Personal Approach
I am a Registered BACP Accredited Counsellor. I am an integrative counsellor, which means I don't follow solely one school of counselling but am informed by a range of theories including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), Person-Centred, Attachment Based Psychodynamic Theory and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in my work.
I am a member of the EMDR Association UK & Ireland.
I adapt the way I work and the techniques I use to each client’s individual needs.
I aim to provide a safe place where it's ok to disclose identities and to acknowledge my privilege and the different life experiences people may bring.
Research shows that it is the quality of the relationship between client and counsellor which most affects the effectiveness of counselling.
I aim to establish a good, collaborative, safe working relationship with you and help you make sense of what is happening in the 'here and now' as well as how the present is affected by your past experiences and relationships. Through this understanding we can work towards your goals.
I adhere to the ethical framework for good practice in counselling and psychotherapy of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Professional Experience and Qualifications
I have worked as a counsellor since 1995; in the NHS at The Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre, Mount Vernon Hospital with people undergoing cancer treatment, in various settings in the voluntary sector including a project with Cancer Research UK and in general private practice. Previously to becoming a Counsellor, I worked for 10 years in the NHS as a Therapeutic Radiographer.
In 1993, I gained a Certificate in Cancer Counselling Skills, CSCT, Hackney, London. I then completed a Diploma in Counselling, in 1996, with CSCT, Hackney, London.
In 1999, I completed a Primary Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Training at The Centre for Stress Management, Hayes Grove Priory Hospital, Bromley, Kent.
In 2005 I became a BACP Accredited Counsellor and a UKRCP Registered Independent Counsellor.
As of 2013,The UKRCP has changed its name to the BACP Register of Counsellors & Psychotherapists. So, I am now a Registered BACP Accredited Counsellor.
I also worked for Mind In West Essex Counselling Service between 2014 and 2017 working with private and NHS IAPT clients.
I completed Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 EMDR theory and practice training with EMDRWorks in 2015.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a psychotherapy that has been proven to be effective in treating trauma, and is recommended by the UK's National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Practitioners are also finding it effective in the treatment of other anxiety related problems.
In February 2021, I completed a Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling with Counselling Tutor.
I have trained with Petals and Child Bereavement UK on Supporting Parents Following Baby Loss and worked with Teddy's Wish for 2 years providing online individual and couple grief counselling to parents whose baby died due to stillbirth, neonatal death & SIDS.
As a Registered BACP Accredited Counsellor, I undertake at least 30 hours of professional development per year including recently attending professional development on Honoring LGBTQ+ Experiences in EMDR Therapy: Best Practices for Clinical Care and Advocacy
I currently work for The Lullaby Trust supporting families who have experienced the sudden and unexpected death of an infant in addition to my private practice.
Areas of Special interest
I have a special interest in helping people cope with loss and life changes and have worked with:
- Cancer
- Loss and Bereavement, including loss in pregnancy, Termination for medical reasons (TFMR) and sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI)
- Coming to terms with life changes eg illness and disability
- Depression and anxiety
- Low self esteem
- Stress
- Relationship difficulties
- Single incident trauma such as sudden death, accidents