ABOUT ME
The Person-Centred Approach
In essence, the Person-Centred Approach believes that every individual has the capacity within themself to grow and flourish, so long as they have the right environment around them to do so - a place of warmth, transparency and respect. As a Person-Centred Counsellor, my hope is to provide this. I believe passionately in the change that can come about when we feel heard and valued, when we can unpick whatever constraints or beliefs have built up around us, and when we have the space to acknowledge and make sense of our feelings.
What does a session look like?
A session in its simplest form is a space to talk, to explore whatever it is that troubles or distresses you, and where you can speak without fear of judgement. I approach anything that you bring with sensitivity and warmth, but also with a real curiosity to understand just how life is for you. Whilst I may offer some gentle guidance and questioning in early sessions as we get to know each other, I also trust that by choosing to come for counselling, you will know the areas that you wish to talk about and as such, the sessions will be largely determined by you and your self-exploration.
I truly believe that the therapeutic relationship is the key to growth and healing, and so at points we will review our work together. Questions about my way of working and our work together are welcome at any time.
So why did I choose counselling?
Looking back, I can see that most of my choices in life have been geared around ways of communicating or interacting with others, whether that was in my modern languages degree, work positions in management, or opting to be a full-time parent to my three children. Connection with others is a huge source of comfort and inspiration to me, and I like to think that it’s a two-way street.
My interest in counselling began when I was at a point of change in my own life – feeling lost and overwhelmed by the uncertainty that lay ahead and by the weight of decision making, I soon saw the significance of being supported, of having someone who listened and really understood my struggles. Change and personal growth can feel daunting, it can feel like a scary place, but it doesn’t need to be done alone.
Now, as an accredited counsellor, in addition to counselling adults, I have also worked for several years in an agency with young adults (18-25 years old); I appreciate just how turbulent this stage can be. Since 2017, I have also been working with agencies counselling survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse. I work in a trauma-informed way, incorporating the principles of trust, collaboration, choice, empowerment, safety and culture into my way of working, and understanding the need to recognise the impact of trauma and prevent re-traumatisation.
Areas of Experience
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Adults
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Young Adults (18-25 years old)
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Relationship Issues
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Stress and Anxiety
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Depression
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Trauma
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Childhood Sexual Abuse
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Bereavement
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Telephone/Online Counselling
The official bit......
I hold a Post-Graduate Diploma (with distinction) in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Aberdeen, 2018, and a COSCA Certificate in Counselling, 2015.
I am a Registered Member MBACP (Accredited) 375060.
I am fully insured with the Psychologists Protection Society, and I receive regular monthly supervision.