I’ve always been curious about people and what makes them tick
Training & Qualifications
Training as a counsellor seemed the natural step in a career that always had people at its centre. I trained to Postgraduate Level at Leeds Beckett University, obtaining a distinction in Counselling and Psychotherapy (PG Dip).
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within their Ethical Framework for Counselling Professions.
I have additional specialist training in the following areas; ASSIST Suicide Prevention Training, Working with Self-harm and Suicide, Eating Disorders, Mental Health First Aid and specialised counselling children & young people training.
I hold an enhanced DBS certificate for working with vulnerable adults and children and my status can be checked through the government register. I have both public and personal liability insurance for all my work with clients and this incorporates my therapy dog.
Experience
As well as running my private practice I work with several counselling organisations;
Place2Be – counselling young people, aged 12 and up, at secondary school in Leeds.
Talking Spaces, Harrogate/Northallerton - offering counselling support to adults with a variety of mental health issues including; anxiety, depression, relationship problems, trauma and PTSD,
JustB Bereavement, Harrogate - providing specialist support to adults and children who are struggling with loss, both recently and in the past.
Prior To Becoming a Therapist
My early career was within a fast-paced business environment and consequently I understand the stress and anxiety that a workplace can generate and how this can impact a person’s mental health and relationships.
I swapped this corporate career to one that fitted more with my lifestyle and outlook and for several years I supported educational and arts charities with their operational activities. During this time, I worked closely with disabled people, gaining insight into the disadvantages they face on a daily basis.
My initial degree was in psychology and the birth of my children reawakened my interest in individual difference, behaviour and human development. I became interested in Steiner education and helped run a parent/toddler group and kindergarten, undertaking training in story-telling, puppetry, and, child-centred play and education.
My own experience of significant bereavement and loss and other experiences have cemented my philosophy on life and confirmed my belief in the power of connecting with others and of being accepted and heard.
I find wonder and solace in both nature and relationships (human or otherwise) and spend as much time as possible in the company of both.