About Me
How I Work:
​
Our counselling sessions will be held on a weekly basis at the agreed time, lasting 50 minutes. Initially, there will be an assessment session, designed for us to get to know each other which will be of the same length as a regular session. I will want to know what brings you to counselling, what expectations you have and, likewise, you might wish to ask me questions about my working methods. For me the relationship between counsellor and client is most important, and the assessment session will form the basis of that relationship.
I believe that each individual will require a different amount of time. The duration of the therapeutic process will, therefore, depend on the issue you are working on. You may prefer a fixed number of sessions, followed by a review, or you might feel more comfortable with long-term work.
Although my background is informed by Psychodynamic theory, I do not have just one way of working. My focus will be on the relationship we develop in the room and how previous relationships have shaped and affected you. I believe that by helping you feel curious about yourself and by offering you a safe space to talk, you will find your own tools to grow and change.
I also like to work creatively – by utilising music, art, writing and dreams – as it will offer you different ways to express yourself when talking is too difficult or just not the right way to make yourself heard.
​
​
My Background:
​
I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Psychotherapeutic Counselling from the University of Brighton, as well as an ACTO-accredited diploma in Online Counselling.
I am also registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and practice in accordance to their Code of Ethics.
Alongside my private practice, I have worked for various charitable organisations. These include LGBT Switchboard, an organisation committed to offering a safe space for people from the LGBT community. 3rd Age Counselling, offering low cost or free counselling to the isolated and elderly. Brighton Women's Centre, offering well-being services and safe group spaces for women in need.
Confidentiality:
​
Everything discussed in the counselling space will be strictly confidential and the only person your case will be discussed with is my supervisor who is also a fully qualified counsellor. Your details will still be kept confidential. The only times that confidentiality might have to be broken is if I feel there is a risk to yourself or someone close to you, but this would be discussed with you also.
CBT:
​
If you would rather focus on the here and now and are looking for a solution-focused way of counselling, I am happy to provide you with the necessary CBT tools.
​
Do you feel stuck and find yourself unable to break a pattern? Are you struggling with anxieties or negative thoughts? Would you like to learn to cope with difficult or challenging relationships?
​
​
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a form of counselling that will help you reduce stress in your life and restructure the way you think, which will, in turn, change the way you feel. It is based on the theory that it is not just the challenging moments we experience in our lives that cause the issue, but also the meaning we give to these events. CBT will have a positive impact on your well-being, as it helps you differentiate helpful from unhelpful behaviours and teaches you new and more beneficial ways of coping. You will develop a more positive way of thinking, learn how to set attainable goals, stop taking the blame for everything and find new ways to face your fears rather than to avoid them.