“Change your thoughts and you change your world.”
Norman Vincent Peale
About Me
I have a BACP Accredited Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, and an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of East London. In addition, I have a Level 3 Certificate in Online Counselling Skills. My approach is integrative which means I draw on a variety of models and techniques that best suit my client’s individual needs. As a BACP Accredited member I have undergone additional in-depth assessment regarding my practice and experience. Throughout each year it is a requirement that I continue to update my skills and knowledge by engaging in continual professional development activities.
Alongside my private practice I work as an Associate Psychotherapist with the Health Matters Group. I work for the Weight Matters clinic specialising in eating disorders and weight issues, as well as for the Emotion Matters clinic offering broader therapy for a range of issues.
I have experience of working within a busy London university counselling service, working short-term with NHS patients in Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services in London and Kent. One area of focus is working with cancer patients and their carers, having spent 10 years with Paul’s Cancer Support Centre in London. I am interested in the connection between physical and mental health and promoting holistic care and wellbeing.
Before becoming a counsellor I had a working background in publishing and photography, with a keen interest in wildlife and the environment. I worked as a massage therapist for 10 years, where my interest in health, the human body and the mind developed. I am interested in the connection between physical and mental health and promoting holistic care and wellbeing. I have experience of working in the finance sector and corporate environments, where stress can be a common occurrence.
BACP Registered Accredited Member 218721 | ICO Registration ZA347618
How I Work
I strive to provide a warm and non-judgemental space for my clients to talk, believing the relationship and connection between counsellor and client is fundamental to client self-exploration and personal growth. I work collaboratively with each client so I can tailor my approach, this is important, as we are all unique. Offering a safe and confidential space for the expression and understanding of feelings.
I may also use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for exploring thoughts and behaviour, Behavioural Activation for depression, or Mindfulness to help focus on the present. I work in a client-centred way, encouraging feedback to help guide any treatment suggestions I make. My aim is to support each client to reconnect and develop the confidence to be the expert in their own life.
I can offer the flexibility of short or longer term therapy. Sessions are usually booked for 50 minutes, however longer sessions are possible. The frequency of sessions is entirely up to each client, options include weekly or every other week, and may differ depending on individual needs.
Fees
Therapy Fees: Initial 50 minute meeting: £20. On-going online 50 minute session: £55. Clinic 50 minute session: £60. Home visit session: £60-75 depending on your location. Walking outdoor session: £60.
Supervision Fees: 60 minutes online: £50. 60 minutes in-person: £60. 90 minutes online/in-person minutes: £75.
Cancellation policy: cancellation with 48 hours or more notice: no fee. Cancellation with 24-48 hours notice £20 fee. Cancellation with less than 24 hours notice is your full session fee.
Deciding to embark on counselling does require a financial commitment, with this in mind for those on low incomes I can offer reduced session rates, as well as for students and those training in counselling or psychotherapy. Please contact me to discuss.
Payment can be made in cash at the end of an in-person session, or by bank transfer.
First steps
Taking the decision to embark on counselling can be daunting and anxiety provoking. Choosing to face our problems or fears, understand past and present experiences or to make a change takes courage. Finding the right counsellor is important, so in the first instance I am happy to have a telephone conversation or email exchange to answer any questions you may have.
I offer a reduced fee for our initial meeting, this is to allow you to meet me and discuss whether therapy is right for you, and in turn that I am the right therapist for you. You will then have time to reflect on our meeting and decide whether or not to book any sessions, there is no obligation to do so.
Locations:
Clinic sessions: I am based at Unit 9 John Dane Works, Gordon Road, Canterbury, CT1 3PJ. Please contact me to discuss available in-person sessions which is subject to change.
Home visit sessions: I am based in Canterbury, very close to the city centre. I can offer a limited number of in-person home visit sessions. This will depend on your postcode, so please contact me to discuss.
Outdoor walking sessions: I offer in-person outdoor walking sessions in a few locations in Canterbury city centre. Selecting the right outdoor location is important, I prefer a park location with benches so that sitting down is also possible. I am happy for clients to make suggestions for locations that they are comfortable with.
