My Approach

I am a classically Client Centered Psychotherapist.

I work from the 1957 model as described by Rogers in his classic book "CLIENT CENTERED THERAPY".

I am non-directive in my approach. What I actually am is an emancipatory Psychotherapist as opposed to being alienating or controlling. This describes my up to date approach, perhaps now more than it has ever been.

I follow my clients in that grey area just behind the analytical therapies, reversing the I-thou of Buber to the thou-I of client centered ...The client is always the expert on themselves, no one of my clients has ever presented with the same issues or categorisations. We all have different eye retina readings, fingerprints, DNA, parents, cultures and creeds and so on, idiosyncratic is us, and how we be (Tillich) is how we present.

My approach is philosophical and empathic.

About Me

I started adult life in engineering as a mechanical fitter. I learned about interactions and people, most notably as a Trade Unionist.

I attended Lancaster University and attained a BA (Hons). History was my major. I studied politics and philosophical ideas in history, going on to do an MA in historical research. I lectured in History for Lancaster University and the Central University of Lancashire.

I experienced an acrimonious divorce and was a single parent for fifteen years. In that time I gained a few A levels and studies at night school. I stumbled across an "Introduction to Psychotherapies", for which I was enamoured. I had discovered my true vocation. I followed up with level one and two and a diploma in counselling. I was accepted into Leeds Metropolitan University on a UKCP accredited course 2002-2006, a four year course which was intense and complex but very powerful. On completion I was awarded an M.A. in Client Centered Psychotherapy and an admission into the UPCA as a clinician. I started to practice in 2003, qualifying in 2004 and graduating in 2006.

I held positions with South Cumbria Rape and Abuse, worked privately for Diane Singleton private gym and in 2009 became the consultant Psychotherapist for Risedale Estates, a private care home. I established a therapeutic intervention unit in the sealed units and worked alongside Psychiatry and Psychology for ten years.

I did go on to Manchester University to study under Paul Wilkins, he retired shortly after and I did not complete my Ph.D.

I now practice privately taking approximatly 15-20 clients a week. I am in excess of over 25,000 hours contact and take a wide and varied clientele.

I work with

• Couples
• Families
• Groups
• 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

• Person Centred Psychotherapist

What I can help with

• Abuse
• Age-related Issues
• Anxiety
• Bullying
• Couple Issues
• Cultural Issues
• Depression
• Disability
• Divorce
• Employment Difficulties
• Health-related Issues
• Identity Problems
• Mental Health Issues
• Phobias
• Physical Abuse
• Post-Traumatic Stress
• Relationships
• Sex Problems
• Sexual Abuse
• Spirituality
• Stress
• Suicide
• Supervision
• Trauma