A bit about me

I am a compassionate fully qualified psychotherapeutic integrative counsellor, grounded within a humanistic approach of Person-Centred Therapy.

A person-centred approach is a client-led and non-directive talking therapy. Based on the work and founder Carl Rogers. He believed everyone has the potential to grow and fulfil their true potential. I truly believe this. Being an integrative counsellor allows me to support people by working from a number of different theories. Enabling a tailor-made individual approach

I am not here to judge you or to tell you what to do. I will provide you with a warm, welcoming, safe space that will help build trust and develop a good sound therapeutic relationship. I accept you, respect you and will be honest with you. This I believe will help you explore any issues that are going on for you more clearly,  developing growth and understanding.  This will help you to feel empowered to make changes leading to more positive fulfilling lives.

My background

Prior to training as a counsellor, I worked within an educational organisation. Supporting children in both early and primary years. working with children with behaviour and special educational needs.   I supported children excluded from education. I developed a passion for helping those struggling, with a strong interest in mental health.

During my final year of University, I supported adults with learning disabilities to learn and develop communication and life skills through arts and crafts, cooking and animal care.

I see everyone as unique individuals, with their own stories, and needs, with the right to be listened to and be seen as they are. Providing the space to do this helps people become the best versions of themselves.

At University, my interest in mental health developed, as I became aware of the difficulties so many people faced and the impact this has. This led to my placement in a local not-for-profit mental health organisation. Providing counselling to those with mental health difficulties within the local community.

My areas of passion.

I feel passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Having experience working within mental health, I  supported those with depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Mental health impacts on  1 in 3 people at some time in their lives.

Self-confidence and self-esteem can diminish as a result. This led to me developing an interest in this area. Supporting those struggling with feelings of worthlessness or not feeling good enough. The impact this can have on forming meaningful relationships or even achieving things. Often people with low self-esteem blame themselves which can lead to others taking advantage of them.

Low self-esteem can also trigger feelings of anxiety and depression. I work to support you in a kind, caring way, to help you explore your struggles around this.  Helping you to build confidence and self-esteem. This helps to identify and understand what this means for you. Looking at ways to move forward by helping you make sense of who you are,  and integrating new ways about how you see yourself.

In 2017 I undertook an introduction to counselling course. I found it interesting and felt enthusiastic about learning and developing these skills to support my role in education.

I applied to University in 2018 and embarked on a full-time Psychotherapy and Counselling degree qualifying in 2021.

During my University training, I volunteered on the bedded unit ward at the North Devon Hospice. I completed a course with Mind, on perinatal mental health to offer support in this area.

I enjoy time outside in nature, walking with my dogs, and am a big animal lover. In the future, I hope to offer walk-and-talk therapy as part of my service (well-behaved dogs welcome).