About me and the services I offer

Find me on the Counselling Directory

I am a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor, and clinically supervised and accredited member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy). I have an enhanced DBS certification to work with both adults and children; and full personal indemnity insurance. The work is carried out in accordance with the BACP code of ethics.

I am trained in several counselling approaches, including Transactional Analysis (four years of Advanced Clinical Training), DBT, breath work, and creative therapy, which brings together the integration of seven art forms with the spoken word. My other specialist qualifications include trauma focused therapy, online and telephone counselling, and working with couples.

Before training as a counsellor, I was a full time artist; working in the community and in the public and private sector. I delivered talks and training on understanding physical, mental, and social health benefits of the arts and arts therapies, exploring the unique ways in which aesthetic experience can inspire care and human thriving through life.

I am an identical twin, with patterns of neurodiversity in my family makeup.

How we can work together

I offer counselling for individuals and couples online and by telephone. I offer walk-and-talk counselling in the High Peak. 

Sessions can be long-term, short-term, or time-limited.

Sessions are usually 60 minutes and can be offered online via Zoom, or by telephone.

My approach to psychotherapeutic counselling

I have particular experience in working with trauma. This includes childhood abuse, domestic abuse, bereavement and loss, sudden and traumatic death, and ageing and identity.

In addition, I work with both male and female survivors of sexual violence. I also support individuals in the arts industry.

I blend elements from different approaches and tailor your treatment according to your need. Some of the areas of life that I can support with include:

  • Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or burnt-out

  • LGBTQ+ and/or GSRD identity

  • Feeling stuck, trapped, or lost

  • Feeling low, sad, or depressed

  • Low confidence or low self-esteem

  • People-pleasing tendencies

  • Life changes or periods of change

  • Relationship difficulties or difficulty connecting with others

Regular attendance, usually on a weekly basis, is important for effective therapy. Together, we will develop a strong working relationship, set realistic goals, and support and challenge each other as needed.

Transactional Analysis

Transactional Analysis is a talking therapy and is a widely recognised form of modern psychology, designed to promote personal growth and change.

How each of us make sense of the world and how we are shaped as people is a mixture of genetics and experience. Essentially, transactional analysis can be used in any field where there is a need for understanding of individuals, communication and relationships. As a result, it is particularly useful where there are issues of conflict, confusion or where something is lacking.

Many people find transactional analysis appealing as it promotes an equal relationship between client and therapist, in which the client is encouraged to focus on their commitment to change.

Credentials

 

My professional qualifications

 

Accredited Member, British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (899885)

Member, UK Association for Transactional Analysis

Advanced Diploma Award Psychotherapeutic Counselling

Certificate in Trauma-Focused Therapy

Certificate in Couples Counselling

Therapeutic and Educational Application of the Arts

Certificate in Counselling Skills

Enhanced DBS certification

 
 

A note on rescheduling and cancellations

 
 

I understand that life can sometimes get in the way and appointments may need to be moved or missed, so I try to accommodate clients’ wishes as much as I can, but that is not always possible.

I have a 48-hour cancellation policy. Where there is less than 48 hours’ notice of cancellation, a cancellation fee of 50% of the cost of the session will be payable (except in the case of serious personal emergencies, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis). 

If you would like to reschedule a session, and I am able to accommodate this before the Sunday of the week in question, then I will endeavour to do so, but this may not always be possible. Should I need to cancel our session with less than 24 hours’ notice, no fee will be payable in this circumstance.

If I have to cancel a session at short notice (less than 24 hours), I will advise you as soon as possible and your payment will be transferred to your next appointment.