My approach

I am a fully qualified humanistic psychotherapist and counsellor, with a broad and varied range of therapeutic experience. At the heart of my work is a belief in the importance of relationship, safety and trust as the foundation for meaningful therapeutic change.

I draw primarily from Humanistic and Psychodynamic traditions, alongside a range of evidence-based and creative ways of working. My approach is flexible and responsive, shaped by the needs of each individual rather than a fixed method.

Depending on what feels most helpful, this may include elements of person-centred, psychodynamic, existential and transactional analysis approaches, as well as CBT, somatic and body-based work, attachment-informed and systemic perspectives, parts work, and mindfulness-based practices.

Working in this way allows me to meet each client as a unique individual. Together, we can explore experiences in depth, gently understand patterns that may be influencing the present, and support movement towards greater clarity, self-understanding and change – at a pace that feels right for you.

People come to therapy for many different reasons. My focus is always on you and what you bring into the therapy space, offering a collaborative, attuned and supportive environment where exploration, growth and change can unfold safely.

How I work

Clients usually attend weekly, 50-minute sessions, at an agreed time each week (some flexibility available). I also offer online and telephone sessions, and currently work with clients around the UK and in other countries, including Pakistan, Canada and Kenya. I offer both short (6-12 sessions) and longer-term counselling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples/other relationships and families. Every client’s experience is unique and individual. Therefore, as part of our initial session, we will discuss and agree how we might continue working together.

Qualifications and experience

I graduated with BA (Hons) and have since gone onto to study Counselling Skills (OCR), Counselling Studies (CPCAB Level 3), Therapeutic Counselling (CPCAB Advanced Level 4 Diploma) and Humanistic Integrative Counselling (CPCAB Advanced Diploma).

I have been working as a counsellor in the voluntary sector since 2006, and as a counsellor and psychotherapist in private practice since early 2009. For the past 17 years I have worked within the NHS as a trainer in mental health and communication – working alongside patients, doctors, consultants and psychiatrists.

I also work regularly with counselling and psychotherapy students, both in classroom and in therapeutic settings. Aside from working as a core tutor on the CPCAB Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, I continue to guest lecture on various counselling/psychotherapy courses in the UK and abroad.

Other experience includes working as a resident psychotherapist at TherapyWorks Detox Centre in Pakistan, and as a resident children’s counsellor in various UK schools. As a group therapist I have facilitated art and drama therapy workshops, therapeutic groups for LGBTQ organisations, and therapeutic groups for dealing with issues around eating disorders, anxiety/stress and self-harm.

Over the years, some of the issues I have helped clients explore and resolve are:

• stress and anxiety (including panic attacks)
• depression
• relationship difficulties/couples counselling
• self-esteem and confidence
• psychosexual, physical and emotional intimacy
• sexuality – LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Psychotherapy
• gender – LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Psychotherapy
• sexual, physical and emotional abuse
• personal relationships
• loss and bereavement
• addiction
• communication difficulties
• family and mediation
• work and career
• health and well-being
• coping with change and transition
• eating disorders
• obsessive-compulsive behaviours/disorders
• anger management
• divorce
• religion
• dealing with redundancy
• self-harm