpful.
- I'm creative - if something isn't working I'll suggest something else. I also believe it's important to regularly review the work we do.
Qualifications and registrations
Accredited EMDR Consultant, EMDR Europe (since 2019)
Accredited EMDR Practitioner, EMDR Europe (since 2014)
Qualified Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist (CBT) (Accredited with BABCP, 2011-2024)
Registered Psychotherapist, UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy) - Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapies Section (since 2007)
Senior Accredited Member, BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) (since 2004)
Internal Family Systems, Level I (2021)
EMDR Training, Sandi Richman, EMDR-Training (2011-2012)
Supervision of CBT, University of Surrey (2010-2011)
Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBT), University of Brighton (2008-2009)
Certificate in Integrative Supervision, Metanoia Institute, London (2007-2008)
MSc Integrative Psychotherapy, Metanoia Institute, London (1998-2007)
MA Social Work, University of Lancaster (1989-1991)