I am an integrative trained counsellor, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, EMDR clinician, trainer and consultant based in central Manchester, both UK registered and an accredited member of the BACP. I have a passionate belief in the human capacity for change, and I am therefore committed to using my skills, training, knowledge and experience to support those who seek my services in assisting them to do so.
My core training is integrative, meaning that I draw on a broad range of theoretical approaches, ways of working and types of interventions to assist clients with whatever it is they’re struggling with, while my initial integrative training provides a type of theoretical framework that enables me to integrate these together safety and effectively. I deliberately chose to train in an integrated approach because I believe that this allows me the freedom and flexibility required to remain open, responsive and fundamentally informed by the needs of the clients I work with, whilst co-creating a treatment approach with them that is as unique as they are. I have since trained in other types of therapy and intervention over the last ten years, which increase my ability to assist clients in more creative ways, and enhance this flexibility. I passionately believe that we are all individual and different, and so it’s important for me as a therapist, that I’m able to work in ways that acknowledge and nurture that difference while ultimately respecting the very essence of what makes us everything we are.
Theoretical Approach & Philosophy
I work with adults, couples and families, and have clinical experience of working with a range of complex presenting issues and difficulties. This means that I am extremely confident in my ability to meet your treatment needs, to assist you in reaching your desired outcomes and creating your own meaning. I believe that each individual is unique, and therefore my integrative training enables me to be responsive to your individual needs and develop a bespoke treatment approach tailored with you and specifically for you.
Specialist Knowledge & Experience
In addition to my private practice work I have also previously worked part-time as a clinical supervisor for a well known, award winning UK registered charity, supervising the clinical case work of other therapists. My previous two full-time clinical roles have involved leading specialist teams within the field of sexualised trauma. Therefore I Have extensive experience of working with male, female and transgender clients who have experienced sexual abuse and/or rape whether historical or current. I am clinically experienced in working with complex trauma presentations and symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well the associated psycho-sexual issues, and co-existing symptoms and/or disorders that may develop, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Dissociation
- Relationship issues
- Developmental trauma
- Relational trauma
- Drug and alcohol issues
- Phobias
- Psycho-sexual issues
- Intrusive thoughts
- Self-harming/destructive cycles of behaviour
- Sex addiction/pornography addiction
- Attachment disorders
I also work privately as a forensic psychotherapist working clinically with sex offenders within my private practice ,as I believe that offering specialist treatment with this population not only assists with the management and reduction of risk, but also contributes to an ultimate aim of reducing the prevalence of sexual violence.
Qualifications, Training and Experience
Qualifications:
- PG Cert Attachment Theory
- PG Dip Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (CSB)
- Emotional Freedom Techniques – Level 1
- Emotional Freedom Techniques – Level 2
- EMDR Psychotherapy Part 3
- EMDR Psychotherapy Part 2
- EMDR Psychotherapy Part 1
- PG Dip Therapeutic Practice of Psychological Trauma
- PG Cert in Couples & Relationship Therapy
- BPS Accredited Supervisor Training
- IAPT PWP Supervisors Training
- PG Cert in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- PG Dip in Theory and Practice of Integrative Counselling
- BSc (Hons) Psychology & Counselling
- Certificates in Counselling Skills (1&2)
Additional Training
- Trauma and Relationships: When Intimacy Feels unsafe
- Shame Containment Theory
- The Neurobiology of Resentment
- Working with Clients Emotional Triggers
- Brain Care as Self-Care: Applying the Well-being of Neuroscience to Help Clients
- Treating out of Control Sexual Behaviour
- Body Oriented Therapy Techniques for Trauma and Attachment
- IFS Informed EMDR
- Trauma, Affect Dysregulation and Shame: Treating the Seeds of Self-Destructive Behaviours
- IFS Treatment for Sexual Abuse: Victims and Perpetrators
- EMDR for Sexually Compulsive Behaviour
- Treating Complex Trauma with Internal Family Systems
- EMDR Therapy for Suicidal clients and Self-harming behaviours
- Clinical Applications of Polyvagal Theory in Trauma Treatment
- Polyvagal Theory Masterclass
- Sex Toys and Sex Therapy
- Attachment, Detachment and Re-Attachment in Psychosis and beyond
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Immersion Course
- Trauma and the role of shame
- Shame – The Meaning of Shame in the Treatment of Trauma
- Understanding Kink
- Essential Sensorimotor Skills and Resources for Healing Shame
- The Flash Technique
- Attachment and the Dance of Sex: Integrating Couples and Sex Therapy
- Delivering EMDR Therapy Online
- Applying Attachment Theory in Clinical Practice: Treatment Strategies Across the Lifespan
- An Integrative Approach to Stabilization with Dissociative Clients
- Complex Trauma Work, An Embodied Approach (Single, Multiple & Childhood Trauma – Stage 1)
- Complex Trauma Work, An Embodied Approach (Single, Multiple & Childhood Trauma – Stage 2)
- The Adult Attachment Interview in Practice
- Compassion Fatigue & Vicarious Trauma
- Mindfulness and Compassion Focused Approaches to Trauma
- Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
- The Inner Child in Counselling & Psychotherapy
- Harmful Sexual Behaviour in Male Adolescents: Risk & Intervention
- Responding to Psychological Trauma: Therapeutic Perspectives
- EMDR with Pain, Depression and Adults Abused as Children
- Cognitive Therapy in Adversity
- EMDR with Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
- Dealing with Shame
- Healing Complex Trauma & Dissociation with Ego State Therapy
- Workshop in Running Mindfulness Groups
- CBT for Personality Disorders
- CBT for Eating Disorders
- Working with Relational Trauma
- Attachment Theory – Above and Beyond
- International Treatment Effectiveness Project (ITEP) Mapping
- Boys are Sexually Exploited Too
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- People Pins & Prevention – Safer Injecting Awareness
- Cocaine Nation
- Real Love Rocks: CSE awareness & Train the Trainer
- “Out of It” – Young People & Drugs
- Legal Highs
- Safer Online – Children & Young People
- Criminal Justice Awareness Training
- Awareness of Child Abuse & Neglect
- Safeguarding Adults
- An Awareness of Domestic Violence Including The Impact On Children & Young People
Work/Voluntary Experience
Current roles:
- Specialist Trauma and Attachment Informed Counsellor & Psychotherapist in Private Practice
- Specialist Trauma and Attachment Informed Clinical Supervisor in Private Practice
- Forensic Psychotherapist – (STOPSO)
Previous roles:
- Clinical Supervisor – The Beacon Centre
- Project Lead & Trauma Focused Psychotherapist (The Change Project
- Clinical Lead & Trauma Focused Psychotherapist (Survivors Manchester)
- Specialist Children & Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Practitioner -SMART Team/Lifeline
- Volunteer Psychotherapist – LGBT Foundation
- Therapist & Consultant – Tree Tops Counselling Service
- Trainee Integrative Counsellor – NHS Primary Care Mental Health team