How can counselling help?
People come to counselling for various reasons, some of which might include:
If you are feeling stuck
Are you continuing to carry out the same cycle of unhealthy behaviour that leaves you feeling frustrated and powerless over your life choices? This can also impact your relationships with others around you, creating feelings of loneliness, guilt and isolation. Counselling can help you become aware of why you might be carrying out these old patterns, giving you the space to reflect on your decisions and make more fulfilling ones.
Are feeling Anxious, low in mood & depressed
Everyone experiences some form of anxiety, stress and low mood at some point in their lives; however, if you find that it continually disrupts your quality of life and you are no longer finding joy in the things you used to or rarely feel relaxed, counselling can help to unearth the possible reasons as to why this might be and to find better-coping strategies when things get tough.
Grief, loss & life transitions
If you've lost a friend, a loved one, a family member, or an animal companion, openly talking and exploring your feelings can be a pivotal step towards processing your loss and helping you find meaning in your life where, at times, it may feel like there is little.
Bereavement comes in many forms and can be experienced through life transitions, such as moving house, questioning your identity, receiving a diagnosis, retirement, menopause, career change, becoming a parent/carer, or going through a breakup.
Experience of addiction, trauma & abuse
Trauma is a complex topic; however, if you have experienced a one-off event that has had a lasting impact or ongoing events such as physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, bullying, discrimination, domestic violence and other forms of coercive control, counselling can help you to safely unpack your experience within a supportive environment, to help regain a sense of trust and empower you to thrive, re-connect to lost parts and live the life you want.
Would like help with confidence, assertiveness & self-esteem
Counselling can be a great way to expand your knowledge, self-awareness and personal agency. Therapy is no longer seen as somewhere you go where you are out of choices or hit 'rock bottom', but a safe space to explore what you want from life (and don't), your relationships with others, as well as with yourself. It is an opportunity to gain a richer understanding of who you are, to connect with your feelings and further understand your impact on the world. Essentially, it's a place to get curious, embrace change and even laugh!
Areas of expertise
A little about me:
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page.
I am a fully qualified member of the BACP, with over a decade of experience working with adults and children within the charity and non-profit sector. My area of specialism has been working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, those from marginalised backgrounds who have experienced developmental trauma, neurodivergent adults and young people, survivors of sexual abuse and individuals diagnosed with personality disorders (my preferred term - Complex developmental trauma).
Qualifications:
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MBACP, Level 7 - PGDip Integrative Psychotherapy (with Distinction),
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BA Hons English & Cultural Studies.
What I offer:
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I provide a non-judgmental, safe and supportive environment that is client-centred, which means that we work collaboratively in a way that works for you. I am trained as an Integrative Psychotherapist; therefore, my background is in humanistic, psychodynamic, and person-centred therapy.
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I work as a trauma-informed practitioner, using a three-phase model approach, as I believe it is not what is 'wrong' with you but what happened to you and how you can find your way back to yourself through the therapeutic relationship.
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It is also a space to celebrate your strengths and gain some perspective, as committing to counselling can often be the most challenging yet empowering step forward.
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I am LGBTQIA+ & Gender Sexual Relationship Diversity (GSRD) informed, offering queer affirmative, explorative and anti-oppressive therapy, as I understand some of the additional struggles and cultural stressors that come with being part of a minority group. I am also mindful of my unconscious bias and privilege and therefore strive to educate myself through CPD and challenge instilled beliefs open-mindedly.
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Essentially, I am a warm, down-to-earth and compassionate person, as I provide a relaxed atmosphere whilst remaining professional and fully dedicated to our work together.
What we can work through together and what I can support with:
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LGBTQIA+, identity & Gender Dysphoria
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GSRD (Gender Sexual & Relationship Diversity)
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Relationship issues
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Navigating Neurodiversity (Autism, Dyslexia & ADHD in particular).
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Anxiety, PTSD & C-PTSD.
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Stress, chronic pain, & illness.
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Depression, low mood & low self-esteem
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Disordered eating & body dysmorphia
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Grief, loss & bereavement
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Loneliness, isolation & life transitions
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Complex trauma, relational trauma & abuse
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Domestic violence & intimate partner abuse (Coercive control)
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Emotional distress & addiction
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OCD & compulsive behaviour
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Suicide ideation & self-harm
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Guilt, shame & attachment issues.
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Confidence building, emotional regulation, psychoeducation, goal & boundary setting
My previous role as an Older Person's (55+) Domestic Abuse Practitioner means that I have an insight into some of the additional needs of clients within this age range, and how access to counselling and other services can be culturally and socioeconomically restrictive.
I have also worked as a Mental Health Recovery Practitioner, working alongside individuals who have experienced trauma and abuse and supporting them to take back control of their lives, through a supportive, creative and empathetic relationship.
I have also worked as a Residential Support Worker, working alongside young neurodivergent adults with additional support needs, and as an Outreach Worker, supporting unhoused individuals and sex workers. In addition, I have also volunteered at Manchester Mind, The LGBT Foundation and MASH (Manchester Action on Street Health).
BACP registered member / Fully insured / DBS update system / ICO registered.
