About me
I would say that I am a fun, lively, kind, caring, open, authentic and empathic person. I have 3 dogs and spend as much time as possible out with them; usually trying and failing to keep them in some semblance of order.
I am passionate about my work as a Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor. My values as a human being and also a Psychotherapist very much align, in that I value; honesty, integrity, openness, causing no harm, uniqueness of others and their experience, acceptance without judgement, equality, celebrating diversity and inclusivity, and the expansion of insight in to ourselves and those around us. I believe that everyone has the right to meet their potential in all areas of their life and also the natural ability to achieve this, but that sometimes the conditions for this have not been created which is something that therapy can offer.
I hold a special interest in issues regarding neurodiversity, gender, sexuality, identity, identity based trauma along with female hormones, perimenopause, and menopause.
I am passionate in my support with the LGBTQ+ community as an ally and value diversity. I have both personal experience and experience of working with clients or couples who identify as LGBTQIA+ and who wish to explore gender / sexuality issues. I offer a safe, and judgement free environment where, together, we can identify and explore areas that you might need support in and discover your own unique way of being that feels right for you.
As an adult with late diagnosis of ADHD / ASD and a parent of two children with ASD I have extensive knowledge of this area, navigating the complexities of pre & post diagnosis, and of celebrating uniqueness and diversity. I will offer a warm, accepting, and safe environment where we can explore together your own ways of being, how these might be for you and find ways to support you moving forward wherever you are within this part of your journey. We will take as much time needed to get to know one another, what works for you, what doesn’t, and find a shared language and way of expressing your experience. I want to accommodate you and your needs whether this may be sensory, structure of the sessions, methods of communication, etc so that you are able to maximise what you gain from the sessions and we can explore these together.
Qualifications and experience
I trained at The Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute (SPTI) from 2000 – 2005 and graduated with an MA in Person-Centred Humanistic Psychotherapy (Merit).
Upon graduating, I worked in Nottingham city schools with primary aged children. I then took a year out to have my second child and temporarily relocated to France. Upon returning to the UK, I went on to work in the NHS until the beginning of 2019 when I moved into full time private practice.
In 2017 I qualified as a Clinical Training Supervisor and am accredited with the UKCP.
I have taught Humanistic & Integrative counselling & psychotherapy at Levels 2, 3 & 6.
Below are some of the presenting client issues that I have worked with, in person, online and phone:
Clinical Supervision
My approach as a Clinical (Teaching) Supervisor reflects that of my approach to psychotherapy in that I work relationally / developmentally and from a trauma informed / inclusive perspective.
I aim to provide a safe space where supervisees feel able to bring both themselves and their client work so that this can be explored collaboratively. As a supervisor I see myself as offering an objective lens through which your work can be viewed and where I am removed enough from the therapeutic relationships with your clients that I am able to identify processes that may be occurring enabling us to explore these together.
As you take yourself in to your clinical work with your clients I am interested to know what might be impacting you in the here & now and what, from your own history, might be getting caught and will always provide a space for this.
I have significant experience of working with trainee practitioners and also offer academic supervision.