As an experienced Integrative Psychotherapist, I am skilled in drawing on a range of approaches and therapeutic tools to support my clinical work. This includes psychodynamic, developmental, and humanistic approaches. I am trained in the treatment of trauma from a Sensorimotor and body-based approach.

My approach to psychotherapy is integrative and trauma-informed and I work relationally and collaboratively to support you to make changes in your life. I recognise the uniqueness of each person’s experience and therefore the therapy I offer is tailored to each client depending on their specific needs and context. 

The relationship between the therapist and client is fundamental to the success of any therapy. This is why I prioritise creating a compassionate, respectful and collaborative relationship where you can feel comfortable to explore the issues or challenges that have led you to seek support.

I see therapy as an opportunity to increase self-awareness, develop new ways of coping and an opportunity for personal growth. It provides a safe supportive environment to work through painful or traumatic experiences or relationships, change self-destructive behaviours and habits and improve your relationships.

I have specialist training and extensive experience of working with clients who have experienced trauma. I work collaboratively with you to create a safe environment to work with the symptoms from the trauma and process the traumatic memories at the pace that works for you. I am trained in the treatment of trauma from a somatic Sensorimotor Psychotherapy approach as well as in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT).

Dr Pat Ogden, who is the founder of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, defines a traumatic event as "any experience that is stressful enough to leave us feeling helpless, frightened, overwhelmed, or profoundly unsafe". (Ogden and Fisher, 2015).

Trauma is the impact of experiences that overwhelm our ability to cope and can occur after a single event or multiple experiences over a prolonged period of time. Developmental trauma is a type of complex trauma that occurs during childhood or adolescence and typically involves a primary care giver. Trauma can also stem from the absence of caregiving, nurture or safety (neglect).

Trauma can leave us feeling unsafe in the world and deeply distressed and may lead to symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Complex-PTSD where the trauma is repeated or prolonged.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

When words are not enough to help a client heal, a somatic approach to trauma treatment can be effective. Sensorimotor psychotherapy is body-based therapy that integrates recent findings from neuroscience to transform traumatic memories into strengths and resources for clients. There are three main phases in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy:

1. Stabilisation and symptom reduction

2. Working with traumatic memories

3. Re-integration

This article gives more detailed information about Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and includes a video with Dr Pat Ogden who developed the approach.

I offer supervision to counsellors, psychotherapists, trainees as well as other front-line workers who require clinical supervision for their work. My core supervision training is in the Seven Eyed Model of supervision, which is a well established model and in keeping with my integrative approach.

I have particular experience in the following areas:

• Counsellors and other mental health practitioners working in a Higher Education context. I have more than a decade experience of working in this context as a Senior Counsellor, Supervisor, Student Counsellor and Mental Health Advisor.

• Trainee counsellors and psychotherapists.

• Therapists and other front line workers based within the voluntary sector with particular experience of the women’s and refugee sectors.

I design and deliver engaging psycho-educational workshops on a range of topics that promote wellbeing and positive mental health for employees and employers. Topics include cultivating self-compassion, stress management and building resilient teams.

I have extensive experience of designing and delivering workshops and training on a range of topics related to wellbeing and mental health. This has included overseeing the development and delivery of workshops, courses and psychotherapeutic groups for students at Imperial College London. I have delivered bespoke training to a range of audiences throughout my career including NHS Staff, Metropolitan Police, Home Office and the staff working frontline within the voluntary sector.

Please get in touch to enquire.