Covid-19

I am a BACP Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist, trained to listen empathically, non-judgmentally and to communicate transparently.  I am warm, sincere and caring. I believe in creating a safe and confidential space for clients to explore any issues that they wish to bring to therapy. 

Counselling offers a safe and confidential space to think and talk about yourself, your experience, and your life. It can help you to make any changes that you would like to happen. Counselling can help people to discuss their feelings openly and honestly. 

There are many models of counselling and psychotherapy and I work eclectically, with Person Centred Theory at the core of my practice. This puts the client at the centre of the process and recognises that they are the expert on themselves and empowers them to find their own answers. I am able to include other ways of working that are most appropriate for each individual client and their issues. I use something called a Padlet which I may share when working online as there are some useful self care tools that may be helpful for my clients and supervisees.  I have always worked in a fairly creative and visual way.  

I have undertaken unpaid voluntary work, providing a free of charge counselling service for charity Autism Wessex for over 7 years. During this time I offered pro bono counselling sessions and facilitated psychoeducative groups to autistic people. My specialism is the Autism Spectrum and this was the focus of my Master's research. My research was about therapists' experiences of working with autistic people because I was curious about how other therapists worked.  This was because I was mindful that I had adapted my own therapeutic approach to fit the client group. I used an Interpretive Phenomenological Approach for my research.

I have a keen interest in health, wellbeing, resilience and education. I am passionate about autism, neurodiversity and learning. I specialise in working with people with Autism Spectrum Conditions and neurodiverse differences.

I am a registered, qualified counsellor and supervisor. I am an accredited member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I adhere to their ethical framework for The Counselling Professions. Accreditation is a thorough and meticulous process. It shows high standards of training, competence and experience. It demonstrates personal awareness and an understanding of how the way I work helps my clients. I hold a MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice (with merit), also a CPCAB Level 6 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision, a CPCAB level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and a CPCAB level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. I am a member of The Society for Existential Analysis. 

Another of my specialisms is loss, grief and bereavement and until March 2021 I was employed as a Counselling and Bereavement Lead for a charity. I left to focus on my private work.  

I have wide ranging experience with bereavement and also with people at end of life, and with those who have terminal illnesses. Coming to terms with death is likely to be a difficult experience, and individuals who have a terminal illness may experience conflicting and varied emotions.  I am experienced in sitting alongside people in their grief. Grief is a natural process but it can be devastating. Adjusting to life after losing someone close means you can feel lonely, sad, despairing, empty, angry and/or guilty. 

Previously I was employed in counselling education for a leading awarding body (examinations board). My role involved supporting counselling training and upholding standards. This involved assessing, moderating and standardising qualifications from levels 2 to 6. My role involved approving schemes of work for centres wanting to deliver the awarding body's qualifications. 

I am passionate about my work and I feel privileged to be able to help people. I work in private practice. 

Autism Spectrum Conditions and Neurodiversity

  ·The Complete Guide to Asperger's syndrome by Tony Attwood   

· Neurotribes by Steve Silberman  

· Asperger Syndrome and Anxiety by Nick Dubin   

· Martian in the Playground by Clare Sainsbury   

· Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome by Luke Jackson   

· Different Like Me - My book of autism heros by Elder   

· The Asperger Couple's Workbook by Maxine Aston  

· The Guide to Good Mental Health on the Autism Spectrum by Purkis, Goodall & Nugent  

. Living Well on the Spectrum by Gaus

Counselling and Psychotherapy  

· A Way of Being by Carl Rogers

· Working at Relational Depth by Mearns and Cooper   

· On Psychotherapy by Petruska Clarkson   

· The Skilled Helper by Egan   

· Love's Executioner by Yalom   

· Staring at The Sun by Yalom

· Existential Psychotherapy by Yalom   

· TA Today by Stewart and Joines   

· Making and Breaking of Affectionate Bonds by Bowlby   

. Standards and Ethics for Counselling Action by Tim Bond

· Windows to Our Children by Violet Oaklander

· Supporting People through Loss and Grief by John Wilson

· Grief Counselling and Grief Therapy by J. William Worden