About me
Qualifications and Experience
I trained at The Minster Centre in London, a leading integrative psychotherapy and counselling training institute.
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Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling (BACP accredited, validated by Middlesex University)
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Motherhood Studies Practitioner Certification (sociology of motherhood, by Dr Sophie Brock)
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Petals training on Supporting Parents Following Baby Loss (including subsequent pregnancies)
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Advanced Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
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Certificate in Bereavement Counselling
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My ongoing professional development includes specialist training on many areas including: working with trauma, shame, perinatal mental health and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and abide by their high professional standards and ethical codes.
In addition to my private practice I have worked in an NHS-funded bereavement service and a low-cost counselling service. Before training as a therapist I studied English Literature at university, was briefly a primary school teacher then built a career as a manager in university admin, supporting academics and students in lively English, Fine Art and Psychology departments.
I am a qualified counsellor with over 10 years of experience. I have two primary-school age children.
When I had my first child I became interested in the psychological transition into motherhood. I saw lots of baby classes advertised, but nothing aimed at mums who wanted support for their personal process. There is still a taboo against mothers having mixed feelings about mothering and finding it hard. Which is outrageous because it's absolutely normal. Mums deserve support not shame.
I am an integrative counsellor, which means that I am influenced by a range of psychotherapy theories and techniques and tailor my approach to each client. I believe that you are the expert in your life. My role is to provide a warm non-judgemental relationship which helps you to be yourself, as together we explore what is troubling you and how to feel better. I bring curiosity and kindness to each therapeutic relationship and love meeting people from all walks of life. I am a divergent thinker, which means I am good at holding complexity, questioning norms and offering you new perspectives.
I value the diversity of minds, bodies and families and work in an LGBTQ+ and neurodiversity-affirming way.
I believe that children should be seen and heard, and that raising them is very hard, very important work. I love trying new foods but my children do not. Luckily they do share my love of small adventures and surreal humour.
Research shows that the therapeutic relationship is the main factor in successful therapy, so a good place to start is to arrange a free no-obligation chat, and see how it feels to talk to me.