About me

I am an integrated therapist which means I have thorough training in more than one theory and that I combine these — mainly psychodynamic, systemic and cognitive behavioural (CBT) — psychologies to best help adult clients understand and resolve their dilemmas. This blend acknowledges the importance of the idea that one size does not fit all. What works for one person may not be attractive to another.

I respect and admire couples and individuals for taking part in professional conversations with me as it can take a little courage sometimes to make the first step in involving a third party in improving relationship and sexual wellbeing. My clients tell me the process pays long-lasting dividends that far outweigh their initial anxiety. I’d agree that much can be gained.

I offer non-judgmental, approachable ideas and observations using well-sourced research evidence and I find that with this kind of support clients’ anxiousness wears off to be replaced with more useful emotions and thinking such as humour and resilience for making the changes ahead.

I work collaboratively — I aim to convey that we are in this dilemma together, that we all have something to contribute to success. Clients’ feedback suggests that the shared generosity at the heart of this robust and practical all-party approach is enjoyable. And research shows that experiencing a sense of alliance is proven to be the most effective tool — whatever the therapy style — in resolving difficulties.

Over more than 16 years of practice I have had experience of working with clients from varied sexualities, cultures, spirituality, age, abilities and backgrounds taking a respectful and affirmative approach to difference.

Post Graduate Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy (Relate Institute), accredited by University of Hull.

MA in Relationship Therapy (Relate Institute), accredited by University of Hull.

Relate Certificate in Marital and Couples Counselling.

I first worked for Relate in 1989 and have since been employed by the agency at various centres over the years, presently Westminster and Richmond. The work includes assessing suitability of clients with domestic violence, initial assessments with couples and individuals and psychosexual dilemmas.

I am a member of the Relate Practitioner Register, which requires counsellors to uphold the guidelines of British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT). I am regularly checked with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

I am an accredited member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT) and I am governed by their ethical guidelines at all times. As part of COSRT rules of commitment:

I invest in continuous professional development courses to keep up to date with new research and thinking and extend my learning.

Using a clinical supervisor I maintain regular sessions about my client work to ensure consistently effective therapy. It is accepted that the style of discussion will protect client identity and anonymity.

I maintain industry-standard insurance for therapy work.