How I work
Understanding what's underneath
so change becomes possible.
I don't believe therapy is about fixing yourself, or finding the right way to think yourself out of a problem. Most of us develop ways of coping that make sense in the context of what we've experienced. Perfectionism, anxiety, people-pleasing, rumination, self-criticism, hyper-independence or the need to stay in control can all serve a purpose. At some point, they may have helped us feel safe, cope with difficult circumstances, maintain relationships or manage emotions that felt too much to hold.
The problem is that what once helped us cope can eventually begin to get in the way. Rather than simply trying to stop these patterns with short-term solutions, I am interested in understanding them.
When we begin to approach ourselves with curiosity rather than judgement, we can start to understand the experiences that shaped us, develop compassion for the parts of ourselves we have struggled with, and create more choice in how we respond. This is where I believe meaningful change can begin.
What therapy can look like
There isn't a single path through therapy, and I won't arrive with a formula for what you need to do. We'll start with what is happening in your life now, and gradually explore what might be underneath it.
Understanding your patterns
We can explore the ways you think, feel, behave and relate to others, and begin to understand where these patterns come from. Your difficulties often make more sense when we consider your personal history, family and cultural context, relationships and the environment you grew up in.
Developing compassion
Many of us have learned to respond to ourselves with criticism, shame or frustration when we struggle. Instead of trying to silence or get rid of the parts of yourself you don't like, we can become curious about them. What are they trying to do? What are they afraid might happen if they stopped? This can create space for a different relationship with yourself. One that is more compassionate and less driven by shame.
Making room for something different
As we understand your patterns and the experiences underneath them, we can begin to explore new ways of responding. This might involve learning to recognise and regulate emotions, becoming more aware of what is happening in your body, experimenting with different ways of relating to yourself and others, or reconnecting with needs and parts of yourself that have been pushed aside.
The aim isn't to become a different person. It's to develop enough understanding and self-compassion that you have more choice in how you live, relate and respond.
Theories that inform my practice
I am an integrative practitioner, which means I draw on different therapeutic models and tools depending on your history, your needs and what we explore together.
Person-Centred Approach
The quality of the therapeutic relationship is at the heart of my work.
A person-centred approach is grounded in empathy, authenticity and a non-judgemental attitude. I believe you are the person who knows your own experience best.
My role isn't to tell you who you are or what you should do. It's to offer a space where you can explore your experience openly, at your own pace, and begin to see things that may have been difficult to see on your own.
Trauma-informed Practice
I have experience and training in working with people who have experienced complex trauma, including childhood sexual abuse, as well as people living with the effects of trauma such as dissociation and complex PTSD. A trauma-informed approach means paying attention not only to what has happened to you, but also to what helps you feel safe enough to explore it, at your own pace.
IFS: Internal Family Systems
IFS sees us as having different “parts”, each with their own emotions, needs and ways of protecting us.
One part of you might strive for perfection, while another wants to give up completely. Rather than treating these reactions as problems to eliminate, we can become curious about them. This can create space to understand and care for more vulnerable parts of yourself, including younger parts that may still be carrying experiences from the past.
Attachment Theory
Attachment theory helps us understand how our early relationships and experiences can influence the ways we connect with others. It can help us make sense of patterns around closeness, independence, trust, rejection, conflict and asking for support. Attachment is not a fixed label or rigid box. Our ways of relating can change as we develop new experiences of safety, connection and trust.
EFT: Emotionally Focused Therapy
EFT is particularly central to my work with couples.
Rather than focusing only on the content of an argument, we explore the emotions and attachment needs underneath it.
Together, we look at the cycle you get caught in, how each person's reactions affect the other, and how you can end up responding to one another in ways that neither of you actually wants. The aim is to create new ways of understanding and relating to each other.
Somatic Approaches
Our experiences don't only exist in our thoughts. We experience emotions and stress in our bodies, too.
Somatic approaches can help us become more aware of physical signals: tension, activation, numbness, restlessness or a sense of shutting down; and begin to recognise what they might be communicating.
This can be particularly useful when working with trauma, or emotional overwhelm for instance.
Professional Standards
I am a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), one of the UK's leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy. I am also a member of the SGfB, the Swiss professional association for counselling.
My practice is supported by regular clinical supervision, ongoing professional development and a commitment to ethical and reflective practice.
I believe good therapy requires more than completing a qualification. It means continuing to reflect on the work, question our assumptions, develop our understanding and remain open to learning.
Trainig
2024
PCI College
UK
Professional Certificate in Couples Counselling
Training in supporting couples to understand one another, reconnect and (re)discover a more peaceful and fulfilling relationship.
2024 - 2025
Counselling Tutor
UK
Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision
Advanced training in clinical supervision, including supervision models, ethics, practitioner development, competency assessment and online supervision.
2020–2022
Persona Counselling & Psychotherapy Training / University of Aberdeen
UK
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Professional training accredited by the BACP, including the Person-Centred Approach, theories of therapeutic change, relational development and professional ethics, alongside more than 150 hours of supervised practice.
2018–2020
Edinburgh College
UK
Certificate in Counselling and Listening Skills
Training in relational skills, active listening, empathy and the foundations of counselling.
Ready to get started?
I offer a free 20-minute consultation so that we can talk about what's bringing you to therapy and whether working together feels like the right fit.
Introductory calls are held on Google Meet and can be either audio or video. Please make sure to add your availability to your message, so I can offer a slot that suits you.
I look forward to hearing from you!
