ABOUT ME
My keen interest in human psychology spans 40+ years. I had many years of lived experience of Depression and PTSD which drove my desire to study psychology and to find out what psychological health looked like.
I practice according to the Professional Guidelines and Codes of Ethics of The British Psychological Society and the Health Care and Professions Council in the UK. My qualifications can be viewed online.
I've been a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor since 1996, working in the private sector and in the NHS. In 2005, I became a Chartered Psychologist and an Associate Fellow. Between 2006 and 2013, I was the dedicated Counselling Psychologist for Long-term Physical Health Conditions and Medically Unexplained Symptoms for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, at the Conquest Hospital, Hastings. Before that I worked in the Chronic Pain Service at Eastbourne District General Hospital. During my training, I benefitted greatly from a two year placement within the specialist Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Service in Brighton and Hove NHS Trust.
I have gathered extensive experience supporting adults from diverse backgrounds. My therapeutic approach is warm, collaborative and grounded in psychological science.
I draw on techniques from several evidence-based models - my work is always tailored to your unique needs. More information on the various approaches can be found on the website.
My aim is simple: to help you understand your struggles more deeply and support you in making the changes needed to build a better life.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A confidential, non-judgemental therapeutic relationship
Professional psychological support
Sessions tailored to your goals
Clear, gentle guidance toward positive change
Whether this is your first time considering therapy or you’re returning after previous support, you are welcome here.
As important as professional training is, good therapy cannot be reduced to a technical manual. It is about a therapist having the human qualities of insight, emotional literacy, compassion, warmth and creative flair. For emotional healing to take place what is needed is a safe place within a safe relationship where new experiences of the human sort can be had, and new understandings through that therapeutic relationship, can be developed. AI will certainly have a place, but can a bot ever be programmed to understand ethics or morality or be able to care? Of course not!
This is why I became a Counselling Psychologist rather than a Clinical Psychologist. I believe that the relationship between the therapist and the client is in many ways the most salient and transformative aspect of the therapeutic endeavour. There is plenty of research evidence to support this view.
Qualifications:
B.A.(Hons.) Social Psychology
Post-Graduate Advanced Diploma in Counselling and Therapy
M.Sc. Counselling Psychology
Chartered Counselling Psychologist
Associate Fellow British Psychological Society