Background 

I intially worked in the NHS firstly as a nurse and then as a midwife before eventually retraining as a Counsellor.  It has taken me many years to finally find the right career path and I think I took the long way round  to get here.

However, like life itself there are no short cuts and the experience of the journey is often the best teacher.

I initially  trained in couples counselling with Relate before undertaking further study for family work and more recently  I completed  a Post Graduate Diploma in Relationship Therapy.

 

Type of Counselling I Offer and How I Work

I work integratively using psychodynamic and systemic models. This basically means I work in a way which helps us  think about how you relate to yourself and others and how you deal with closeness and conflict – this impacts on all that you do.

My way of working takes into account all of your strengths so we can  help you draw on your own resources which  may be undeveloped or even overlooked. By increasing your own innate qualities and skills will  help you overcome existing challenges and  also equip you for any future difficulties which may arise.

The models of working I use also assist  you in understanding yourself and perhaps most usefully it helps you recognise areas which aren’t working well for you and how you might change those.

Sometimes historic events and family issues may appear insurmountable but I believe all things can be worked through and each person has it within themselves to find a way to access healing.  It may just need the right person to help you with your situation.

By more fully understanding yourself (both your qualities and flaws)  can help you overcome difficulties and appreciate yourself in a way which helps you live life more fully and joyfully.

 

Experience

I am an experienced counsellor and I have worked for a national  charity for a number of years before setting up in private practice.  My experience includes individual,  couples and family work across a variety of settings and with a broad range of clients.  I also have experience of working with same sex couples and with  cross cultural issues.

During my career as a midwife I was part of a Bereavement Support Team  and as  a result of this I have retained an interest in pregnancy and health related matters. I  offer counselling to those who  are having pregnancy and birth related difficulties, including postnatal depression.

I have  worked in  a variety of community settings  including  a domestic violence unit and I understand the impact this can have on couples, individuals and on the wider family.

I work with both men and women who may be  equally affected by any of the above.

 

Qualifications

Registered Nurse 1984

Registered Midwife 1986

University Advanced Diploma in Couple Counselling – Relate (University of Hull) 2010

Certificate in Family Counselling (Relate Institute) 2011

Post Graduate Diploma In Relationship Therapy – Relate (University of Hull) 2014

 

I am a member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and I work within its Ethical Framework.