As a therapist, I offer you a place where we can reflect on what is happening for you and why. It is a space where you can be vulnerable, you can grieve, express your anger or explore your anxieties. Working compassionately, I will support you to find ways in which you can make sense of your world, and work towards a place of more fulfilment and freedom in your life and your choices. Please have a look through my website. I hope it will give you an idea of the process and how therapy may be able to help you. Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions, to book an initial appointment or to arrange a free 15 minute consultation.
If you are looking at this website, my guess is that there is an aspect of your life that needs attention. There are countless reasons why this might be the case. There may be a particular issue in the present day that you wish to address, such as your relationships, bereavement, addictions or depression. Or, you might feel haunted by unresolved issues from your past such as trauma, abuse or childhood experiences. Perhaps it is hard to name what is troubling you, yet you feel overwhelmed, or that your life is lacking meaning and purpose and it is hard to find any enjoyment. Even if you have a strong network of support, at times it can feel easier to talk about certain issues with somebody impartial and not connected to you or your family and friends.
Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy
I am trained in Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy, but what does this mean? The term ‘Humanistic’ is rooted in a fundamental recognition and respect of the unique life experiences of each individual, and the belief that every human being has the potential for positive change. ‘Integrative’ refers to the integration of several different theoretical models of psychotherapy allowing for a deeper understanding of the process and a more personalised approach.
Areas of interest
Relational. I am particularly interested in how our early environment influences our experiences in the current day. How we relate to others and ourselves is often heavily influenced by the quality of our early relationships. Frequently, the difficulties we have experienced in our lives are rooted in past relationships. Within the collaborative partnership with the therapist these ‘patterns of relating’ may emerge, enabling the work to be based in the ‘here and now’ of the therapy room, as well as reflecting on present and past life experiences.
Holistic. Despite being termed as a ‘talking therapy,’ I feel psychotherapy involves the whole of us; our bodies and our environments, as well as our internal worlds. Our bodily responses can inform us of feelings that we may not consciously notice, and memories that we are not aware of. Whilst we do not use physical touch, we will aim to be conscious of your physical reactions throughout our work. We will also be aware of how your environment is shaped and what this might tell us about areas in your life that need addressing.
Creative. I view therapy itself as a creative process, but at times talking ‘head on’ is not necessary. Sometimes silence is what is needed; quiet time for your inner world to become more clear. Responses to dreams, imagery, poems and songs are also helpful in noticing what lies just out of reach. Sometimes you might feel wordless. In these instances drawings or doodles might communicate what needs to be shared.
Free Consultation
If you feel it will be beneficial, please contact me to benefit from a free 15 minute telephone consultation.
Initial Meeting
This is a chance for us to meet each other and talk through your hopes and expectations of therapy. I will also clarify my approach to the work and my terms of service. Therapy is a very individual and subjective process, reliant on a connection between the client and therapist. The only way to really know how it might feel to work together is by meeting in person. This initial session is obligation free and does not commit you.
How Long?
Sessions are 50 minutes long and take place weekly. Whilst I do offer some time limited spaces, psychotherapy is usually open ended which means we would not be working to a set number of sessions. Usually the length of therapy required is discussed between us, and an appropriate time to end is arranged in advance.
The Difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy
These terms are often interchangeable but generally counselling will be for a short period of time addressing a particular issue in the present. Psychotherapy normally lasts for a longer time and refers to more complex or underlying issues that are affecting behaviours, emotional states and relationships. Psychotherapy often weaves back and forth from the past to the present, exploring how the past is influencing and shaping the present day.
Cost
My fee is currently £50 for a 50 minute session.
Location
I work from The Tashi Centre, Broadwell, Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL11 4JE
In person or online?
I am currently seeing clients both in person and online, via Zoom. Whenever possible I recommend attending sessions in person, however access to online therapy is helpful in certain circumstances. We can discuss your requirements regarding this before we meet.
I have a Masters in Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy from Bath Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy / Middlesex University (MA, DIP HIP) and am a member of United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). I have been in private practice since 2014. Part of this has been based within a busy General Practitioner Surgery which has given me first hand experience in liaising with doctors to ensure the best level of support for my clients. Prior to this I undertook a year of counselling placement work within the GP practice.
I have also completed a practical placement in a medium secure forensics psychiatric unit, giving me additional insight into the care pathway for those at the more extreme end of mental distress or psychosis.
In addition to my private psychotherapy and supervision practice in Gloucestershire, I currently teach on the Foundation certificate training at the Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling (BCPC).
Diploma in Supervision (CSTD Bath) 2022 – 2024
MA / Diploma in Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (BCPC) 2013- 2022
Foundation Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy (BCPC) 2012-2013
Foundation Course in Art Therapy (Insider Art) 2007-2008
BA Hons in Greek and Roman Studies (Exeter University) 1996-1999
I am a member of BCPC and UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy). Both of these are professional bodies with a Code of Ethics and Practice to which I adhere. In line with BCPC and UKCP guidelines I am closely supervised by both a UKCP registered supervisor and professional supervision group.
Continuing Professional Development