Counselling and Psychotherapy

Returning to wellbeing and wholeness

In the course of our lives, all of us experience difficult and challenging circumstances, as well as shock and trauma to varying degrees, which can be very overwhelming. Very often we have not had the support and care we needed to heal and release these experiences. We then shut out aspects of ourselves in order to be able to meet the demands and challenges of daily life. Although doing this may help us navigate life in a way that feels manageable, it can also limit the expression of our fullest potential and impact our relationshpis painfully. This is often why people take the courageous step to seek therapeutic support.

You may be experiencing:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression
• Being easily alarmed and triggered into reactive behaviour
• Feeling disconnected from yourself and others
• A deep sense of unworthiness or not being good enough
• Inability to form long-lasting intimate relationships
• Difficulty in allowing vulnerability, closeness and support
• Loneliness or a sense of isolation
• Compulsive behaviour patterns
• A lack of a sense of meaning and purpose
• A sense of there being something fundamentally wrong with yourself or your life

How I work

Gentle – Compassionate – Deeply respectful of your pace

I recognise that it takes courage to reach out and ask for help from a therapist who you have not met before. For that reason, I offer a free, introductory 30 minute meeting via Zoom to give you the opportunity to meet me and see if you feel comfortable enough to work with me. During that call, you only have to speak about what is motivating you to seek therapy, and you are also welcome to ask me any questions about my approach and experience.

Creating a space where you feel safe and respected is fundamental to the way I work, as this is essential for you to be able to explore what you are experiencing more deeply. As the relationship between us is gradually established in trust, it becomes the container for your emotions and experiences to be met and integrated.

I will support you to directly connect with your emotional and physical states, some of which may not be easily accessible to you or have felt too frightening to contact. We begin slowly and gently, with great kindness, so that you can go at your own pace and find what allows you to open to yourself. Together we create an atmosphere of acceptance and loving presence so that you feel welcomed in whatever experiences you are having. This brings about a natural process of healing, integration and growth.

We will also explore patterns of belief that you may have formed very early in life to help yourself makes sense of a confusing or frightening experience. As the adult that you are now, you may recognise that these beliefs, which were formed from a child’s perspectives, are no longer serving you and have actually sbecome limiting and out-of-date.. As you identify these belief systems and release yourself from them, it can bring greater freedom in how you choose to express yourself in your life and relationships.

Having discovered first-hand what it takes to emerge from a life shaped by a traumatic experience in my early years, I see myself as a guide with extensive knowledge of the inner terrain. At the same time, I recognise and honour the uniqueness of each individual’s journey through that terrain.

I will share with you whatever serves you from all my training, studying and experience. Since completing my Internal Family Systems (IFS) level 1 training, I am finding this apporach very beneficial for clients, particularly in creating a sense of internal safety and self-compassion, as well as a greater experience of choice. Together, we welcome the parts of you that are anxious, protective, or in pain, not to get rid of them, but to understand them. Healing begins when we meet ourselves with compassion and curiosit rather then judgment. I will support you to find your own inner resources that bring you to the freedom and capacity to love that is your true nature.

I offer individual sessions in person or via Zoom (see practical information below).

Practical information

Free: Introductory 30 mins session in person, or via Zoom. This gives us the opportunity to meet each other, and for you to decide whether you feel it will support you to have ongoing sessions with me.

Sessions: take place either in person in South Devon or via Zoom. Sessions online can be just as effective as in person, so it is a question of personal preference and practical logistics. Online therapy saves travel time and allows you to be in the comfort of your own home where you do need to have a quiet, private space.

Frequency of sessions: I suggest starting with weekly sessions as this facilitates building a good foundation together. If this is not possible for you, then fortnightly sessions can be arranged.

Length of session: 60 minutes

Fees: £55 (some concessions available)

Cancellation Policy: I ask for 48 hours cancellation notice (apart from exceptional circumstances such as genuine emergencies or sudden illness). I appreciate your understanding, as this allows me to offer that time to someone else in need. I do my best to be flexible when possible, and occasional rescheduling within the same week may be offered if space allows.