I have come to counselling later in life due to my own mental health struggles and so I work as a lived experience practitioner.  I understand how important it is that people feel safe and in control of their lives and use a trauma-informed approach that centres the people I support as the experts in their own lives.  Mental health struggles can be experienced as depression, anxiety, chronic pain or fear.  I work with the mind and the body to help people explore their lives and develop a clearer sense of themselves.  I have found that my lived experience enables me to pick up on things that are said that may otherwise go unnoticed and adopt a position of curiosity to invite people to elaborate.  I offer individual counselling sessions, in person and online. 

The people I support have said:

“You get it because you’ve been there.”

“It was a relief to speak with someone who has experienced what I’m going through.”

“This is the first time I’ve felt that someone has actually listened and understood.  Thank you.”

As someone who experienced isolation in my own therapy, I also provide opportunities for connection and facilitate peer support groups, both in person and online.  These groups involve sharing of experience and psychoeducation which empowers people to understand what they are experiencing and provides tools to help people cope.

People in the groups have said:

“It helps me become a better version of myself, I like that.”

“I like that I can access the tools that we’ve learned anytime.” 

“I am more self-connected as a result of doing something with other people.”

“I am confident and calmer and deal with situations better.”

Sharing our story takes a lot of courage, particularly when we're in the midst of a difficult phase of life.  My aim to provide a safe space for people to do this and am here to walk alongside you, to listen and to support you as you explore.  Taking that first step and reaching out to someone can be difficult and so I offer an initial consultation at no cost.  It is an opportunity for us to meet and to see if we would like to work together.