COLLABORATION. EXPLORATION.
MEANING-MAKING.
"Everything can be taken from a man but the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances"
Viktor Frankl
ABOUT ME
I am a London based, Chartered Counselling Psychologist, with almost a decade of experience working both within private and public therapeutic services. I am a member of both the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and the British Psychological Society (BPS) and adhere to their codes of ethics.
I work within an integrative framework, drawing on several different therapeutic models in order to create a personalised program of support for each client, depending on what is brought to therapy. I largely draw on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, humanistic therapy and Schema Therapy as well as incorporating techniques from Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I have extensive experience working with Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder) and have worked with a variety of presentations such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal difficulties, compulsions, infertility, life transitions, stress, and school issues. Please see My Approach for more detailed information about how I work.
On a personal note, I have lived in multiple countries during my lifetime, which has provided me with the experience of being an outsider and has helped me consider and explore my own sense of belonging. I am passionate about supporting others who are exploring what it means to belong and who are asking themselves, "Who am I?". Additionally, I am the mother of two children and am hugely passionate about supporting clients through any period relating to parenthood, from (in)fertility, pregnancy, birth (including birth prep as well as birth trauma), postnatal depression and any issues relating to parenting.
HOW I WORK
I am passionate about empowering clients to develop or strengthen their own sense of agency in the world, so that they feel in control. In order to do this, I work collaboratively with clients rather than acting as an expert. I walk alongside my clients in their therapeutic journey, rather than taking the lead and instructing which can at times feel disempowering. Whilst I use my knowledge and expertise to help clients consider new ways of viewing the world and offer guidance on ways they may consider changing their behaviours to better suit their needs, I do not act as an "expert" as I believe each person knows themselves best.
I view people as inherently good and believe that everyone is striving to be happy. I feel that in life we are often forced to make choices and act in certain ways that may be at odds with our genuine self, however these behaviours are crucial for survival at the time. Unfortunately, sometimes these behaviours become habitual and cause more harm than good. It is often at this time that therapy is sought. I work to help clients become aware of unhelpful behaviours they may be engaging in, and consider together how they might work to change them. In the process, we may uncover why the unhelpful behaviours originally developed, however this is not always possible or necessary for meaningful change to occur.
I offer both short and long term therapy, depending on the clients needs. This is discussed following the assessment, and the clients needs are regularly reviewed during treatment to consider whether the length of time is still appropriate. Whilst I offer individual therapy, I also believe that support from friends and family can be instrumental to recovery and so will always be supportive of including others in sessions where it feels that this will be clinically beneficial. This will always be done with the clients consent.
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT ASK
Where are you based?
I am based in North London. Due to Covid-19 I am conducting all sessions via Zoom, Skype, or telephone until further notice.
Can we speak on the phone before we arrange a session?
Yes, I offer a free 15 minute phone call for all prospective clients with no obligation to commit to booking a session.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are a standard 50 minutes.
How much do sessions cost and how do I pay?
Sessions start from £100. Payments are currently only accepted via bank transfer.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, I accept insurance from AXA, AVIVA, CIGNA, BUPA and Vitality.
