Counselling

I am a warm, compassionate counsellor who offers a calm, non-judgemental space to help and support you if you are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, family issues, trauma, historical abuse, bereavement – or anything else causing you emotional pain.

I am trained as a person-centred counsellor, which is a humanistic approach to therapy, rooted in the idea that within the context of a trusting therapeutic relationship, a person can begin to heal from painful experiences and re-build a sense of self-worth, safety and trust in themselves and their interactions with others.

Life’s chaos, uncertainty and complexities can mean that all too often we lose our sense of direction, clarity, connection and motivation. Certain events, life experiences or unhealthy relationships can lead to unwelcome thoughts, constant anxiety and profound sadness and a feeling that something is not quite right.

Counselling can be understood, not as ‘fixing’ anything, but as a way of exploring and making sense of our experiences so that we can re-gain a sense of control over our own story and understand ourselves better. It can help to reduce a sense of loneliness or shame, it can quieten your inner critic and give you a feeling of self-determination over your present and your future. I see it as a peeling away of layers and returning home to ourselves so that we can enjoy life again.

I believe that something profound happens when we are truly listened to, and counselling offers a unique space for a person to feel seen, heard and understood as they explore their inner world, without judgement.

Using an integrative style in my client work, I base my approach in the core values of empathy and acceptance and trust that we all have the inner wisdom and resources that we need to heal from traumatic experiences. My role is to facilitate an exploration of your world at your own pace and guide you towards a path that feels more in allignment with the life you hope for.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change” – Carl Rogers.

With years of experience directly supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, I have a deep understanding of the complexities and long-term impact of relational trauma, as well as the profound and lasting effect of feeling unsafe or unseen in any relationship.

I am a qualified yoga teacher with a specific interest in therapeutic and somatic yoga, which explores the embodiment of trauma and unprocessed emotions and the incredible power of listening to our bodies to help us to heal. I have a particular interest in compassion focussed therapy and its effectiveness in over-coming shame and a sense of unworthiness.

I am an adoptive mother to two children, who inspire me and teach me something new every day. Preparing for this particular role in life guided me towards researching attachment and its influence throughout life and relationships, the impact of trauma on the nervous system, the consequences of separation and loss, and the formation of identity and a sense of belonging.

Qualifications and Experience

I have a Post-Graduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling from Brighton University as well as a BA in Sociology and an MA in Women’s Studies from Sussex University.

I have further training in Transactional Analysis (TA), Attachment, Trauma and Loss.

Throughout my career I worked for many years in the charity sector; for Rise, a Sussex based domestic abuse charity, I had roles as a support worker in a women’s refuge, as a young people’s worker and as an outreach worker for older people at risk of abuse.

I have also worked as an ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) at Survivors Network in Brighton and as a residential social worker for young people in care.

I also have clinical experience within the NHS.

I am currently available on Tuesday evenings and can be contacted here.