I am a Counselling Therapist and have over 18 years of experience working with adolescents under 18 and young people in their 20’s and 30’s. I call myself an Integrative Counselling Therapist and my practice is informed by different therapeutic approaches e.g. Person-Centred and CBT. Each person is unique and I work collaboratively with my clients using approaches specific to their needs.

I have considerable experience of working therapeutically with clients from different cultures and beliefs.I try to be sensitive to cultural nuances, customs and traditions and I try to understand and appreciate diverse values, perspectives and practices. I am also aware that in certain cultures therapy isn’t viewed in a positive light and depending on an individuals circumstances arranging sessions online or face to face can be more complicated and difficult.

I welcome working with clients questioning and exploring their sexuality.

I believe in the importance of really listening, in general we tend not to listen to one another and the affirmation of having been listened to cannot be underestimated. I also believe one of the most important aspects of therapy is the relationship between the counselling therapist and client. In order to provide my clients with the opportunity to explore and discuss their feelings and issues I always try to be empathic, non-judgemental and genuine.

I understand people can often be anxious and uncertain at the prospect of a therapy session, in particular the first session. I follow what the client wishes to explore and discuss and have always felt that the client is the expert of their own experience. I am led by the client who sets the agenda but I am happy to facilitate a discussion/exploration if wished. By working this way, we work collaboratively to try to help the client gain an understanding of the reasons they initially came to see me, their feelings and explore possible ways forward.

I am originally from Edinburgh in Scotland and now live near Cardiff in South Wales. Initially I went to art school, then taught in schools and colleges before qualifying as a Humanistic/Existential counselling therapist qualifying 2005.