About Experience
I have been involved between 2012 and 2021 with a charity providing psychodynamic counselling and clinical training placements for students. Here I acted as trustee, provided open ended therapy and initial assessment reports for clients of all ages coming to the service via self referral, GP's and Community Mental Health Services. Frequently addressed issues have been life transitions, relationship problems, stress, change of career/retirement, anxiety and depression
Over the years I have gained a broad experience by supporting many people who are struggling with their mental health. When you are overwhelmed on a day to day basis coping with symptoms it can be hard to establish what you need and sometimes even harder to make your voice heard. If needed I can help you to find information, signpost you to appropriate services and practise techniques to gain back some control, build resilience and plan for the future.
I have worked with the YMCA counselling and mentoring services providing time limited (8 - 12 sessions) counselling for young people aged 14 - 25 years in East Surrey and Horsham. Referrals through CAMHS, school pastoral care support and youth workers.
If you are struggling with an addiction .... I can work alongside you from the starting point of uncertainty at the idea of making a change to staying in touch with the desire and reasons to keep going. I have completed a 2 year clinical placement with a substance misuse agency (alcohol and drug addiction) practising rational emotive 1:1 counselling and also facilitating SMART (self management & recovery training) group therapy sessions from NHS premises based in Dorking.
In 2018 until 2020 I trained and was contracted to offer sessions at a Rape Crisis Centre using the Empowerment Model for survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse. My approach is trauma informed and I offer a space in which you can begin to understand and work with the impact this has on your life - there can be a high level of anxiety, addictive behaviours, self harm and eating disorders and these can be seen as an attempt to manage and be self supporting when there appears to be no other choice.
I am a keen advocate for promoting wellbeing and raising mental health awareness. If appropriate to your needs we can draw on the practical methods of CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and the Recovery Model to build resources, awareness and planning skills.
