MSc, BSc (Lond), MBACP, PgDip, PgCert
Life’s challenges can leave us feeling lost, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the future. You may find yourself struggling in relationships, facing life changes, experiencing work-related stress, repeating destructive patterns, or feeling stuck in a place you never anticipated. These experiences can be disorienting, but they also present an opportunity for change.
Psychotherapy provides a confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings honestly without external pressures or expectations from others. I offer a non-judgmental space where you can express yourself without the need to hold back. Psychotherapy offers a unique opportunity to engage in deep self-exploration without barriers. Together we can work to untangle the complexities of your past experiences, unresolved conflicts, and thought patterns that may be harming your mental health.
An integrative approach to psychotherapy (combining numerous different counselling theories to suit you) can build self-awareness, emotional healing, and resilience, help embrace change, and build self-esteem and confidence. In turn, you can find this empowering, bringing clarity to your current situation and help you to reframe your life, build healthier relationships, and move forward.
Struggling to choose a therapist? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options and confusing jargon. Let me simplify things by sharing a bit about myself and how I work.
As a registered member of the BACP with a Master’s degree in Integrative Psychotherapy, my training involved extensive self-reflection. This process was transformative for me, and I believe therapy can be the same for you. I integrate various therapeutic approaches, meaning your counselling is tailored to your unique needs. Understanding why we think and behave the way we do can be the key to making lasting change.
I support clients through a range of challenges, including anxiety disorders, depression, relationship difficulties, loss, low self-esteem, OCD, and eating disorders. My time counselling NHS staff provided extensive experience in addressing issues such as trauma, workplace conflict, and burnout. I understand the pressures of highly stressful environments, and together we can develop strategies to manage stress and restore balance.
My experience teaching A-level psychology with adolescents strengthened my interest in how the COVID pandemic impacted young people, who were ‘locked down’ during a crucial stage of their emotional and social development. My research highlighted that many young people’s mental health has not only been significantly affected, but that they now struggle to talk about how they feel and are hiding their emotions from family and friends. The research reinforced how a non-judgmental space for processing emotions and experience through therapy is essential for everyone.
I offer short-and long-term psychotherapy from my private practice based in Ashford in the Water, in the Peak District. We can work together inside, in the garden, or even walking therapy in the countryside (which many find calming and a less intense way to talk). Online sessions are also available if you prefer the comfort of your own home.
My role is to listen and walk alongside you on a journey of self-understanding, helping to unravel experiences, emotions, and patterns that may be holding you back.
-
Registered Member MBACP (The British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy)
-
MSc Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counselling
-
PgDip Psychotherapeutic Counselling
-
BSc Psychology
-
PgCert Counselling Psychology
-
BACP Online & Phone Therapy competence
About Myself
Qualifications
I am fully insured, DBS checked, & take regular clinical supervision to maintain ethical practice. Plus, I frequently take academic professional development to ensure that I provide the highest level of service.
How I Can Help You
You may have a clear idea of what you hope to achieve in therapy, or you may still be figuring it out (which is fine). I can help you with:
Abuse, Addictions, Anger management, Anxiety, Bereavement, Child related issues, Depression, Identity issues, Infertility, Loss, Life transitions & change, Menopause, Mood disorder, OCD, Parentification, Personal development, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy, Relationships, Self esteem, Self-harm, Sexuality, Stress & burnout, Suicidal Ideation, Trauma, Work related issues.
Anxiety
Anxiety can be emotional & physical, it is characterised by excessive worry or fear & often triggered by stress or uncertainty. It is a normal response but can become overwhelming when it persists, intensifies & interferes with our ability to function in life.
Depression
Depression is a persistent mood disorder characterised by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness & a loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities. It can affect your thoughts & energy, making it hard to enjoy life the way you used to.
Relationships
Relationship counselling helps identify issues in all forms of relationships (couples, families, peers & friends) providing a non-judgmental space to improve communication, resolve conflict explore challenges, rebuild trust & strengthen connection.
Abuse
Abuse with the intentional & often repeated harm of someone comes in many forms: physical, domestic, sexual, financial & psychological. Therapy can be a major step towards recovery, helping the wellbeing of those who've experienced abuse.
Addiction
Trauma & PTSD
Experiencing trauma can leave you feeling vulnerable & often reliving distressing events in flashbacks, with symptoms that deeply affect daily life. Healing takes courage, & therapy offers essential support & guidance on the path to recovery.
Stress / Burnout
Loss & Grief
Grief is a natural response to loss, whether from death or life changes such as divorce. Grief can evoke a range of emotions like sadness, anger, or anxiety. It is unique for everyone but often leaves us with a sense of uncertainty & loss of control.
Self Harm
Addiction to substances such as drugs or behaviours, sex, theft etc. can leave you feeling isolated. Therapy addresses its underlying causes, breaks the cycle & supports both addicts and those who care for addicts in regaining stability and control.
Eating Disorders
Binge eating, food restriction & purging may develop when we have an unhealthy relationship with food. A fixation with weight, body shape & exercise can dominate lives & affect serious physical health. Recovery can be difficult alone & therapy can explore what drives our disordered eating habits.
Self Esteem & Personal Development
Stress can arise from significant events or the build-up of smaller pressures such as work load, responsibilities, or life changes. Stress triggers the release of cortisol in our bodies, affecting us physically & mentally rendering us sick; it even alters our behaviour.
OCD
Obsessions involve intrusive thoughts, such as a fear of harming others, or something bad happening if things are not ordered. Compulsions include behaviours used to rid the obsessions, such as the repeated washing of hands. OCD can be very debilitating with a huge impact on a person's daily life .
Anger
Management
Self-harm can be a coping mechanism, often driven by overwhelming emotions or past trauma. It can be influenced by challenges at home, school, or work. Counselling offers a safe space to explore these intense feelings & develop coping skills
Sexuality
Coming to terms with your sexuality can bring anxiety and emotional turmoil. You may feel sure about your sexual identity or it may be more fluid and changeable. Therapy can help you explore your sexuality, enabling you to make a decision or help you to cope with the one you've already made.
Women's
Related Issues
Low self esteem involves you placing little value on yourself, leading to comparisons with others & feeling worthless. This can negatively impact various aspects of life, but therapy can identify negative thoughts fostering your confidence plus your personal development.
Anger can impair clear thinking, leading to impulsive behaviour, and, or us isolating ourselves. We may internalise our anger, causing stress within the body & mentally. Therapy offers a safe space to explore anger, addressing its root causes and learning how to redirect it in a healthy manner.
Therapy offers women essential support during their key stages of life such as adolescence, pregnancy and menopause, as well as their many challenges like infertility, miscarriage, PCOS or termination. Counselling can help address these issues fostering resilience, wellbeing & confidence.