I would consider myself one of life's searchers; someone who has spent many years trying to figure out my purpose on the earth and where I fit in.
After years working in a variety of jobs from being a primary school teacher and private tutor, to a shop assistant, office admin assistant, cleaner, call centre operative and many more (you name it, I've probably tried it!), I discovered counselling as a vocation after a difficult time in my personal life.
Counselling helped me to make sense of what I was going through and played a vital part in my healing journey. I decided to retrain as a counsellor myself in 2017, completing my Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling in 2021.
My Approach
There are many types of therapy available in the counselling world - but I am trained as a Person-centred Therapist. This type of counselling is great for those who need time and space to talk about their issues without any judgement or pressure.
You decide what you would like help or support with and I walk beside you in your journey, sharing my warmth, acceptance, empathy and compassion; offering a different perspective at times, challenging negative beliefs and offering tools to help you cope better. This is good for those times when you need someone to listen who isn't closely connected to your issues and won't tell you what you should do.
I see the clients I work with as whole, unique individuals with complex needs, wants and desires. I really believe that we all know what is best for us deep down but sometimes we need help and support figuring things out.
I am passionate about helping people to harness the power within themselves to make changes in their lives so that they feel happier and more fulfilled. I don't believe in a ‘one size fits all’ approach to therapy and so I draw on several counselling theories to support my clients in whatever way is best for them.
I believe therapy is a very personal and individual thing and so I work collaboratively with you to ensure you are receiving the very best support that will help you achieve your therapy goals.
Throughout my training and post-qualifying experience, I have worked with a whole range of issues such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, low self-worth and self-esteem, trauma, relationship problems, loss of identity, and bereavement, plus many more.
Specialism
A branch of my counselling services is based on the fact that I’m vegan and have been since 2017 and although my work is not limited to working with people who are vegan, I feel I am able to offer a unique service in this area to people who are, as there do not appear to be many openly vegan therapists in the counselling world.
As a therapist and as part of my ongoing development, I myself have therapy from time to time and I am yet to find a vegan therapist to work with which I personally feel would be beneficial for me.
Being vegan myself means that I already understand the philosophy and way of thinking so as my client, you don't have to worry about explaining your beliefs. I have first-hand experience in knowing the challenges of living as a vegan in a non-vegan world.
Sometimes talking to someone who really understands veganism can be an extremely valuable experience (even if you are talking about non-vegan related issues). This way of living can at times feel extremely lonely and isolating and sometimes affects our relationship with others. Whether it's family members who disapprove of our lifestyle choices, or work colleagues who make us the butt of their jokes, I get it. Veganism is more than a lifestyle choice - it is a philosophy and as such impacts on many areas of our lives.
It can be hard transitioning to veganism and the experience can feel quite traumatic-especially for those who may have watched documentaries about animal agriculture and farming practices and so I want to support those who have chosen the vegan way of life and give people a place to talk without fear of judgement or misunderstanding. In their article, Plant Based News asks, 'Does It Make A Difference If My Therapist Is Vegan?' You can check it out here.
This does not mean however that I do not work with those who don't share my philosophy - I am happy to work with clients of all beliefs.
Why choose me?
Counselling sometimes involves talking about some difficult or painful issues and I consider myself to be warm, friendly and non-judgemental. I’m passionate about helping other people and am a naturally empathic and compassionate person. Seeing the impact that I can make is so rewarding and I feel privileged to be able to help.
Sometimes people come to therapy for help with specific issues; others are looking for help figuring out what the problem is that may be holding them back and affecting their life. Whatever has led you here, counselling can most definitely help and I would love to hear from you.
I believe that the relationship between us is of utmost importance so I offer a free telephone consultation so that we can both make sure we are a good fit for each other and you can have confidence that you have chosen the right therapist to help and support you.
As a fully-qualified counsellor I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and abide by their code of ethics.
Training
~Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (CPCAB)
~Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CPCAB)
~Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CPCAB)