I hold a Master of Arts Degree and following my own experience of therapy, I retrained to become a qualified psychodynamic counsellor at University of Oxford completing the Post-graduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Studies in 2015.  I have been working as a therapist with adult clients providing both long-term and short-term counselling for 8 years.  Alongside my private practice in Standlake, near Witney, West Oxfordshire, I have volunteered for many years in a community counselling service in South Oxfordshire where I now work as a Clinical Manager.  

I regularly invest and participate in Continuing Professional Development to keep up to date with current developments in therapy and my clinical work is overseen by an accredited supervisor.

I hold both professional indemnity insurance and an Enhanced Criminal Record Certificate from the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service). I undertake the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board Generalist Safeguarding course every three years. 

I offer a warm, empathic, confidential, non-judgemental space where you will be listened to and treated with respect. My aim is for you to feel comfortable and safe enough that you can develop a sense of trust in the therapeutic relationship with me.

Why is this important?

When we feel safe, secure and able to trust then we can relax. Feeling relaxed enables us to feel more settled and it opens up a space where together we can safely explore your difficulties and concerns. It might also enable you to get in touch with your hopes, your fears, what you want and what you need a little more clearly.

I like to find out as much as I can about the issues and difficulties you are facing. We will explore your thoughts and your feelings, how you relate to yourself and others. We will also take time to think about your early experiences.

My approach is psychodynamic which recognises that problems we encounter in the present are often influenced in some way by experiences and feelings from our past. Although out of our awareness, these may still be shaping our interactions today and have a bearing on our difficulties. By discovering these less conscious aspects of ourselves, it is possible to gain greater self-awareness which helps us to understand ourselves better. This can bring relief from distress and help us make positive changes in our lives that ultimately can lead us to feel happier and more fulfilled.

You set the topics we talk about and the pace at which we work. I will encourage you to be open and honest about what is troubling you and to feel free to raise anything that feels difficult, including anything arising within the therapy itself. I don’t offer direct advice but will support you to make sense of things and come to your own understanding.

I offer individual counselling for adults from age 18.

I work with a wide range of issues such as:- depression; anxiety; relationship difficulties; bereavement and loss; stress; abuse; low self-esteem or lack of confidence; challenging life experiences and many other issues which might be having a detrimental impact on an individual’s life and emotional well-being.

Counselling will usually take place at the same time and day each week. Each session lasts for 50 minutes.

I am a registered member with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) having met their professional standards of training and practice. I adhere to the BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions https://www.bacp.co.uk/media/3103/bacp-ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions-2018.pdf

Before setting up in private practice as a counsellor, I have had a varied career working in both the public and voluntary sector.