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I presently work Mondays and Tuesdays, 9am - 5pm.

I provide a space to talk openly about what is going on for you, what you are feeling and thinking and the changes you desire. It may be you know what you want to focus on, or it may be that life just doesn't feel quite right. Together we can explore this through in person regular sessions in central York.

Different things bring us to counselling but choosing who to work with can be hard and so I offer an initial 30 minute phone conversation to answer questions and provide an opportunity to explore how it feels for us to work together.

I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in a range of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transition, family stress, emotional neglect and relationship difficulties. 

About you...Life may have thrown you some curveballs recently, or maybe past events are surfacing and you are looking for some help to work through these. Maybe you are struggling to understand yourself, both who you are and who you are in relation to others. Maybe you are feeling anxious or depressed or that things just don't feel right anymore, that the joy has gone from life. Or maybe you feel disconnected from your thoughts or you emotions.

I am here for you. I offer a space to explore what is going on for you and, at your own pace, help you to gain insight, understanding, peace or fulfilment.

About me... I am experienced in supporting people with a wide range of issues including depression, low mood, anxiety, loss, childhood events, cultural difference, childhood emotional neglect, feeling low/disconnected from the world, processing trauma, relationship worries, parenting concerns, identity and figuring out life direction and sense of self.

I have twenty years life experience working in mental health, education and performing arts and have lived and worked overseas for a period of time. I work both short and long term with clients and currently work during the day on Monday and Tuesday.

I am a founding partner of York Counselling Practice (www.yorkcp.org). I charge £65 an hour and offer face-to-face counselling in central York in a comfortable and private room in Clements Hall (just off Bishopthorpe Road). I am always happy to chat to perspective clients about what they need and how I work and so please don’t hesitate to give me a call on 07764 528138.

How we could work together

I believe that you are at the heart of the work we do but am aware that this in itself can sometimes feel quite overwhelming. I offer a compassionate, non-judgemental space for you to express yourself and, as appropriate, offer more focused activities to help you reach a greater understanding of yourself. I may work creatively, helping you to access alternative areas of the brain to gain insights and to explore what may be hard to put into words.

I work from a relational point of view, finding that often the way we connect with ourselves and with others influences are emotions and ways of being. I also draw on Gestalt theory exploring the mind/body connection and the neuroscience that explores the physiological response to life events. Using Polyvagal and nervous system theory, we can explore what will help us feel safe and calm. Exploring this further and spending time understanding who we are can leave us feeling happier and more at peace.

I believe we all have the capacity to grow and change within us. This process may bring up challenges but it can lead to the changes you desire. The relationship we build will hopefully help you feel comfortable, validated and supported through this process.

Our first session will be an opportunity for you to explore what has brought you to counselling and any aims you may have. I will also explain a little more about the way I work and there will be plenty of chance for you to find out anything you would like to know.

Counselling is a very relational thing and so the first session will be an opportunity for us to start to build this relationship and I hope to offer a place that feels safe, supportive and receptive to you. We will initially schedule weekly sessions (calendars permitting) and with time we can also explore working more flexibly with the option to meet weekly, fortnightly or as and when you would like.

Qualifications and Experience

I am a qualified counsellor and member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. I trained in humanistic counselling and have a PostgradDip in Counselling from York St John (Distinction). I am influenced by the work of Gestalt, as well as the more recent neuroscience and polyvagal theory. My years of practice have shown how much the body and the nervous system can support recovery from events, trauma and neglect.

I have completed a number of professional development days which has continued to inform my practise, as well as working with clients on a variety of themes. I am an avid reader and believe strongly in continuing to learn through both reading and attending courses. However, as you are at the heart of the work we do, it is also important to explore what it is you need, and what is helpful and relevant to you. 

As required by the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¾«×¼×ÊÁÏ, I attend monthly supervision and abide by its Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. I am also DBS checked.