I am a registered member of the BACP – the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy – and work according to their ethical framework. I have completed specialised training, which has enabled me to offer you a safe, ethical, and professional online telephone and email counselling standard. I’m registered with the ICO – Information Commissioner’s Office – and I’m fully insured.
A divergent approach
I have lived experience of neurodivergence. However, I am mindful that my experience may not be the same as yours. I provide a space in which you can explore what your neurodivergence means for you, whether that is being Autistic, having ADHD, or other differences. (I am an ATAA – Adaptive Therapy for Autistic Adults -trained practitioner).
How I work:
I’m a proactive and creative trauma therapist living in Macclesfield, Cheshire. I want the work we do together to feel safe for you and not risk re-traumatising you. I’ll be clear with you about the pace we set and the areas we’ll work on.
I’m a person-centred therapist, so I trust you to lead sessions with what you want to bring. I offer talking therapy, and I also use creative tools and other techniques to help you discover or identify your feelings and find suitable coping mechanisms.
I usually like to use three main techniques in sessions, depending on what your needs are:
- Giving you the space to talk openly about the things you need to, without judgement
- Psychoeducation – learning about how our nervous system works, or why a trauma might stay with us after the event
- Learning some new skills and healthy coping strategies.
If you have experienced difficulty in your past, you don’t need to tell me what happened. However, we can discuss your experiences if that would be helpful. I will ensure that this is done safely and at a pace that suits you.
A lot of the work I do with trauma and neurodivergence is about working in the present – helping you to stabilise your nervous system, to understand your emotions, supporting you and building your capacity to tolerate challenges. I hope to help you regain your resilience and rediscover your true self. You will find my qualifications below, if you’re interested.
Qualifications and training
- MSC/PGDIP Counselling and Psychotherapy, University of Salford
- Certificate in Creative Counselling Interventions, CPCAB
- Certificate in Neuro-Affirming Practice, Free2bme (ongoing)
- ATAA (Adaptive Therapy for Autistic Adults) Practitioner
- Domestic Violence and Childhood Sexual Abuse Training, University of Salford
- Certificate in Online Counselling, Counselling Tutor
- Level 2 and 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Trauma training
I’ve undertaken additional training over the years. Some of my training is listed below, enabling me to work safely and trauma-informed way. I am a member of the Complex Trauma Institute.
- Frank Anderson’s Master Class in Internal Family Systems Therapy, PESI
- TRE training, Richmond Heath, TRE Australia
- Rewind Trauma Therapy – Complex Trauma Institute
- The Flash Technique – Dr Justin Havens
- Foundation Certificate in The Application of The Polyvagal Theory in Counselling & Psychotherapy, Online Events
- Somatic interventions, yoga and dance therapies, for Trauma, Rewire Trauma Therapy
- Working with trauma stages 1 and 2 – Complex Trauma Institute
- Certificate in Trauma-Informed Practice, Counselling Tutor
- Making trauma therapy safer – Babette Rothschild
Clinical placements
I have worked with several well-established counselling agencies, where I gained a wide range of experience. I have worked on the women’s service team for the Salford Foundation, working with women who had experienced domestic abuse and sexual assault; many of these women were going through the family courts, fighting to keep their children. I’ve worked with Manchester Mind as a therapist on short-term therapy sessions. And, I have worked with men who have experienced domestic abuse and sexual assault at Salford University’s Domestic Violence Counselling Service.
In addition to my private practice, I currently work with teenagers and young adults in an educational setting.
Prior to my psychotherapeutic training, I have worked in mental health, for domestic abuse and disability charities and in social housing and the NHS. I continue to undertake personal therapy as part of my ongoing commitment to self-development. My experiences as a client have a profound impact on my learning, both personally and professionally.
Professional memberships
- BACP
- Complex Trauma Institute
- The Person-Centred Association
- Radical Therapists Network
- Creative Counsellors
- Therapists Against Conversion Therapy and Transphobia (TACTT)
Articles
https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/articles/working-with-dyslexic-clients