I am 42 years old. I walked into the counselling profession having spent 17 years working in mental health support services. Whilst working a variety of roles, I recognised the importance of offering listening and empathy, recognising the impact building relationships had upon individuals wellbeing. This led me into nursing, counselling and psychotherapy. I always had a feeling I would be working in this profession, helping people to better help themselves. I am an intuitive, empathic and creative individual.
I have a background in social science and healthcare. Having studied sociology and psychology at college and university around 20 years ago. I have experience of working in forensic mental health settings, secure psychiatric settings, adolescent care, EMI care, general nursing care, learning disabilities (adult/child), sexual health, generic counselling services and in community mental health support services.
I took my first course in counselling skills back in 2005. Shortly after I coordinated and facilitated self help groups for people with depression and anxiety between 2006/09. Subsequently and to enhance my career roles I took further counselling skills qualifications in 2006/7 and in 2008.
I trained in General Nursing between 2009/11, however, nursing did not suit me as a profession.
My post grad studies in counselling and psychotherapy practice enabled me to hone in on and reflect upon particular areas of my work: Trauma, Abuse, CPTSD and PTSD; integrative and humanistic approaches. As well as researching the concept of Intuition in counselling and psychotherapy practice.
As a counsellor I have a broad range of experience in working with many issues:
I have a background in social science and healthcare. Having studied sociology and psychology at college and university around 20 years ago. I have experience of working in forensic mental health settings, secure psychiatric settings, adolescent care, EMI care, general nursing care, learning disabilities (adult/child), sexual health, generic counselling services and in community mental health support services.
I took my first course in counselling skills back in 2005. Shortly after I coordinated and facilitated self help groups for people with depression and anxiety between 2006/09. Subsequently and to enhance my career roles I took further counselling skills qualifications in 2006/7 and in 2008.
I trained in General Nursing between 2009/11, however, nursing did not suit me as a profession.
My post grad studies in counselling and psychotherapy practice enabled me to hone in on and reflect upon particular areas of my work: Trauma, Abuse, CPTSD and PTSD; integrative and humanistic approaches. As well as researching the concept of Intuition in counselling and psychotherapy practice.
As a counsellor I have a broad range of experience in working with many issues:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anger and Agression
- Addictions, Recovery
- Childhood Sexual Abuse
- Domestic Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Parenting
- Relationships
- Sexualities
- Bullying
- Health Issues
- Sexual Health
- Neuro-degenerative disease
- Disabilities
- Body Dysmorphia
- Bereavement
- Bereavement through Suicide
- Suicidal ideation
- Weight Issues
- LGBT
- Loss and Grief
- Self Esteem and Self Confidence
I am passionate about and feel privileged to be in a profession that at times is challenging but through those challenges comes great rewards and individual and social value.
Broadly speaking I have a vested interest in all areas of mental health, advocacy and awareness, with a working experience in many of them. I have a particular interest in 'inter' and 'intra' relationships, our relationship with ourselves and how we relate this self to others. I practice mindfulness, I am a keen naturalist, I enjoy walking, drawing, writing, cooking, literature and many creative pursuits.