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How I Work

I believe that every person is unique, and therefore therapy should be tailored to meet individual needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. I provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where children, young people, adults, and families can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly and at their own pace.

My work is grounded in psychodynamic psychotherapy, which recognises that our past experiences and relationships can influence how we think, feel, and relate to others in the present. By developing a deeper understanding of these patterns, therapy can help bring greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and lasting change. Alongside this, I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches to ensure that the work is responsive to each client's individual circumstances and goals.

For children, therapy often looks different from traditional talking therapy. Children frequently communicate through play, creativity, stories, and behaviour rather than words alone. I use play-based and creative methods to help children express emotions, process difficult experiences, and develop healthier ways of coping. Sessions are child-led, allowing children to feel safe, understood, and empowered to explore their feelings in ways that feel natural to them.

When working with adolescents and adults, I offer a supportive environment where we can explore current difficulties, relationships, emotions, and life experiences. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, family difficulties, or feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, therapy can provide a space to reflect, gain insight, and develop new perspectives.

I view the therapeutic relationship as a central part of the healing process. Building trust, safety, and collaboration enables meaningful exploration and growth.

Supporting Children, Young People, and Emerging Adults

I am a ÌÇÐĹÙÍø Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist with over 16 years of experience working with children, young people, families, and adults in educational and therapeutic settings. I provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences at their own pace.

Children often communicate emotions through play, creativity, and behaviour rather than words. For younger clients, I use play, storytelling, creative activities, and therapeutic conversation to help them express themselves, understand difficult feelings, and develop healthy ways of coping. My approach is child-centred, allowing each child to feel heard, understood, and supported in a way that feels natural and comfortable for them.

I work with children experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, emotional regulation difficulties, friendship issues, family changes, loss, trauma, and school-related challenges. I aim to help them build resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being.

I also support adolescents and emerging adults who may be struggling with anxiety, stress, low mood, identity issues, relationship difficulties, academic pressures, family concerns, or uncertainty about the future. The transition into adulthood can feel overwhelming, particularly when balancing expectations from school, family, work, and relationships. 

My training is rooted in psychodynamic psychotherapy, which explores how past experiences and relationships can influence current thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. I integrate this understanding with a warm, collaborative, and relational approach tailored to each individual's needs.

Alongside my private practice, I work in a secondary school supporting young people aged 12–18, which gives me a strong understanding of the emotional, social, and developmental challenges facing children and adolescents today.

The first session is an opportunity for us to meet, begin getting to know one another, and consider whether we feel comfortable working together. I understand that starting therapy can feel daunting, particularly if it is your first experience of counselling, so I aim to create a welcoming, safe, and non-judgmental environment where you can feel at ease.

During this initial session, I will carry out an assessment to gain an understanding of your current difficulties, personal circumstances, and what has brought you to therapy at this time. We will explore any concerns, challenges, or goals you may have, as well as relevant aspects of your personal history that may help us understand your experiences more fully. If the session is for a child or young person, I will discuss their needs with parents or carers where appropriate and explain how the therapeutic process works.

The assessment is not about making judgments or arriving at quick solutions. Rather, it is an opportunity to begin developing a shared understanding of your situation and to consider how therapy may be helpful. It also allows us to identify your strengths, resources, and hopes for the future.

A key part of the first session is the development of the therapeutic alliance—the trusting and collaborative relationship between therapist and client. Research consistently shows that the quality of this relationship is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. For this reason, I place great importance on ensuring that you feel heard, understood, respected, and able to speak openly about your thoughts and feelings.

The first session also provides an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about therapy, confidentiality, the way I work, and what you can expect from our sessions together.

My aim is for you to leave the first session with a clearer understanding of your difficulties, a sense of being listened to, and the reassurance that you do not have to face your challenges alone.