About Me
MSc in Counselling, MBACP
My Training
I have a background in languages and education. I came to counselling as a client and then qualified as a counsellor about 15 years ago.
I originally trained with the Foundation for Emotional Therapeutic Counselling and I have an MSc in Counselling from the University of Bristol. I have trained with Tavistock Relationships, and hold the Advanced Certificate in the Study of the Couple Relationship. I also have a Diploma in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes.
As a committed practitioner and a member of the BACP, I undertake continuing professional development, have regular supervision and adhere to the BACP ethical framework and code of conduct.
My Work
Helping individuals & couples
I have worked as a counsellor with adolescents and adults, at the City of Bristol College and now exclusively in private practice. I have volunteered at Off the Record, a charity that works with young people. During the pandemic I volunteered with Frontline 19, a charity that provided free counselling to frontline workers in the NHS.
I am now settled in Bristol and dedicated to my counselling practice. Working as a counsellor gives me great satisfaction and is endlessly rewarding – it is a privilege to work alongside my clients as they navigate the therapeutic journey.
Areas of Interest
As well as working with individuals and couples, I am particularly interested in these areas:
Perimenopause and Menopause Related Issues
This is such a major life transition for women, and one that every woman will experience – whether it is natural, premature, surgically or chemically induced.
Every woman’s experience and understanding of it is unique. When I was in my 40s it was shrouded in mystery and confusion, and was still seen as taboo, which made it hard to navigate and talk about. My dissertation for my MSc was on the menopause so it is an area that I am really interested in.
Today there is much more information out there thanks largely to the work of Davina McCall and Mariella Frostrup.
The first time I heard of the perimenopause was when I was in it – in my 40’s, when my periods were changing, my sleep was affected and I started feeling anxious for the first time in my life. I was very unprepared for this major life transition, and totally uninformed.
Counselling can be very supportive at this time, and a safe space to explore what is going on.
Boarding School Syndrome
Boarding school can affect children in many different ways. For some, it is better than being at home; for others it can feel like survival in a privileged care system, away from home and all that is familiar. Former boarders can exhibit a set of learned behaviours, defences and discontents that can follow growing up in boarding school. This can lead to difficulties with intimacy and relationships, often combined with a great ability to cope and a very confident exterior.
I come from a long line of boarders so this is an area that I am particularly interested in. Children who grow up in families in the Services may be affected in similar ways.
Counselling can be a great help and support, and a safe place to work through the issues that may present in adult life.
I have trained with Joy Schaverien (Boarding School Syndrome: Broken Attachments and Hidden Trauma) and am familiar with Nick Duffell’s work (The Making of Them).
Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes
I have a Diploma in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes from the University of Bristol and run workshops for individuals, couples and groups. I am comfortable helping you explore and develop your creative process, perhaps understanding what may be blocking you.
If you would like to use writing to support our therapeutic work together I am happy to guide you.
