My approach

It can be really hard to find the words to describe what I do, and even harder to find the words to describe how therapy works. However, my intention is to offer you a safe, down to earth and non-judgemental space, where I will meet you with warmth and compassion. My training is humanistic in approach, and I hold a post-graduate diploma in Humanistic psychotherapeutic counselling from the University of Brighton. I will work with you in the ‘here and now’, meaning that I will bring my ‘humanness’, my whole human self, to our relationship, whilst recognising and valuing the importance and unique quality of our relationship.

I understand that life experiences can sometimes feel hard, painful, and traumatic, and that it can be difficult to put into words what it is that you are feeling. Together, we will consider the whole of your experience, which might also include noticing the way in which your emotions are experienced as bodily sensations. For example, maybe through exploring breath awareness or bodily posture or movement, if this feels appropriate.  I might also notice my own bodily felt sensations and responses and share these with you if that feels useful. I will be alongside you as we make sense of these experiences together, at a pace that feels right for you.

My practice is also influenced by somatic approaches and yoga, and I use my training, experiences, and grounding in yoga and breath awareness to support an embodied approach to my practice, encouraging healing through self-awareness, and connection.

My qualifications and experience

I have worked with people experiencing a wide variety of struggles from anxiety, loss, and abuse, to addictions and relationship difficulties. However, what is important to me is that I see you as a whole person and not as your ‘problem’ or diagnosis. I aim to be actively welcoming and inclusive, and I strongly believe that therapy should be accessible to everyone, especially those who are marginalised within society. I am also a fluent Welsh speaker, and able to work bilingually in Welsh and English.

I hold a post-graduate diploma in Humanistic therapeutic counselling from the University of Brighton. Before training as a counsellor, I worked as a Social Worker in London for over 12 years in many different settings, supporting children and families facing challenging circumstances and trauma, complex social issues, and disadvantage. I also worked within a Community Mental Health team and multi-disciplinary teams within the NHS. I am a qualified yoga teacher, and am trained in restorative yoga, teen yoga, and pregnancy yoga. Alongside teaching, I also established yoga projects within schools to support students to develop strategies to manage stress and anxiety and build confidence and self-esteem through embodied awareness.

I also currently work for the charity Release, co-facilitating therapeutic groups for new parents.