To read through almost any counselling brochure or website is tantamount to inviting any of the conditions mentioned to manifest in the individual - be it anxiety, stress, isolation or just a sense of overwhelming despair!  For this reason, I avoid producing here any A to Z of psychological conditions or emotional distress.

For all of us, there may be times when we find ourselves: -

• Confronted with unwelcome and unexpected sometimes life changing events or difficulties, that may seem insurmountable.
• Events may befall us to the extent that we lose any sense of place or purpose in life.
• Asking ourselves the question “Why does this always happen to me?” or “Why does this keeping happening?”
• We may have a general sense of not feeling right about ourselves, about something specific or in relation to a general situation in which we find ourselves.
• We may feel ourselves changing and growing without knowing why or how or what to do about it.

Counselling can be a very helpful and supportive way to explore and understand situations that I’ve alluded to and you are assured of complete confidentiality and professional support as detailed in the BACP Ethical Guidelines (www.bacp.co.uk). I believe that situations that we either find ourselves in, or indeed often put ourselves in can provide opportunities for new understanding and learning – the seedbed of personal growth and fulfilment.

In undertaking this work, my aim is to help clients develop coping and self-management strategies to deal with the impact of short-term issues and challenges. It may also be helpful to gain an understanding of how historic experiences, in the ‘there and then’, can impact on present ‘here and now’ events.

This work can be revelatory in a way that enables people to live happier more fulfilling lives, free of historic encumbrances.

Whilst I am happy to work across the full spectrum of issues that may cause someone to engage in counselling I have specialist training and experience in Trauma, Alcohol & Substance misuse, Therapeutic Drumming and a real passion for Wilderness & Nature Therapy, working in a natural environment - be this the local beach, woodland or almost anywhere outdoors.

As an Integrative practitioner, I take a holistic approach to the well-being of my clients and draw upon a broad spectrum of therapeutic approaches and techniques to best suit the needs of my clients

I offer an initial free consultation to explore a client’s issues and perspectives and to ascertain the most appropriate way to work together. It is of paramount importance that the needs of the client are given primary attention and so I would have no hesitation in signposting a potential client to other support, if appropriate and only with the agreement of a client.