My Approach

I have an open and integrative approach to working with both individuals and groups, the foundation of which is humanistic and relational. I work with image and metaphor in my practice, as a way to bring unconscious processes into awareness and as a way to access feeling. I embrace integrative principles, which allows me to work holistically, with an individual’s needs, attuning to their particular language and in a multi-sensorial way. Having a varied tool-box allows people to express what they are feeling, and to tell their stories in their own way. An image, assembly or set of actions, can speak volumes.

My psychotherapy practice uses Gestalt theory, Object relations, Transactional Analysis, Attachment theory, Jung, alongside consulting the latest developments in Neuroscience and trauma informed approaches. Having an integrative approach, offers me a range of theoretical lens to look through. It also provides me with the tools to work with all ages and stages. As I have developed my practice over the years, I continue to integrate new ideas, theories and learning, which keeps my practice alive and fresh to new research and to the context of the changing world that we are living in. It is important to me that my practice is meaningful and progressive, this way I can connect with both the individual and the wider context.

My work is trauma informed and I have built onto these original trainings with a Diploma in Supervision for Counselling and Psychotherapy, as well as Level 2 Theraplay, DDP, Non Violent Resistance and EMDR, in addition to a wealth of CPD plundered from both the world of psychotherapy, as well as art, I feel it is important to explore unfamiliar territory across all fields.

About Me

I am an experienced UKCP registered Integrative Arts Psychotherapist MA and qualified Supervisor and trainer who trained at the Institute of Arts in Therapy and Education, where I am currently a tutor in the Wellbeing Faculty. I completed my Integrative Arts Psychotherapy MA in 2008, prior to this I trained in BA Fine Art Alternative Practice, both were multi-media and multi-modality in their approach. I now understand these practices, as having a shared ethos which allow for individual expression and for new languages to emerge, essential in both art and psychotherapy.

I have worked clinically with both adults and children in a range of settings in both Brighton and London; schools, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service), voluntary sector organisations, as well as in private practice. I have been the Young Oasis Lead for a 10 year period, managing a multi-disciplinary team supporting infants, children, young people and parent/carers affected by familial drug or alcohol misuse. I have specialised in working with vulnerable families where safeguarding issues are an ongoing concern. In 2016 I was the winner of Adfam’s Gary Seaman Award celebrating outstanding commitment from practitioners supporting families.

As well as working with the individual, parent/child and groups, I also believe that a community based approach to mental health and wellbeing, enabling greater accessibility for support and a wider range of services is important. One of my successful initiatives was the development of a programme of Outdoor Holiday Art Groups, collaborating with local artists, local galleries and organisations such as South East Dance and Brighton and Sussex universities. From this came the Art of Attachment, a high profile arts project funded by Wellcome and the Arts Council researching attachment.

In 2018 I relocated to London became part of the Child and Family Team at PAC-UK, working with adoptive parents and their children, as well as becoming a Professional Adviser for parents accessing Young Minds in need of specialist support. In 2020 I co-founded Studio 34, which created a physical environment, fully equipped with art materials and resources, which could allow my practice to breathe and extend in response to a clients needs.

I work with

• Companies
• Families
• Groups
• Individuals

Special Interests

Like all UKCP registered psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors I can work with a wide range of issues, but here are some areas in which I have a special interest or additional experience.

Types of Therapies Offered

• Integrative Arts Psychotherapist

What I can help with

• Adoption
• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Domestic Violence
• Post-Traumatic Stress
• Trauma