I work collaboratively with clients to identify strategies that will empower them to constructively deal with a challenging situation or personal difficulty that is impacting wellbeing and outlook. Facing and talking through problems in the presence of an objective, compassionate witness is proven to alleviate symptoms of mental ill health, and often may dislodge barriers to wellness.
Therapy is about being with and acknowledging pain and suffering, which serves as a gateway to the possibility of embodying transformation and change. Shifting from an avoidant to curious approach with guidance of a therapist, opens a client’s mind to new insights and perspectives to facilitate a shift from suffering to peace and wholeness.
I work using an Integrative, Relational, Trauma-informed approach to counselling and psychotherapy, with an awareness of difference and multiculturalism, underpinned by the BACP Ethical Framework. Each client is different with their own needs and goals. I work with the way each individual client prefers to explore their feelings, thinking and behaviours and will offer ways of working that will resonate for each individual. While I work with a range of issues and diverse client base, I have a particular interest in trauma/inter-generational trauma, trauma recovery, positive psychology and addiction.
I am an Accredited Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, MBACP (Accred). I am a level 7 trained practitioner, with accredited certification in Facilitating Effective Trauma Release and Certified for working in therapeutic groups. In addition to my academic qualifications and extensive CPD training, a significant part of my background has been helping and supporting individuals as a voluntary mentor and a group facilitator for many years.
My background is in the arts, higher education and student support. I have been a practitioner of mindfulness and meditation for many years. In addition to private practice, I have been a counsellor for university students and the NHS primary care service.
Cootes Counselling 