About me
My journey began a quarter of a century ago as I embarked on a Counselling Certificate. My love and passion grew and propelled me to continue to a Diploma, and culminated in an Integrative Counselling Degree. I've since added many different approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR).
With over two decades of experience, I've worked extensively with children, adolescents and adults on a one-to-one basis. This has been within school settings (both privately & for eight years in collaboration with the Valley Trust Charity). I have worked on a volunteer basis with Criminal Reduction Intervention, Surrey Drug and Alcohol Service & Youthline (Bracknell). I have undertaken work with Social Services in both the Berkshire and Hampshire areas.
Presently, my focus is on working with adults in my private practice here in Sandhurst, offering both short-term and long-term therapeutic support.
Qualifications
- BSc (Hons) Integrative Counselling, University of Surrey (2004)
- Diploma in Person Centred Counselling (2003)
- Certificate in Counselling (2002)
- EMDR training for adults and children (EMDR UK Association)
- BACP Accredited Member
- EMDR UK Association Member
I am fully insured and hold DBS checks for both adults and children. I attend regular Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and have monthly supervision to ensure that I provide the best support possible for my clients. I work within the BACP code of ethics.
Get in touch
Reaching out can be a big step, especially if you've been managing things on your own for a while.
Thank you for taking it.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling is usually a good way to help with a current problem; something that can be discussed and hopefully resolved within a limited number of sessions. Over a certain number of weeks the understanding of the problem improves and a way forward becomes clearer. Psychotherapy often describes work that goes a bit deeper, towards more substantial life issues and problems having a deeper effect on your life. Psychotherapy often requires a long-term approach, so the number of sessions can be open-ended.
Which option is most suitable depends on you and the difficulties you are facing. Psychotherapy works well as an ongoing, longer term option or counselling can manage to resolve an issue in just a few sessions.
How long will I need counselling?
How long a period of counselling lasts will vary from person to person and depend on the depth of the issues they are facing. For some people a couple of sessions helps to bring their problems into focus, and they feel ready to move forward; other problems may require more of an open-ended approach.
Before we begin any work we will agree on the number of sessions we’ll undertake, and at the end of that number, review our progress. As long as we both agree further therapy will be of benefit to you, sessions can continue.
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
My aim is to offer a first appointment - known as an initial assessment - within 1-2 weeks. Then we would arrange a set number of counselling sessions to take place ideally at the same time every week although sometimes this needs more flexibility depending on your commitments.
Will everything I say be kept confidential?
Everything that is said within the counselling room is private - this is one of the main ways counselling and psychotherapy differ from talking to a friend or relative. Once you are comfortable with the format of weekly sessions and the safe space they provide, you will find the freedom to speak in confidence is of great value.
Note that in serious cases if you were to be a risk to yourself or others, I have a duty of care required by law to notify an authority. In these rare cases, I am unable to keep confidentiality.
Can I bring a friend or relative with me?
Usually I am asked this question by people who are nervous about entering into counselling, or when they are looking for support in coming to see a counsellor. This anxiety is understandable, but a key aspect of counselling is that you should feel free to talk about any issues you feel are important to you. Having someone else with you makes opening-up more difficult, so for this reason I do not see clients accompanied by friends or family.
Find out more
My location
Based in Sandhurst, I work with clients from across the local area, including Crowthorne, Camberley, Yateley and Wokingham, Farnborough, Fleet, Bracknell, Finchampstead, Hartley Wintney, Ascot, Windsor and the surrounding areas.
Contact me
Feel free to email me if you have any questions about how counselling works or to arrange an initial appointment.