Hello, I’m a counsellor/psychotherapist living in the Scottish Borders offering sessions at the Whole Works and online and by telephone when required. I have been a therapist for almost 30 years in voluntary organisations, higher education, the private sector, and in private practice. I also offer reflective practice and support/supervision sessions to workers in a number of voluntary organisations. Over the years I have continued to expand my therapeutic toolbox, and I have qualifications in integrative counselling, psychosynthesis, ecotherapy and energy psychotherapy (including emotional freedom technique and chakra work). A deeply felt belief in the restorative impact of nature, and particularly the night sky, led to me studying a master’s degree in cultural astronomy.
I have experience working with a broad range of issues including stress/anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, body image, neurodiversity, self-harm, suicide, relationships, sex and intimacy difficulties, gender identity, grief and bereavement, spirituality, discrimination, bullying, sexual abuse and assault, and drug and alcohol problems.
My aim is always to work sensitively and collaboratively with you to better understand what you are struggling with, whether it’s feeling stuck due to a recent problem in your working or personal life or a long-standing recurring pattern of behaviour that you can’t seem to escape. We will begin by plotting out your goals for therapy and consider whether the work is likely to be short-term or need more time. There will also be points we review how the work is progressing to ensure you get the most from the sessions.
My therapeutic approach is integrative which means I draw on all my professional and personal experience to tailor the sessions to meet your needs. What gives you a sense of meaning and purpose, where you were brought up, what your world view is, how you relate to other people, to nature, what makes you despair; all of these things and more will shape the way we work together. This may include using specific solution-focused techniques, looking back into early life experiences, or a more creative approach using imagery, dreams or role play. A particular interest of mine is how when we’re somehow ‘out of sync’ in our lives our whole self, mind and body, is affected. Our bodies sometimes hold on tight to experiences, so involving the body as well as the mind in the therapeutic process through for example, emotional freedom technique, breathwork, chakra work and paying attention to bodily sensations, can sometimes be helpful.
