How I Work
I am warm, empathic, and down to earth. As a therapist I am easy going and hold a nonjudgmental space.
Above anything else I believe in the importance of developing a relationship with you, in which you feel safe and secure. I will listen to you and support you to make sense of your difficulties. I compete regular reviews and aim to hold an open and honest space.
I am an integrative therapist, this means I use a blend of differing theoretical models within my work:
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Relational Psychotherapy – The understanding of our difficulties as existing within our relationships (with ourselves and others), rather than as a part of who we are as individuals.
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Psychodynamic theory - The understanding of our unconscious thoughts, feelings, and desires and how these may interact our conscious thoughts, motivations, and behaviours.
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Attachment theory – The understanding of how our very early childhood experiences inform how we ‘show up’ in our relationships.
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Cognitive - Behavioural Theories – The understanding how our thoughts feed into how we feel about ourselves, others, and how we behave.
When introducing new ideas or interventions into our work together, we will discuss what this means and how it may help you – within our relationship my hope is to always empower you to make your own choices and decisions as to what therapeutic support you need, with my guidance alongside.
Professional Background
I have worked within the NHS as an Assistant Clinical Psychologist in both adult and children services for 10 years. Within this role I have provided talking therapies to both children and adults alongside completing diagnostic assessments for various neurodevelopment conditions (Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities) and Dementia.
This work has allowed me to develop great understanding, and experience of, supporting adults and children with a range of mental health difficulties alongside learning difficulties, learning disabilities, ADHD, and Autism.
Alongside tailoring care and support to suit an individuals needs and strengths. I have also worked at Women’s Aid in Nottinghamshire as a Trainee counsellor. Within this role I have provided trauma informed counselling to female survivors of domestic abuse, childhood abuse and Stalking. Many of the women I supported were also parents and struggling with the strain of parental responsibilities alongside processing significant trauma.
Supporting women to process their trauma whilst navigating difficulties contained within parenthood was work, I found both interesting and rewarding.
Personal Background
My own upbringing was within a low-income and single parent family. I am now married and a mum of two, and had both my children during the Covid-19 pandemic. Within these circumstances I found adjusting to parenthood challenging and lonely at times – which subsequently increased my interest parental wellbeing.
In my time away from work I value and enjoy, spending time with family and friends, reading, being out in nature and travelling to new places. I also enjoy writing and sharing thoughts and ideas with others. Please take a look at my blog where I share information on topics which I find interesting, and psycho-educative resources.
Education
Qualifications
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BSc (Hons) Psychology, Leeds Beckett University
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PG Cert Enhanced Evidence Based Practice in Children and Young People’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Programme, Northumbria University
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PG Dip Integrative Counselling, Leeds Beckett University
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MA Integrative Counselling, Leeds Beckett University (In progress)
Continued Professional Development
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Trauma Informed Care, NHS
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Personality Disorders and Learning Disabilities
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The risk of Sexual Violence Protocol (RSVP)
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Safeguarding adults and children level 2
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Community life support