About Me

Whatever difficulty, vulnerability or anxiety brings you to counselling, I believe that you have the potential for self healing. Working with a therapist may bring solace, insight, sustainable personal growth, a growing self regard and new ways of relating to family, friends and colleagues.

I have particular interest in the correlation between emotional states and the body, and this is especially helpful for anyone who has experienced past trauma, prolonged stress and anxiety, depression and relationship problems. Some people may be unsure about the root cause of their distress. Whatever your experience and situation, I will endeavor to support you to discover meaningful understandings of yourself and your deeper needs; to improve your communication in your closest relationships; I will help you to explore your hopes for the future and how you might begin to live life in creative ways. For some people counselling may come to be viewed as a protected, creative, sacred space in your life.

Personal problems are often mulit-layered: Without being aware of it, many of us bring our past hurts into our present life and closest relationships. Early experiences of distress may cause years of inner conflict, exhaustion, tension in families and between couples. We can explore the source of your distress and your internal dialogues, from a point of compassion in the Present, I hope that you may become more aware and compassionate towards your emotional processes, acknowledging how they have impacted your everyday experiences, your hopes and and your close relationships.
I have extensive experience of working with people who face a variety of difficulties such as: depression; relationship problems; loneliness; PTSD; critical illness; childhood sexual, physical and emotional abuse; alcohol and drug misuse; suicidal thoughts; domestic violence; low self esteem; eating problems; sleep problems; chronic pain; work related stresses; sexual identity; spirituality and major life changes such as bereavement, retirement, separation.

How does Counselling work?
I offer you a consistent time and space away from your immediate concerns. You’ll be able to talk confidentially. I am able to listen very attentively and without judgement, to your unique perception and circumstances. You may find that talking through your concerns is therapeutic in itself. Together we will explore your experiences and history, your perceptions in depth. As you extend your emotional awareness, we are able explore the unique meaning of your experiences and you may find yourself growing in self acceptance and compassion. Developing a trust in the therapy relationship, you may want to take your process of self awareness to deeper levels. Some people find a new depth of meaning to their life, a greater sense of their human potential.

The Person-Centred Approach honors each individual's ability to grow towards your full potential, at all levels of being, in a therapeutic relationship of warmth and total acceptance. It is a highly respectful relationship listening to your experiences and perceptions. You will be able to choose the number of sessions you want, the pace and the depth of our work. We can work for a brief time or over a longer period, depending on your need.

Appointments:
We'll meet in a peaceful room in Nether Edge in Sheffield. This is near to bus routes and easy parking.

Appointments are 60 minutes. Longer sessions may be negotiated. I charge £65 per hour for both client and supervision appointments. both in person or online

Training, qualifications and experience:
I have worked for 45 years, first as Occupational Therapist with mental health specialism and since 1993 as a counsellor in the voluntary sector with Cruse Bereavement Care and with Sheffield MIND. I established my private practice as a psychotherapist in 2008 and offered clinical supervision for practicing therapists since 2011.
I specialized in working with people experiencing trauma, loss and bereavement, depression, anxiety and relationship difficulties. Some clients have experienced a mental health diagnosis.

Special Interest:
I have worked as a professional artist for 40 years and have practiced meditation for 35 years. These daily practices are central to my way of perceiving the world and working as a therapist. I engage with nature every day with walking and can offer outdoor therapy. As well as talking, we can also make use of art materials. I offer remote work online and telephone meetings if these are easier than in person meetings.

Professional Qualifications:
Registratered with UKCP
Member of BACP
Postgraduate Diploma in Person Centred Supervision. (Temenos)
MSc Person Centred Psychotherapy and Counselling (Middx University)
Post Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling (Middx University)
Foundation in Art Therapy
BA Ceramics, Westminster University
BSc Geography, Sheffield University

Additional training:
Adolescent and childrens' mental health problems;
Relationship counselling;
Art therapy
Personality development and attachment.
Supervision for counsellors/therapists
Working with Trauma

I receive regular supervision and attend continuing professional development training.
I offer supervision for practicing therapists and trainees.

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

• Person Centred Psychotherapist

What I can help with

• Abuse
• Addiction
• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Bullying
• Cancer
• Chronic Illness
• Depression
• Infertility
• Mental Health Issues
• Obsessions
• Parents
• Physical Abuse
• Post-Traumatic Stress
• Relationships
• Sexual Abuse
• Sexuality
• Spirituality
• Stress
• Trauma