I am passionate about therapy and our potential for transformation. I work within the UKCP code of Ethics.

My Approach

I offer a safe and confidential therapy space. I have worked online on Zoom since March 2020. Along with many colleagues, I have been astonished by how richly effective online therapy can be. I enhanced my skills at the outset of the global pandemic; adding a training in online therapy to my ‘toolbox’, gaining a distinction in the general certificate in Online Therapy for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ACAD).

Initially, I chose an integrative training to combine a range of theories and psychological therapies. The flexibility and creativity of this training made sense for me as a practitioner. I have experience in working effectively with people who have a wide range of life problems and diagnosis including (for example) stress, anxiety, depression, O.C.D, self harm, eating disorders, personality adaptation and relationship difficulties. I have additional training in relational trauma and an interest in working with post adoption issues.

I will meet you wherever you find yourself in your life and share my skills, working together on what you bring. My approach combines the clinical thinking of Transactional Analysis, the embodied presence of Gestalt, holding our work in mind using reflections from relational psychodynamic theory. You may be may be more or less interested in the nuts and bolts of my tool-kit – and this doesn’t matter. I use a relational approach and welcome questions and discussion of the process of your therapy at any time. You can expect a clear contract with me on the issues you choose to work with – I will support your increased freedom to make real choices in other areas of your life.

Background

I completed the taught course at Level 6 of study with the Welsh Psychotherapy Partnership (now Institute) as an Integrative Psychotherapist in 2014, fully accrediting with UKCP in 2016. I completed the diploma in Contemporary Trauma Practice with Relational Change (Oxford) in 2019 and supported the training as assistant in 2020/21. I will be one of the associate trainers on this programme in 2021/2.

I previously trained with the Institute of Arts in Therapy and Education (London).
I have worked in the field of mental health for twenty years. I am confident working with people with a range of diagnoses and have experience referring on, with your agreement, where it might be useful. I also enjoy working with people for whom diagnosis holds little interest or personal relevance!

Next steps

You are welcome to phone or email me to see if I can offer you the kind of help you are looking for. I work with clients on both short term and longer term basis. I charge £60 per weekly 50 minute session. 

Further information: Current and recent projects

I have worked in private practice since 2012 as a therapist.

Until recently I was Co-director of C.A.R.P Collaborations, a Wales based social enterprise building community capacity and cohesion.

Until 2015 I worked as Mental Health Adviser for the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David. I was previously Mental Health Coordinator at Swansea University for 8 years. I completed a therapy placement at SU in the Wellbeing department 2011 and completed a second placement with Y Cwmni Siarad (The Talking Company) in 2012 . I have also co-facilitated the 8 week Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) course, delivered mental health awareness training in a range of settings since 1997 and individual psycho-educational sessions. I worked as a mental health advocate across a range of in-patient units across South Wales from 2001-6.

I passed the MITI assessment (Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity) in 2012 in order to work for the WILMA research project for the NHS and Cardiff University as a Motivational Interviewer. This is an additional and effective short term approach that many people find useful to support their motivation and ability to change difficult habitual behaviours. This project focused on sustaining weight loss with MI support.

I have a research interest in working therapeutically with people who experience psychosis, particularly phase specific interventions. I am a contributor to the development of Digital & Social Policy for WPI and have ongoing research interests in this area.

I hold appropriate insurance and have an enhanced D.B.S.