I am a specialist women's therapist providing a calm, non-judgemental, trauma-sensitive therapeutic space. A soft, human and mindful alternative to the harsh sterile environments, institutions and structures we often find ourselves in - particularly at times of personal difficulty.

 

In our work together, we will consider all the factors effecting you - physically, emotionally, socially - and spiritually -  and in doing so, consider the whole of you - mind, body and spirit.

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I work with clients experiencing a range of circumstances, from issues with interpersonal relationships, home life and work, to sudden life-changing circumstances, shock, overwhelm, stress, anxiety and panic, agoraphobia, low self-esteem, insomnia, depression,  and other concerns effecting mental-emotional-physical health and wellbeing. ​

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Counseling, Psychotherapy, CBT, Somatics and Mindfulness are all empowering approaches which aim to help you develop self-awareness, self-esteem, self-acceptance and self-determination.

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They can also be powerful tools for noticing, exploring, and managing difficult feelings, sensations, thoughts and behaviours.

 

Anxiety, panic, and depression, and other mental health issues can seem to appear from nowhere, which can be scary and leave us feeling out of control.

 

Together we can explore the root causes and triggers - and decide on a way forward together with the aim of helping you feel more empowered, grounded and in control.

 

We may decide on one clear approach or a combination of approaches - according to your needs and preferences. You may simply need a space to relax, be heard and understood, have a neutral, non-judgemental, empathetic person to speak to.

 

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Perhaps you want to explore your issues in more depth, maybe in terms of root causes and earlier childhood influences or traumatic events, or work on relaxation techniques, coping strategies, confidence and self-esteem building and other interpersonal skills, through CBT, somatic and mindfulness approaches.​

 

My therapeutic approach is integrative and holistic. This means I am sensitive and flexible - so we will decide on our approach during your first session, and review as regularly as necessary to keep our work together comfortable and meaningful for you. ​

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I have attended extra training in Single-Session therapy with prof Windy Dryden,, with Dr Gabor Mate in his Compassionate Enquiry approach, in Somatics, in Emotion-Focussed counselling, working outside conventional diagnosis, grief and bereavement, OCD, Alzheimer’s/Dementia, diversity, equality and inclusion. I have experience in working with neurodivergence. 

 

I am experienced in working alongside conventional mental health diagnoses, and equally comfortable in working purely with you and your individual experience. 

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Here is some more information about the different therapeutic approaches I have trained in

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Humanistic / Person - Centred Counseling

Humanistic/Person-Centered Counselling:
Humanistic or Person-Centered Counselling is based on the belief that every individual has the innate ability to grow and find their own solutions to life’s challenges. Developed by Carl Rogers, this approach emphasizes creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients feel understood and accepted. The therapist listens empathetically, offering genuine, unconditional positive regard, which helps clients explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe space. The goal is to empower individuals to reconnect with their true selves and make decisions that promote personal growth, self-awareness, and emotional healing.

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CBT

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented, practical approach that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to emotional distress. By focusing on the connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions, CBT aims to help clients develop healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking and coping with challenges. It is an evidence-based therapy that can be particularly effective for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship difficulties. Through structured sessions, CBT equips clients with tools to manage their symptoms, improve their well-being, and make lasting, positive changes in their lives.

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Somatic CBT
Somatic CBT is the latest wave of CBT, blending traditional cognitive techniques with body awareness that can help to address many issues including stress, overwhelm,  anxiety, panic, and self-esteem challenges aswell s depression and trauma. Unlike conventional CBT, which primarily focuses on thoughts and behaviors, somatic CBT emphasizes the interconnectedness of the mind and body. By exploring how emotional experiences manifest physically, clients gain deeper insight into how their thoughts and feelings are reflected in their body.
In addition to traditional CBT techniques, somatic CBT incorporates elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These approaches complement the focus on thoughts and behaviors by emphasizing emotional regulation, mindfulness, and acceptance. Together, these techniques create a more comprehensive framework for healing, allowing clients to build skills in emotional tolerance, mindfulness, and living in alignment with their values.
A key component of somatic CBT is the development of resourcing and grounding techniques that enhance feelings of safety and self-regulation. These tools are essential for managing intense emotions and reducing stress. Mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, and grounding exercises are used to help clients stay present, calm their nervous system, and reduce the impact of overwhelming feelings. By learning how to regulate their body’s responses, clients can create a greater sense of balance and resilience.

The approach also emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and embodiment, enabling clients to reconnect with their bodies and reclaim a sense of control and confidence. These techniques are particularly effective for individuals struggling with anxiety, panic and self-esteem, as they provide practical tools for improving self-worth and emotional resilience.

Somatic CBT also takes an important step forward in addressing social justice issues and working to address the fact that traditional Western therapeutic approaches have often overlooked the impact of cultural, historical, and systemic factors on mental health.  By honoring the diverse backgrounds and lived experiences of clients, somatic CBT promotes a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to healing.
This combination of techniques not only supports emotional well-being but also challenges conventional, one-size-fits-all therapeutic models. It provides a more personalized, empathetic, and socially aware approach to mental health, helping clients heal in a way that is both empowering and aligned with their personal and collective values.

 

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 Integrative Therapy

The Integrative Approach to counseling combines techniques and principles from multiple therapeutic models, tailoring the therapy to the unique needs of the client. It recognizes that each person is complex and may benefit from a variety of interventions. By blending methods from cognitive-behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and others, integrative therapy offers flexibility and a more holistic approach to treatment. This allows therapists to address different aspects of a client's emotional, mental, and behavioral issues, fostering personal growth and resilience in a way that is customized to the individual.

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Single Session Therapy

The single session approach is based on the following principles:

That therapy lasts exactly as long as it lasts- and that sometimes it only lasts one session! 

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The intent is  to make each session meaningful and beneficial. 

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That people have within them the power and drive to help themselves.

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A single-session approach allows a client to dip a toe into an issue, or into the experience of therapy, without feeling they are expected to commit to regular - or long-term-sessions.

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After a single session, the client is free to decide whether they need more help - whether in further single sessions, or more regular appointments.

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It is for the client to decide.

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Single session therapy can help people with all sorts of issues - so long as the goal for the session is realistic. 

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Single session therapy is now used in universities, clinics, - and even festivals.

 

 

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