My Approach

A core interest is the coping/survival adaptations & self-alienation that can stem from formative relational distress, deprivation and trauma, including attachment trauma & complex ptsd (usually arising from chronic childhood/developmental stress/trauma). I work with how such difficulties can compromise relational trust and engagement (with self and others), and can impact self-image/esteem, diminish expectations of self, others and life, and be a significant factor in various chronic limiting issues/patterns, compulsions and addictions.

By affirming the stability and felt sense of safety needed to emerge from trauma, and anchor more fully in the present, we are better able to contain, relate to our distress, identify needs, better regulate/integrate intense feelings and trauma, optimise self-care, and feel increasingly safe, embodied and at home in the present. Over time this can enable us to find greater clarity, inner peace/self-acceptance, creative renewal, wholeness and fulfilment. My approach is particularly informed by the work of various clinicians in the field of trauma and attachment/relational neuroscience, especially the work of Janina Fisher, Bessel van der Kolk, Stephen Porges (polyvagal theory), Allan Schore, Richard Schwartz (Internal Family Systems), Bonnie Badenoch, Sue Johnson, Daniel Siegel, Louis Cozolino, Peter Levine, among others.

About Me

Associate Psychotherapist The Gestalt Centre London NW1 (UKCP Reg.1996-present).
I offer a therapeutic relationship affirming creative renewal, integration and wholeness, promoting clarity and mindful self-compassion. I draw on relational/attachment approaches/neuroscience, trauma recovery, and Internal Family Systems - IFS level1 cert. 2016 - The IFS Institute ("IFS" refers to our "internal family" of different parts of self, and how these can be impacted by relational stress/deprivation & trauma); also psychodynamic, cognitive, addiction and other perspectives.
Other biography: Associate Tutor University of Surrey Psychology Dept (2010-2018): facilitating personal/professional development groups for Counselling Psychology doctoral students. Past group facilitator/supervisor the Gestalt Centre London.
Counsellor (1990-present) Reg. MBACP: Co-founder (1999), counsellor (1999-2004) with The Cancer Counselling Trust, and counsellor with CancerBackup charity (1997-99). Placement bereavement counsellor Trinity Hospice, Clapham (1990-93).

I work with

• 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

• Gestalt Group Psychotherapist
• Gestalt Psychotherapist
• Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapist
• Integrative Psychotherapist

What I can help with

• Anxiety
• Chronic Illness
• Cultural Issues
• Depression
• Gender
• Identity Problems
• Mental Health Issues
• Online Counselling
• Post-Traumatic Stress
• Relationships
• Spirituality
• Stress
• Trauma