How I work
I offer a warm, friendly and evidence-based approach that works with thoughts, feelings and the nervous system to alleviate suffering and promote personal growth.
My approach is collaborative and trauma-informed.
I offer NeurOptimal® neurofeedback as an additional tool to support your therapeutic journey.
How can I help?
Because I work with the root causes of distress in the mind, brain and body, my approach helps with most labels and diagnoses, e.g. depression, anxiety, self worth, PTSD, addictions, patterns of relationships and states of nervous exhaustion, to name but a few.
Facing painful feelings together in safe company is transformative
Our feelings are full of important information. I can show you how to turn towards them with curiosity and compassion such that you can hear their message and they can be transformed into a force for meaning and purpose. Once you learn this way of relating to yourself, you have a valuable skill for life. Sometimes life experiences can cut us off from our feelings, but we all have them if we look for them!
Working with the mind, body and nervous system to heal from trauma
I embrace modern psychotherapies that pay close attention to patterns of feelings in the body that reflect our life experiences, including trauma. We use this information to find ways of bringing about states that feel better and are linked to personal growth, rather than stuckness, pain or disconnection.
Special interest in physical conditions linked to stress and trauma
Chronic stress and traumatic experiences can add to everyday life pressures and cause or exacerbate many common physical conditions. I have family experience of functional neurological disorder (FND), which has led me to explore this area in depth and find solutions. I believe that much of what I have learnt also applies to chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and a whole range of 'medically unexplained' symptoms. I can help you to feel fully heard amidst the confusing range of symptoms, help you to spot the patterns and develop plans of action.
NeurOptimal® neurofeedback gives the brain information it needs to self-optimise
I am very blessed to have a neurofeedback system called NeurOptimal®. This device listens to your brainwaves 256 times per second and runs the data through computer software to identify inefficient or unhealthy patterns. Where it notices an oddity, it alerts your brain to this by creating tiny interrupts in the music. Although nothing but information is offered to your brain, this is actually a very powerful way of improving brain and nervous system function and I have witnessed remarkable improvements in symptoms. NeurOptimal® typically reduces feelings of stress and promotes mental clarity, focus and emotional ease. This can improve sleep and overall functioning. Many of my clients appreciate the opportunity to use NeurOptimal® as an effortless way of supporting psychotherapy, and it is also effective as the primary approach. I recommend trying NeurOptimal® to support recovery from states of nervous system disruption such as functional neurological disorder (FND).
Connecting with strengths by exploring personality and values
My clients find working with personality theory and values to be a very uplifting part of our journey that also brings much clarity and purpose. The process helps us to identify strengths and also provides insight into why some things just seem so particularly hard or cause more stress than they ‘should’. This work is full of ‘aha!’ moments and feelings of relief! It's a real help when working with overwhelm as it helps us to set boundaries and reconnect with our energy.
What does a session with me look like?
After gaining an overview of your situation, we will collaborate on a plan of action. Sometimes we will use a timeline to gather more information, if your story is long and complicated. I do not probe for details of harrowing trauma, as this can be counterproductive for you. In working with feelings, we go in gently via body scan meditation, mapping polyvagal nervous system states and ‘Focusing’ on the ‘felt sense’. These techniques are very effective for softening the impact of trauma, developing a better relationship with yourself and achieving inner peace. Focusing is excellent for connecting with your authentic self such that you know what you need to do next. We may also use Brainspotting, a very powerful technique for melting away specific traumas. NeurOptimal® can be a useful support at any stage and can make the rest of the therapy seem easier. I want my clients to feel empowered, so I always explain the process and offer reading materials and other resources / activities for those who wish to make use of the time between sessions.
Although counselling can be challenging at times, I always enjoy working with my clients and seek to create a positive and friendly atmosphere whatever the content.
Please email me to discuss your needs. I can work flexibly around most people's needs and availability.