Qualifications

I trained as a relational integrative  counsellor in Bristol at the University of West of England (UWE). Prior to this I completed a Foundation Certificate in Counselling at the Bath Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BCPC).

I have completed various further training since I qualified at UWE in 2012 including gaining a Diploma in Mindfulness in Relationship at the Karuna Institute in 2016 and completing Couples Counselling training and Supervision training in 2018.  In my work, I tend to use an integrative approach, to find the best fit for each individual or couple’s needs.

I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) and I abide by their Code of Ethics. I am part of the BACP national register which is the first psychological therapists’ register to be accredited under a new scheme set up by the Department of Health.

Experience

I currently work as a counsellor in private practice in Bristol, and at the University of Bristol as a staff counsellor.  I have over 15 years’ experience of working with adults, young people and families in the voluntary sector, the NHS and in private practice.  I am a trained workplace mediator and have many years’ experience of working as a staff mediator in an acute NHS hospital trust.  I am an experienced clinical and service coordinator and have worked as part of a leadership team within a successful counselling service for a number of years within the NHS.  

As a counsellor I have supported people with a wide range of issues such as

• relationship problems
• anxiety
• low self-esteem
• depression
• anger
• trauma
• self-harm
• childhood abuse
• post-natal depression
• parenting
• domestic abuse
• psychosis
• sexual abuse and rape
• drug use
• loss and bereavement
• workplace stress and bullying

I have years of experience working with trauma and am able to support people to find safety and security when feeling highly distressed.  I provide a calm and supportive space to talk through any problem and tailor my approach to suit the person I am working with and their personal needs.

I engage in my own personal therapy and believe it is important for counsellors to be committed to their own personal development in order to work effectively.

I attend regular training sessions for CPD (continuing professional development) to ensure that I continue to improve and reflect on my practice.

I engage in regular clinical supervision with a trained supervisor to ensure that I am working ethically and effectively.