My training was in both person-centred and psychodynamic counselling, and, while I have been influenced by person-centred values, I consider myself a psychodynamic practitioner.
This means that I am particularly interested in how we are shaped by our relationships – both past and present. I believe that our past relationships deeply influence our sense of self and our possibilities, to the extent that it can sometimes feel that we are stuck, or doomed to repeat old patterns. Equally, I believe that through our present relationships it is possible to cultivate new ways of relating to ourselves, to others, and to the wider world.
Because counselling is unlike any other relationship in our everyday lives, it offers an opportunity to reflect upon aspects of our existence which are hard to catch hold of, simply because they are the air that we breathe. I strive to offer this unique kind of relationship – in which I will be an active participant – and work with you on whatever arises out of our mutual experience.
I have provided both short and long-term support within a university and a hospice counselling service, covering a broad range of issues. These include: mental health difficulties, bereavement and loss, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and questions around meaning and identity. I also very much welcome anyone who is not quite sure how to put into words what they are struggling with.
I’m an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. This means that I pledge to adhere to its ethical framework; to attend regular supervision to reflect upon the quality of my work; and to undertake ongoing training and professional development so as to continue to learn and grow as a practitioner.
If in our first session we decide that it feels like a good fit to work together, I usually suggest contracting initially for six sessions, with a review on session five.