My training and background is in Person-centred counselling. The Person-centred approach believes in the basic ability and strength of everyone to thrive and fulfil their potential if they have the right environment and circumstances in which to do that. For so many people, we don’t always have those ideal circumstances, but counselling can give us an idea of what a safe and nurturing relationship can feel like and helps us to find our own inner strength and resilience to deal with the inevitable ups and downs of life.
I may also use other interventions if you felt they would be helpful. This may be Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which focuses on changing thoughts and behaviours, Psychodynamic counselling, which focuses on significant relationships and their impact or Mindfulness techniques which can help with developing self-awareness and the ability to be more present in your life. Overall, I believe the most important aspect of the work is the relationship that exists between us.
I have a background in dance and creative arts and I am also particularly interested in using creative interventions in my work.
Before becoming a counsellor, I worked in adult and community education for 13 years and I am also a qualified tutor. I have written and delivered ‘confidence building’ courses and ‘listening to your child’ courses as a Family Learning tutor.
I chose to become a counsellor because I feel passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and about creating the space for people to have a voice and be able to communicate the things that are really impacting on them and affecting their wellbeing and quality of life.
So often the focus and attention is on our physical health, but not the bigger picture of what our experiences are or have been and how they make us feel. I believe everybody has the right to thrive in their life and fulfil their potential, not just survive, and counselling can provide the tools for people to achieve this.
Qualifications
Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling – 2022
Introduction to Somatic Experiencing (SOS Internationale) – 2022
Level 2 Awareness of Mental Health Problems – 2020
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling – 2016
Level 2 Awareness in Bereavement Care – Cruse 2013
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills – 2012
Post – 16 P.G.C.E. – 1996
Experience
Lincolnshire Centre for Grief and Loss (2 years) – counselling children aged 8 to 18 who have experienced a loss or bereavement, in primary and secondary schools
Casy – (1 year) – counselling children and young people
Trust House Lincolnshire – (1 year) – counselling adults who have experienced rape or sexual abuse
Priory Academy LSST – (1 year) – counselling children and young people in a school setting
Cruse Bereavement Care – (1 year) – offering bereavement support to adults