Psychotherapy

I hold a postgraduate diploma in Person‑Centred and Experiential Psychotherapy and am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework and Guidelines for Counselling and Psychotherapy. More information on these documents can be found at: https://www.bacp.co.uk.

What is Person-Centred and Experiential Counselling/Psychotherapy?

I find the Person-Centred and Experiential Approach fits my own philosophy/values as it has at its very core, an unshakable belief in your tacit body knowledges based on your lived experience and how this impacts your life now. You are the expert in your situation.

Person-Centred counselling believes that each and every person can become more empowered, having a sense of agency and ease, given the right conditions. For me these conditions are wholly impacted by social. political, environmental and spiritual factors.

As Luci Bennett Leighton says:

A concept foundational to many somatic therapies is that who we are is reflected and manifested in the body and our patterns of movement are shaped by our experiences, environments and personalities (2018;205).

My work through relational connection is collaborative. I will endeavour to walk alongside, invite exploration and enquire. Working with what emerges allows for creativity with often very challenging situations. 

The underpinning principles of the Person-Centred Approach are focused on the counsellor being honest, non-judgmental and empathic whilst being fully integrated in the relationship. You will lead and set the pace and I will bring my experience and skills offering these conditions as best as I can during our sessions.

I naturally integrate my experience with body work into sessions: what may be called Embodied and Somatic approaches. With agreement this may include Eugene Gendlin's Focusing and body-oriented interventions to up or down regulate your Nervous System.

My professional background includes many years of work within NHS settings, oncology services, women’s refuges, drug and alcohol projects, and with individuals impacted by trafficking and abuse.

My approach is relational and collaborative. You lead the pace, and I offer a respectful, empathic, and non‑judgemental presence, supporting exploration of what emerges in the moment.

“The essence of working with another human person is to be present as a living Being. And that is lucky, because if we had to be smart, or good, or mature, or wise, then we would probably be in trouble. But what matters is not that. What matters is being human with another human being” .

Eugene Gendlin (1990).