My journey into counselling began almost 15 years ago, when I sought help from a therapist following a difficult period in my life. Feeling inspired by this to make some changes, shortly after, I started volunteering as a Listener for Samaritans alongside my full time job in commodities shipping. I then later studied for a Masters while working as a counsellor in the NHS. Upon qualifying, I set up a small private practice, alongside voluntary work at a well known national mental health charity, and at a local secondary school.
How I Work
I endeavour to provide a safe, non-judgemental space for clients to open up and talk about any issues or problems they may be facing in their lives. It can be really difficult to show vulnerability in front of a stranger, so I start by cultivating a strong, trusting relationship with you, in order to make it easier for you to express big feelings and emotions. I am empathic, supportive and warm, but I am also authentic. I believe that in order to be helpful to you, sometimes therapy has to be challenging, yet you may be surprised to hear that a little humour often comes into sessions too.
I studied Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, which means that I have been trained in different modalities including person centred, psychodynamic and CBT, (see here for more information) and I draw on all this knowledge to tailor the work to suit you as an individual. I see therapy as a collaboration and will regularly ask you for feedback as to what works for you, as well as what doesn’t, and attempt to adjust accordingly. I will also make sure we frequently keep sight of your goals for therapy, as they may evolve as the work progresses.
Clients sometimes come to counselling seeking advice for a specific issue, but by me listening, asking questions and providing feedback, you will gradually gain insight into how you think and feel, giving you the information and tools to decide what course of action to take yourself. It is this increased understanding of oneself that means clients can often find that the effects of counselling on their lives are far wider reaching than they had initially expected.
I endeavour to provide a safe, non-judgemental space for clients to open up and talk about any issues or problems they may be facing in their lives. It can be really difficult to show vulnerability in front of a stranger, so I start by cultivating a strong, trusting relationship with you, in order to make it easier for you to express big feelings and emotions. I am empathic, supportive and warm, but I am also authentic. I believe that in order to be helpful to you, sometimes therapy has to be challenging, yet you may be surprised to hear that a little humour often comes into sessions too.
I studied Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, which means that I have been trained in different modalities including person centred, psychodynamic and CBT, (see here for more information) and I draw on all this knowledge to tailor the work to suit you as an individual. I see therapy as a collaboration and will regularly ask you for feedback as to what works for you, as well as what doesn’t, and attempt to adjust accordingly. I will also make sure we frequently keep sight of your goals for therapy, as they may evolve as the work progresses.
Clients sometimes come to counselling seeking advice for a specific issue, but by me listening, asking questions and providing feedback, you will gradually gain insight into how you think and feel, giving you the information and tools to decide what course of action to take yourself. It is this increased understanding of oneself that means clients can often find that the effects of counselling on their lives are far wider reaching than they had initially expected.
Qualifications and Training
MA in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Roehampton.
Level 5 Certificate in Counselling Children and Young People from OCN, London.
Certificate of Higher Education in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Birkbeck, University of London.
I was a Samaritans Listener for 5 years.
I was a Volunteer Counsellor for the NHS for 1 year, for a well known national mental health charity in Purley for 3 years and at a local high school in Croydon seeing clients aged 11-18 for 3 years.
I continue to attend regular CPD courses in order to ensure my practice is fully up to date with developments in the field.
MA in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Roehampton.
Level 5 Certificate in Counselling Children and Young People from OCN, London.
Certificate of Higher Education in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Birkbeck, University of London.
I was a Samaritans Listener for 5 years.
I was a Volunteer Counsellor for the NHS for 1 year, for a well known national mental health charity in Purley for 3 years and at a local high school in Croydon seeing clients aged 11-18 for 3 years.
I continue to attend regular CPD courses in order to ensure my practice is fully up to date with developments in the field.
Other
I am an accredited member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) so abide by their code of ethics.
I have an enhanced DBS certificate.
I am fully insured.
I am registered with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) for data protection.
I am an accredited member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) so abide by their code of ethics.
I have an enhanced DBS certificate.
I am fully insured.
I am registered with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) for data protection.