About Me
I live in Winchester and work with young adults at a local sixth form college. I grew up in a neurodiverse family which gives me first hand experience of the challenges this brings for individuals and for extended family. Prior to my counselling training I worked in outreach adult education with clients with learning difference and mental health issues. I volunteered for a year in a peer support group for parents of children with an Autism or ADHD diagnosis. I also ran my own business delivering wellness workshops using art and craft activities to build confidence and communication skills.
What a therapy session is like
If you have never been for counselling before there can be some anxiety about what will happen in sessions. In our first session there will be some paperwork to complete including contact details, what you would like to discuss and a contract to agree our working partnership.
After that you can use the time to discuss what you would like to, while I listen and support you. I may invite you to explore aspects of what you bring up, but you are in control of how we work together.
I will inform you when we are coming towards the end of the session so that we have time to bring things to a close comfortably and make a plan for the following session before you return to your daily life.
Gestalt Practice
Gestalt is a German word meaning 'whole.' Gestalt counsellors focus on the integrated experiences of clients and their relationships with society. I aim to raise awareness of thoughts, feelings, behaviours and bodily sensations. This is done through authentic connection and curiosity, inviting you to bring your awareness to what you are experiencing in the present moment, accepting the feelings and allowing them to be present and experienced fully.
Sometimes feelings can be too difficult to feel or to express, so I may invite you to work with objects, such as pebbles, shells or other objects (including Lego and trains) in order to develop a gradual gentle connection. Depending on an individual's interest or preference, we can use film characters, song lyrics, poetry, dreams, photographs or art materials.
Creative Arts Therapies
Creative-Arts Therapies are activities used within a therapy session to help clients connect with, express and process their feelings.
You don’t need any skills or experience in art to participate and people of any age can benefit from them. They aim to help you:
- communicate thoughts, feelings and experiences that are difficult to put into words
- understand yourself better
- find new perspectives
- experience connection with others
I will not judge the artwork, or interpret/analyse it. I may invite you to explore the feelings that were raised while making the artwork, and while reflecting on it.
Qualifications
Diploma in Creative Arts Therapies: Iron Mill College, 2022
Level 4+5 Diploma in Humanistic Counselling: Portsmouth University, Distinction 2022
Level 1+2 Online Counselling Skills: Eastleigh College, 2020
ABC Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills: Peter Symonds College, 2019
EATA TA 101 Certificate : Peter Symonds College, 2019
ABC Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills: Peter Symonds College, 2019
City and Guilds 7307 Further and Adult Education Teachers Certificate Stage II, Guildford College, 2002
City and Guilds 9281 Certificate in Teaching Basic Skills (1st Module)
City and Guilds 7307 Further and Adult Education Teachers Certificate Stage I, Brooklands College, 2001
BSc (Hons) Kingston University, 1991
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