As well as general counselling and personal development, I specialise in trauma therapy and help clients to resolve both simple and complex trauma issues as well as working with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Healthy functioning is often rooted in childhood attachment experiences; it can therefore influence our relationships with ourselves and with others in adulthood. I work with issues such as sexual trauma, anxiety, depression, mood problems, relationships, anger management and identity issues.
I am an accredited EMDR practitioner with EMDR Europe. I use EMDR therapy to help process disturbing experiences which may cause flashbacks, nightmares and panic attacks to an adaptive state of resolution. EMDR is a recognised treatment by organisations such as the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization. In simple terms, traumatic memories can remain un-processed in the brain. The maladaptive encoding of these memories may lead to distressing symptoms such as PTSD, anxiety flashbacks and depression and may persist long after the event has occurred. EMDR therapy is effective because of its ability to access and reprocess traumatic memories. This is believed to occur through a mechanism called “memory reconsolidation,” wherein the brain reorganises traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity.
I have spent many years training supporting and working with the LGBTQ+I community and with the challenges and issues that arise. I approach my work from a relational therapeutic base, building a therapeutic alliance with my clients. For many LGBTQ+I clients the therapeutic journey is a journey out of trauma. Clients who identify as LGBTQ+I often present with symptoms such as depression, anxiety and internalised homophobia. I work from the understanding that the idea of ‘coming out’ may be an extended process and one that does not necessarily mean that they inform all people in their lives about their sexuality and/or gender.
I have a particular interest in mental health and lifestyle, including how grey area drinking and diet and the microbiome can impact on mood and wellbeing. I help clients by way of psycho-education supports and other resources that will assist them during their work and facilitate a move forward to resolution and integration.
On-line Counselling and Supervision
I offer both in person and on-line services. For many reasons people may not be able to access in-person appointments. Alternatively, for some clients a hybrid approach of on-line and in-person works well. I am open to discussing with you which approach might be appropriate for your current needs. I offer zoom or video counselling to all clients who are not currently in crisis. On-line sessions are effective and offer the benefit of easy access. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have privacy for your therapy session. I have undertaken specific training to work therapeutically on-line with clients. Psychotherapy students may access on-line supervision in accordance with IACP and college ratio requirements.
Supervision
I trained and qualified in clinical and general supervision in 2018. I currently supervise students training as therapist, pre–accredited therapists, accredited therapists and supervisors. My non clinical supervision includes professionals such as community workers, healthcare practitioners and other front line workers.
Supervision can be defined as “a working alliance between two professionals where supervisees offer an account of their work, reflect on it and receive feedback and guidance where appropriate. The object of this alliance is to enable the counsellor to gain in ethical competence, confidence and creativity so as to give the best possible service to the clients (Inskipp, F and Proctor, B, 1993).
I believe that the supervision relationship is the foundation on which the work of supervision sits. I endeavour to co-create a warm, professional and creative space for the supervisee to become the best therapist for their clients. I work consciously to nurture trust and to empower the supervisee, encouraging and supporting the development of their own internal supervisor. Using the Seven-Eyed model of supervision by Hawkins and Shohet, I focus on; the client, interventions, the client therapist relationship, the therapist process, therapist and supervisor’s relationship, supervisors process and the wider context.
