My Approach

I see that all behaviours such as self-harm, suicide attempts, drinking, drug abuse and other impulsive behaviours have developed as coping strategies to cope with and numb difficult emotions and experiences. These behaviours often act as a plaster to a deeper wound, but just like a plaster they don’t really ever fully heal unless they have time to heal properly. This is the work of therapy to take off the plaster and look more towards the root causes of the behaviour to work out what is going on for you.

I place a strong emphasis on the relationship between myself and my client. I see this is crucial in working from a trauma informed perspective where often difficulties have originated from difficult childhood relationships and experiences. Like many therapists I am trained to work with a range of difficulties, but I have a particular interest in working with clients who have experienced childhood trauma and difficulties such as self-harm that can often associated with a diagnosis of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder / Borderline Personality Disorder / Complex PTSD. Although I am not diagnosis led many people see me who might have a diagnosis, I work to see, understand and explore what is really going on for you.

Mindfulness and Zen Buddhism strongly inform my practice working in the here and now, attending to the present moment.

About Me

I am an Integrative Psychotherapist having completed an MSc. I also hold postgraduate qualifications as a Dialectical Behaviour Therapist (DBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT). My previous work as a Registered Mental Nurse informs my practice in having a deep understanding to the neurobiology of the body which is particularly helpful in understanding the body’s nervous system and how it responds to external stressors. I continue to work in the NHS within a specialist Complex Emotional Needs Service where I see clients who struggle with self-harm and suicidal behaviours for DBT.

Like many therapists I have experienced my own difficulties which has drawn me to this work, for me this was in my late teens / early twenties. Sometimes clients find this helpful to know about their therapist, I believe this helps inform my practice and approach although I can never know your experience.

Like all psychotherapists I am qualified and experienced to help people with a wide range of difficulties but I have a particular interest in helping individuals with the following difficulties:

- Childhood trauma
- Physical / sexual / emotional abuse
- Self-harm
- Suicidal thoughts / urges and attempts
- Spirituality
- Life choices and transitions

I work with

• Individuals

Special Interests

Like all UKCP registered psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors I can work with a wide range of issues, but here are some areas in which I have a special interest or additional experience.

Types of Therapies Offered

• Integrative Psychotherapist

What I can help with

• Abuse
• Addiction
• Mental Health Issues
• Relationships
• Spirituality
• Stress
• Suicide
• Trauma