About me…
Before deciding to train as a Counsellor and Psychotherapist several years ago I established and worked within a range of creative community groups including The Art Club for children and young people in Swarcliffe Leeds, Craft and Chat, a peer support group for mums and Beulah62 Community Arts Hub in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. I am passionate about the development of creative community relationships in all its forms to inspire and build self esteem and I love coming alongside those I work with to empower and encourage confidence in their skills and potential. Working in each of these projects has had an impact on me both personally and professionally and has been highly rewarding in many ways. Teaching me the true value of being listened to without judgement or agenda and encourages me in the transformative power of being truly heard by another.
How I work…
Life can at times feel too much and we can get lost in the tide of our thoughts and emotions however, I know from personal experience just how beneficial talking to someone who is trained to actively listen can be.
As a Relational Psychotherapist and Counsellor my primary focus is developing a therapeutic relationship established on certain values and principles which I believe are central to the therapeutic process. This means I will respect your personal experiences, beliefs, culture, sexual orientation and religious affiliation. Our time together will be defined as a two person endeavour which means I will be actively engaged with you and your experiences. In this way I foster a collaborative and secure space whereby your thoughts, feelings and beliefs can be explored in an environment that feels safe.
I see my role as a facilitator, whereby I use my training, life experience and intuition to help guide you. In this way I support you to know what it means to have lived your life, helping you make meaning out of your personal encounters and interactions with others and the world. I work with understanding what matters to you, providing you the opportunity to recognise your innate values so that you can identify the choices that align best with who you are and the direction you want to take.
I am committed to encouraging the autonomy of those I work with, helping you cultivate a better understanding of your past and present experiences. I believe this insight can develop the capacity and potential to better connect, respond and attune with others and the world around you. I have worked with issues around healthy communication, anxiety, depression, anger, understanding and implementing boundaries, suicidal thoughts and I have a particular interest in working with those that have endured adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and relational trauma.
For a full list of my qualifications and training please click here.
