I am an integrative, person-centred counsellor currently studying for a BA (Hons) in Counselling at Waverley Abbey College. I bring together a spiritual perspective and holistic understanding with evidence-informed counselling approaches, including CBT and developing knowledge of neuroscience.
My counselling approach recognises that people are shaped by many different parts of their lives, including relationships, family, work, culture, beliefs and past experiences. I am interested in understanding the whole person rather than focusing only on a particular difficulty or symptom, and in creating space for people to explore what is happening for them without feeling that they need to have everything worked out before coming to counselling.
Alongside my counselling training, I have a BSc in Food Science and a Diploma in Youth Work, and over 20 years’ experience in pastoral care and support roles, working with young people and families in both the UK and Australia. I also spent more than 20 years working in the food industry. I am a wife and mum to a blended family, and I bring both my professional and personal experiences of life, relationships, family and change to my work. I also lived in Papua New Guinea for three years, where I founded a health education charity supporting children and families living impacted by HIV. The charity continues to operate overseas today. These experiences have shaped my understanding of resilience, adversity, different cultures and, above all, the importance of being alongside people with compassion, warmth and without judgement.
Having worked across very different environments and alongside people from a range of backgrounds, I understand that there is no single way to experience life’s challenges. What feels manageable to one person may feel overwhelming to another, and our experiences, relationships and circumstances can influence how we understand ourselves and the world around us. This is reflected in the open and individual approach I bring to counselling.
I believe that each person is unique and deserves to feel heard, understood and accepted. My approach is rooted in person-centred, empathic understanding and an appreciation of our fundamental needs for security, self-worth and significance. I aim to create a safe and trusting space where you can explore your experiences at your own pace, develop greater self-awareness and find ways forward that feel meaningful to you.
Counselling with me is collaborative rather than prescriptive. I won’t assume that I know what is best for you or expect you to approach counselling in a particular way. Instead, we can explore what has brought you to counselling, what feels important to you and what you would like to understand or change. Where appropriate, I can draw on different elements of my integrative training while keeping you and your individual experience at the centre of our work.
As a student counsellor, I work within the ethical framework of my training and am committed to ongoing learning, reflection and professional development.
If you’re interested in working with me, please click the button below to complete our low-cost counselling form and mention me as your preferred counsellor.