How it works

How does it work?

Right now, life might feel like it’s falling apart. You could be feeling lost, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns you can’t seem to break. If you’re going through one of the hardest times in your life and aren’t sure how to move forward, know that you’re not alone—you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

As a sober counsellor who is a survivor, with lived experience of trauma and over 20 years in emergency services, I understand how tough life can be. I’m not here to tell you how to feel or what to do; I’m here to sit with you through the mess, help you make sense of what’s going on, and find a way forward that feels right for you.

Counselling with me is not about following a script or ticking boxes. It’s about creating a space where you can be yourself, share what’s on your mind, and explore what’s been weighing you down. Whether you want to talk things through or feel unsure of where to start, we’ll take it one step at a time, meeting you where you are.

HOW I CAN HELP YOU

When life feels like a constant struggle, getting through the day can feel overwhelming. We’ll work together to uncover what’s going on beneath the surface and begin to lighten the emotional load.

  • Manage Emotions: If you’re feeling anxious, angry, ashamed, or completely stuck, I can help you untangle those feelings and find relief.

  • Improve Relationships: Struggling with family, friends, or a partner? We can explore the patterns that keep repeating and find better ways to connect with those you care about.

  • Build Self-Esteem: If you feel like you’re never good enough, we’ll work together to rebuild your confidence and help you feel more grounded in who you are.

  • Find Balance in Life: Life doesn’t have to be a never-ending fight. Together, we’ll explore how to bring more balance and joy back into your days, so you can start living instead of just surviving.

WHY I’M DIFFERENT

What sets me apart is that I truly get it. I’ve faced tough times myself, and I know how important it is to feel heard and supported when everything feels out of control. While I don’t have all the answers, I’m here to listen without judgment, help you explore what’s going on, and find a way through that makes sense for you.

I offer more than just traditional talk therapy. If sitting and talking about your feelings feels too challenging, that’s okay. We can get creative—whether through art, nature, or even walking and talking. The most important thing is finding what works for you.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Together, we can make sense of the chaos and help you move toward a life that feels more manageable and fulfilling.

As an integrative counsellor, I blend person-centred therapy’s here-and-now focus with the deeper exploration of psychodynamic therapy, including inner-child work. My approach is entirely non-directive and client-led, allowing you to guide the journey at your pace.

I’m deeply committed to creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you can feel seen and heard. The therapeutic relationship is at the heart of everything I do, and I believe this trust is key to real healing. You are the expert in your own life, and I will never claim to know better. My role is to sit alongside you, listen with empathy, and offer a space where you can explore your emotions, thoughts, and experiences freely.

Counselling with me is about finding what works best for you. For some, that means face-to-face conversations in a traditional setting. For others, the idea of sitting opposite a therapist may feel too intense. That’s why I offer creative, non-traditional methods to explore your inner world. Whether through art, fairy tales, sand trays, collages, or walking in nature, I tailor the process to meet your needs.

HOW IT CAN HELP YOU

Life can often feel like a tangled ball of wool—messy, overwhelming, and difficult to make sense of. In our work together, I’ll help you gently untangle that mess, one thread at a time, allowing you to gain clarity and understanding. There’s no rush; we can take as much time as you need. The focus is on your growth, at your pace.

With over 20 years in emergency services and my own lived experience of trauma, I bring a down-to-earth, empathetic understanding to my practice. I specialise in but am not limited to areas like alcohol addiction, ADHD, personality disorders, CPTSD, PTSD, domestic violence, anger, low self-esteem, trauma, relationships, anxiety, and supporting survivors of sexual abuse. My personal and professional experiences enable me to support you in ways that truly resonate, helping you break free from patterns that have been holding you back.

IIn our sessions, we’ll work together to:

  • Manage Difficult Emotions:

    • Identify and understand overwhelming feelings like anxiety, anger, sadness, and shame.

    • Develop coping strategies to navigate these emotions effectively.

    • Explore triggers and patterns related to your emotional experiences.

    • Learn techniques to express emotions in a healthy way.

  • Heal and Improve Relationships:

    • Assess and understand existing relationship dynamics (family, friends, partners).

    • Identify patterns that may be causing conflict or dissatisfaction.

    • Develop healthier communication skills to express needs and feelings.

    • Work on setting boundaries to foster mutual respect and understanding.

    • Explore forgiveness and healing past wounds that impact current relationships.

  • Support Couples:

    • Navigate conflicts and misunderstandings that arise in the relationship.

    • Enhance communication skills to foster open and honest dialogue.

    • Explore individual needs and desires within the relationship.

    • Work together to rebuild trust and intimacy after breaches.

    • Develop strategies to support each other during challenging times.

    • Identify and address underlying issues that may be affecting the partnership.

  • Boost Self-Esteem and Confidence:

    • Challenge negative self-beliefs and self-talk.

    • Recognise and celebrate your strengths and achievements.

    • Build a positive self-image and develop self-compassion.

    • Practice assertiveness to communicate your needs and desires confidently.

    • Create personalised affirmations to reinforce your self-worth.

  • Find Balance and Joy in Life:

    • Identify sources of stress and overwhelm in your life.

    • Explore self-care practices to nourish your well-being.

    • Develop routines that promote balance and structure.

    • Discover hobbies and activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

    • Integrate mindfulness and relaxation techniques to cultivate inner peace.

  • Process Trauma and Past Events:

    • Create a safe space to explore and process traumatic experiences.

    • Understand how past events shape current thoughts and behaviors.

    • Work through feelings of guilt, shame, or blame related to trauma.

    • Develop strategies to cope with flashbacks or intrusive memories.

    • Foster healing through storytelling and reflection on your experiences.

  • Explore Personal Growth:

    • Set achievable goals for personal development and growth.

    • Reflect on past experiences to gain insight and understanding.

    • Create a vision for the future that aligns with your values and desires.

    • Cultivate resilience and adaptability to face life’s challenges.

    • Embrace the journey of self-discovery and transformation.

  • Navigate Life Transitions:

    • Address feelings of uncertainty during major life changes (e.g., career shifts, relationship changes).

    • Explore strategies to cope with grief, loss, or major life adjustments.

    • Support you in finding clarity and direction in uncertain times.

    • Develop a plan for moving forward and embracing new opportunities.

  • Enhance Coping Skills:

    • Equip you with tools and techniques to manage stress and anxiety.

    • Teach problem-solving skills to tackle everyday challenges.

    • Encourage healthy lifestyle changes that support emotional well-being.

    • Foster resilience to bounce back from setbacks and adversity.

  • Utilise Creative Approaches:

    • Incorporate art, journaling, or other creative methods to express thoughts and feelings.

    • Explore nature-based therapies to enhance connection and healing.

    • Use metaphorical tools (e.g., sand trays, fairy tales) to explore complex emotions.

    • Create a therapeutic environment that feels safe and engaging.

  • Support Young People and Children:

    • Provide a safe and welcoming space for children and teens to express their feelings.

    • Use age-appropriate language and activities to help them articulate their emotions.

    • Explore family dynamics and friendships to enhance social skills and relationships.

    • Address challenges related to school, peers, or transitions (e.g., moving schools, puberty).

    • Encourage self-expression through creative activities like art, play, or storytelling.

    • Help them build resilience and coping strategies to navigate life’s challenges.

      Ultimately, my goal is to create the right conditions for you to experience growth, healing, and transformation. Whether that involves creative tools, deep emotional work, or simply a space where you feel safe to be yourself, together we’ll embark on a journey toward resilience, self-discovery, and lasting positive change.

Previous
Previous

Journal?

Next
Next

Attached?