Online
Sessions can take place in the following ways:
Video sessions via Zoom: I will send you a meeting invitation and you will use the link to connect to the meeting at your appointment time. You do not need to have a Zoom account to access the meeting, but you may find it easier to download the Zoom app onto whatever device you’re using.
Telephone sessions: I will call you at your appointment time on your preferred UK landline or UK mobile number.
Email sessions: I prefer to use Protonmail, however if you do not want to set up a free Protonmail account, then your existing email provider can be used. For security and privacy, you may want to write your therapy email in Microsoft Word and password protect the document then email the document separately to the password. With emails we will agree when you send the email and when I will respond. I will spend 50 minutes reading and responding.
Text-based instant messaging via Zoom / Signal platforms: If using Zoom I will send you a meeting invitation and you will use the link to connect to the meeting at your appointment time. You will need to ensure your audio and video are off or muted, and you open the chat dialogue box. If using Signal then you will need to open the app and wait for me to message you at your appointment time.
Here is a pdf guide to help you choose between Email or Instant Chat for sessions. Download PDF guide.
Supervision
My approach as a supervisor mirrors my integrative approach as a practitioner. My goal is to support a supervisee with the development of their practice, maintain ethical and professional standards, with a focus of client care and safeguarding, as well as practitioner well-being. Supervision is a space for growth by exploring and learning from practice which requires a trusting and collaborative supervisory relationship.
As part of my integrative approach to supervision I have developed the Infinity Model for Supervision. In relation to supervision, infinity represents the continuous necessity for engaging with supervision and the never-ending path of learning and growth for all involved. The Infinity Model has eight elements of focus. These elements intersect and interact with one another, remaining in constant motion and requiring awareness. As part of the supervision process any element can be expanded for further exploration.
I can offer individual or small group supervision to qualified therapists and trainees including integrative practitioners and those from different therapeutic modalities. Please contact me to discuss your requirements.
I have a Level 6 Diploma in Online Therapeutic Counselling Supervision.
The Client is situated purposefully in the centre of indicate all streams of exploration lead back to the client. The Supervisee and Supervisor connect with the Client revolving around the Relationship element. The interconnecting relationships of all individuals are crucial to the supervision and therapeutic work. Well-being threads through all aspects of the supervision as it is essential to all. The World element pertains to the world in which all individuals inhabit and their experience of it, which has an impact on the supervision and therapeutic work. The Relationship and World elements combine to include awareness and attention to diversity, cultural competency, intersectionality, spirituality, social justice and all relational experiences.
Research
In 2019 I conducted a qualitative research study into the experience of hair loss caused by cancer treatment and how people cope with this side effect. This research formed part of my studies at the University of East London for my Masters Degree.
Article Abstract:
Introduction: Research tells us 1 in 2 people will receive a diagnosis of cancer. Cancer is a global disease affecting adults and children, it pays no attention to gender, race or sexual orientation. This ever-expanding client group will endure side effects and psychological repercussions from a diagnosis and treatment. Despite not being a life-threatening side effect chemotherapy-induced hair loss should not be underestimated for its impact.
Aim: This qualitative study explored the lived experience of hair loss and what coping mechanisms and support were helpful to cancer patients, with a view to provide therapists with an understanding of the supportive needs of this client group and what they may bring to the therapy space.
Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven participants, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the verbatim transcripts.
Findings: Five themes were identified: Impact of initial change; Hair loss as a metaphor; Hair loss as a distraction; Adjustment to new self; and Past reflections, future contemplations. These themes form a picture of progression through the hair loss experience from initial responses to adjustment with internal and external coping mechanisms to a reflective perspective.
Discussion: Participants stated that hair loss was an impactful side effect of their chemotherapy that represented their cancer and needed continual management. Adjusting to the hair loss was an individual process with commonalities involving camouflage, mental resilience and external support. Therapists can provide a vital support mechanism to assist cancer patients with their hair loss experience before, during and after cancer treatment.
Useful Links
Mental Health charities:
Cancer/terminal illness related charities: