My Approach

I will listen carefully and without judgement. I do not take sides.

I believe that we are all doing our best in the situations we face - even when our behaviour seems destructive or self-sabotaging. My role is to help you explore and develop more preferred ways of living and relating.

Our work together will always be collaborative. I won't tell you what to do - I'll work alongside you to discover what your preferred way of living looks like, and how to get there.

I tailor my approach to suit each person's or couple's unique needs, drawing on a wide range of therapeutic models. I have lots of ideas, tools and resources, too, if you would like them.

Please note:It is not safe to work with a couple where any kind of physical, emotional, or persistent verbal abuse is present or has been present. I am therefore unable to work with relationships where abuse is, or has been an issue.

What to Expect
During our first session, I will ask what has brought you to counselling and explore your hopes for our work together. It is also a chance for you to decide whether I feel like the right fit for you - there is no obligation to continue if you don't feel comfortable.

Sessions are 60 minutes. You may come for one session, a few, or leave it open - it is entirely up to you.

Some clients like to set specific goals; others prefer to keep things more open. Either approach works.

Counselling sessions are confidential. I will not share what you discuss with anyone, unless there is a risk of serious harm.

Therapeutic Approaches I Use

My initial Relate training grounded me in both the Systemic and Psychodynamic models, bridged by Attachment theory:

•       The Systemic model helps us understand ourselves, our beliefs, and our behaviours within the systems we are part of - family, work, school, friendships, and wider society.

•       The Psychodynamic model helps us understand our thoughts and behaviour in the context of our past experiences, often enabling a gradual and increasing self-awareness.

•       Attachment theory explores how we form bonds, and how ruptures in those bonds can be understood and repaired.

I also draw on CBT, Relational Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), Gottman methods, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and more.