About me:

I am a trainee psychodynamic counsellor. I offer empathy, curiosity and an interest in all aspects of you. My background and other professional work is my practice as a neuro-orthoptist in an NHS hospital eye clinic.

This has given me extensive experience of working with people who live with neurological conditions such as brain tumours, stroke and idiopathic intracranial hypertension, which can cause sight loss. This has afforded me to support the emotional needs of people (and their relatives) who live with a health condition.

Many of the people I work with live with chronic pain, face adversity and struggle with depression and anxiety. I advocate for compassionate and equitable healthcare and conduct research to learn more about the health conditions which impact the people I work with.

I volunteer for PANDAS Foundation where I provide support to those impacted by perinatal mental illness; I have further experience in supporting individuals through personal and professional relationship difficulties.

I have an interest in personality development and in the neuroscience of emotions and consciousness. My professional (managerial) and personal experience have given me an education in team, family and relationship dynamics. I welcome the opportunity to work with people going through life transitions such as moving away from home, becoming a parent, divorce, relationship issues, menopause and the transition into mid-life. I am interested in issues related to anxiety and confidence and how these are impacted by our experience, circumstances and the wider culture. I support individuals through personal and professional relationship difficulties.

What I can help with:

The psychodynamic training helps me to think about how we come to relate to others in the way that we do and how that awareness can lead to flexibility and resilience. My practice involves considering the unconscious ways in which people may protect themselves from painful feelings. It involves considering how early experience shapes current motivations, thoughts, feelings and behaviour. I aim to provide a safe relationship in which the person I am working with can learn to tolerate and accept all aspects of themself.

How I work:

I offer empathy and non-judgement. All parts of you are welcome and I would encourage you to speak freely, at your own pace. Together we can explore situations you are facing in your life as well as your past and your hopes for the process. Our relationship in the counselling room can be a meaningful way of learning about your motivations and relational patterns. The way I work respects your autonomy and independence and is also guided by the BACP’s ethical framework.

My Qualifications and Professional Memberships:

• Completed certificate levels 2 and 3 in counselling. Level 4 (ongoing) Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (specialising in Psychodynamic therapy): Hills Road Sixth Form College, Cambridge

• Registered Membership: Student Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

• Online and telephone counselling practice

• I receive regular clinical supervision to support safe and ethical practice

• BSc in Orthoptics, MMedSci in Orthoptics and Vision Science

• BA in Fine Art