My Qualifications
MSc (Distinction), Psychodynamic Counselling & Psychotherapy, Birkbeck, University of London.
Post Graduate Diploma, Psychodynamic Counselling & Psychotherapy, Birkbeck, University of London.
Certificate of Higher Education in Counselling and Counselling Skills, Birkbeck, University of London.
BA (Hons), University of Warwick.
My Background
Prior to becoming a psychotherapist I worked for many years in London in the TV industry. My experience of the corporate/media environment taught me much about the challenges of balancing work/life commitments in a highly competitive industry in a busy city. After living in London for over 20 years I returned to Leamington Spa where I had lived once before while an undergraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Before and during my psychotherapy training I volunteered with the Central London Samaritans where I provided support via phone, face-to-face, text and email. I also had the opportunity to engage in outreach work with the Samaritans, including presenting mental health talks to secondary-school pupils across London.
Other counselling roles have included university counselling in London and Birmingham, as well as volunteering at a central Birmingham charity offering free and low-cost counselling within the community.
Where do I work?
I keep a small private practice in Leamington Spa offering appointments on Mondays and Thursdays only.
I offer a limited number of in-person spaces and a limited number of online spaces. In-person therapy sessions take place in specially appointed therapy rooms located in Leamington Spa town centre, while online therapy sessions take place via Zoom.
Alongside my private practice I am also a Psychological Therapist at the University of Warwick.
Who do I work with?
I work with adults (18+) only, offering either short-term focussed counselling or more in-depth mid to long-term psychotherapy. My approach is non-directive and non-judgmental and I have experience of working with people from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds.
Please note, as I am a Psychological Therapist (student counsellor) at the University of Warwick I do not currently see students from this university in my private practice.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Traditionally, ‘counselling’ has been used to refer to shorter-term goal-orientated work, while ‘psychotherapy’ has been used to refer to longer-term, more in-depth work. However, the terms can be used interchangeably and so I offer both short-term or longer-term therapy.
Professional Membership
I am a registered member of the BACP - the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists - and I abide by the BACP Ethical Framework for good practice. Registration number: 380672.
I am a registered Psychodynamic Counsellor with the BPC - the British Psychoanalytic Council - and I abide by the BPC’s Ethical Framework for good practice. Registration number: 22769.
I am a member of the BCA - the Birkbeck Counselling Association.
Ongoing training
I value ongoing professional development and seek to constantly broaden my expertise to enable me to continue to provide a professional and ethical practice that welcomes and values each individual client.
Confidentiality & Data Protection
I am registered as a Data Controller with the ICO - the Information Commissioner’s Office. At your first session I will provide you with a ‘data privacy notice’ which will explain how your data is stored, used and managed.
I undertake regular supervision, in line with the BACP Ethical Framework, to ensure high standards of clinical practice. Any client information discussed with my supervisor will be treated as confidential and handled respectfully.
Your information is not shared with anyone else. The only exception to this would be if I thought you were at serious risk of harm to either yourself or others and/or where I might be legally required to disclose information.
Other Important Information
I hold Professional Indemnity Insurance.
I hold an Enhanced DBS certificate.