Counselling is not About Me, it's About You!
Counselling is not about me and is all about the client’s story and their path to recovery. My honesty comes from a place of wanting to remove the stigma on mental health and I believe vulnerability is a strength.
After experiencing postnatal depression, burnout and being no stranger to anxiety; I truly appreciate how debilitating and scary it is to feel disconnected and overwhelmed (and much more…). With talking therapy, good support and tools, I discovered there is a way to climb out of a dark place. Self care and boundary setting has been a key enabler for me to maintain and regain balance.
This led me to start counselling training in my forties as I felt that my life and work experience would benefit others who were struggling with their mental health.
I chose to be a psychodynamic counsellor as I believe that we can't ignore our past. Our upbringing and the people we meet in our life have a way of shaping who we ‘think’ we are.
The power of talking therapy still amazes me. It's humbling to listen and support you as you find the answers to problems, shake off negative labels, shift your perspective and rediscover a more mentally strong sense of self.
My experience
Counselling training
- SEG Award Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Online and Telephone training certification
- Trauma informed counselling certificate
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- Bereavement for therapists (Cruse)
Currently in private practice after 18 months volunteering with MIND UK
has given me an excellent experience to practise as a psychodynamic counsellor
30+ years working in a corporate role as an IT professional and a manager has provided me with the experience to listen, support and to understand how stress, conflict and bullying can impact an individual’s mental health. I have experience of stress management and have training in equality, diversity, inclusion.
21 years of parenting twins and being a carer has taught me compassion and an understanding of the challenges that children, teens and adolescents face with their mental health: anxiety, self harm, eating disorders, self esteem, neurodiversity and the impact of lockdown.
I feel my lived experience enables me to understand parents who are balancing work and life alongside caring responsibilities for their children and, or ageing parents (including palliative/end of life) whilst trying to take care of themselves.
Menopause research has given me the detailed knowledge of the many debilitating symptoms that women experience and how it impacts every aspect of their life and relationships. I have an affinity to also support those going through perimenopause and menopause.
My self care
Nature, walking, photography and guided meditation all help to keep me in balance.
I took the photographs on my website during my Wirral walks. I find sunsets and seascapes to be therapeutic and help me feel grounded.
I offer walk and talk therapy in beautiful West Kirby. Providing counselling in a relaxed environment can encourage clients to open up and connect more freely. The physical activity and change of scenery can reduce anxiety, boost mood, and facilitate a more balanced and present-minded experience.
