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I currently work Monday - Thursday both daytime and evening.  Please contact to arrange a suitable time.  I can be flexible to work with your schedule. 

I work both online and face to face.  My work with those under 16 will always be carried out face to face, however, I can and do work online with adults. 

Scheduling of sessions is also based on what is right for you.  Some clients attend weekly, whilst others come fortnightly.  We will discuss this during your initial session.  There is also opportunity for this to be flexible as required. 

Well done for taking this step!  I understand how hard it can be to reach out for support, but you have got this far. Keep going, small steps. 

My name is AnnMarie,  I am a Psychodynamic trained practitioner, working one to one with clients, both children and adults.   This type of therapy  is about helping you to understand how your experiences have shaped your thoughts and behaviours.  Most of our behaviour happens unconsciously, therefore working psychodynamically gives the opportunity to bring to consciousness what it is that is driving us. 

Before qualifying as a counsellor, I spent 25 years working in education, primarily with children who have additional needs.  My background provides understanding of childhood development and many years experience working directly with children.   I understand the challenges that young people face in school, particularly if they are neurodivergent, having either Autism or ADHD.  I also have a good understanding of EBSA.  I have worked with a number of children and teenagers who are finding mainstream education challenging, and as a result, impacting on their mental wellbeing. I understand the challenges that they can face. 

As with so many other therapists, I have my own ‘lived experience’ and like everyone who has gone through trauma or challenges in life, my own experiences are unique. However, going through my own trauma helps me to understand what it is like to feel completely overwhelmed in life; to reach the darkest points of depression. To have to keep going with life, wearing the masks to the outside world, whilst inside you are struggling to hold life together. I get it. I can help you to work through these challenges too.

I have a solid understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the impact that these can continue to have on us, long into adulthood. Including the development of CPTSD.  I can help you to understand and work through these challenges too in a therapeutic way. At your pace, when you are ready.

My practice is a calm, quiet, confidential,  non-judgemental, comfortable space that allows you to the freedom and opportunity to share the things that are causing you most challenge or hurt.  Finally being heard by another human who shows understanding and kindness, when you are unsure of your own emotions is powerful. 

I am not there to offer you advice or judgement, but to listen and support whilst you make sense of what is happening for you.   I will support you to get a clearer perspective on your life, your goals, challenges and where you want to be, and help you to see what may be causing the blockages in your path. You know you best, I am there to sit alongside you and support you whilst you explore your situation, 

My practice has two spaces set up to allow me to work in different therapeutic ways, depending on what works for you.  I have one room which is set up as a typical 'talking therapy' space.  Whilst the other space is set up in a creative way to work with children, encompassing play, art, sand tray work amongst other things.  Working creatively in this way with children can help reduce the anxiety that coming to therapy may cause, and also allows them to communicate in ways that are safe. 

The creative activities are suitable for all ages and any of my adult clients who also wish to engage in some of these, are more than welcome to do so.  I can often be found in that space, between clients, indulging my own creativity!

Please note my practice is upstairs and there is no lift, therefore it is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.  However, in some circumstances, I may be able to offer home visits.  Please discuss as the time of enquiring.  Also, online sessions are available too.  

The first session can undoubtedly be the hardest!  Walking through that door or logging on to the computer, to be faced with a complete stranger.  I get it, I have been there!  I will do what I can to help ease those initial anxieties and worries.  We are in this together. 

This first session is an opportunity for you to meet me and get a feel for the therapeutic space.  At this session, we will discuss the process of counselling as well as getting an understanding of what it is that has brought you there.  

One of the key parts of counselling is the therapeutic relationship and connection between client and therapist.  Consequently, this initial session gives you the opportunity to see if you are happy to continue working with me. 

It also allows me to see if I am the right person to support you or whether you may benefit from signposting to another type of support service. 

The first session is generally 1 hour long, however, there is an option to shorten this if you would prefer. 

There is no obligation to book further sessions following the initial session, if you do not feel that it is currently the right thing for you. 

I understand how difficult it can be to reach out for support, and to accept it. It can take time. Talking can be difficult, but that’s ok, we can find other, creative ways, to help you say what you need to. Trust has to be built. Your story is yours, but I am ready to hear it and sit with you whilst you work through it. Therapy can be so empowering.