My approach & skills

My Approach

 

I aim to make the therapy room a warm and supportive space, cultivating healing and growth. Where appropriate, I bring myself (including humour) into the therapy room so that we can build a therapeutic relationship, rather than you feel that I am distant or analysing you.

 

While I provide constant support and presence during our work together, I also encourage clients to embrace a manageable level of discomfort at certain points during their therapy to maximise what they can gain.

 

I work on an integrative basis, meaning I integrate several different theories into my work, allowing me to be flexible for each client's needs. I draw on the following theories in my work: person-centred, Gestalt, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This set of theories and evidence base allows me to work with you in the present and the past.

 

 

Training, Qualifications & Experience

 

I have been involved in mental health for over a decade. I originally studied mental health and wellbeing through the disciplines of Economics (subjective wellbeing and health economics) and Philosophy (conceptualisation of mental illness). I have worked in technology/corporate roles for some of the largest charities and community interest groups in the country, helping to deliver effective services for those who are in most need of support. While working in these roles, I trained to become a therapist and have volunteered my time and skills to charities and community interest groups. I reached my goal of becoming a therapist and have worked with clients since 2022.

 

I am an Individual Member of BACP and abide by the BACP code of ethics which can be found here.

 

I also abide by the UKCP code of ethics, which can be found here. I am registered as a trainee psychotherapist with the UKCP while I complete my current accreditation route. I expect to be accredited by UKCP in the summer of 2025.

 

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Qualifications

 

2024: MSc (level 7) in Counselling and Psychotherapy (three-year course). UKCP Accredited.

 

2019: Advanced Certificate (level 4) in Counselling Skills. NCPS Accredited.

 

2014: a Master's in the Philosophy of Health and Happiness; as part of my thesis, I examined the conceptualisation of mental illness. 

 

2013: Bachelor's degree in Economics; as part of my dissertation, I studied the relationship between income and well-being.

 

Current CPD: Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapy Studies. UKCP Accredited. Evidencing advanced practice as part of gaining full UKCP accreditation.

 

Before becoming a therapist

 

I have always known that people and the human mind were my key interests in life, but I never really knew what I could do with that interest. Like most other therapists, I stumbled through education and various unfulfilling jobs before finally finding what I wanted to do in my life. I then decided to start a journey to become a fully accredited psychotherapist, which has required pushing myself through a higher level of training than what is required to be considered a qualified counsellor.

 

Mental health has been a big part of my life, both personally and professionally. I have significantly benefited from therapy myself, both before and during my training. My journey in therapy has played a huge role in how I can now offer my services to clients and offer them the same transformative support that I received. My journey has given me valuable insight into what it is like for clients to reach out for support initially, and then to engage in therapy.