A little bit about me
I live in South Manchester with my partner. I can often be found pottering in the garden, curled up with a good book, creating weird art, going to local gigs or exercising in my low-fi garage gym (lovingly named the muscle lodge).
I’m a self-confessed nerd, my personal motto is “learning is fun!” I love to read about different approaches to psychotherapy and am particularly fascinated by neuroscience and mindfulness.
As a young person , I experienced challenging circumstances and had some mental health struggles. This led me to work with young people, initially as a youth worker, then within special education before finding my calling as a therapist. I strive to be the supportive person I would have wanted when I was in school, at University and during those challenging years as a graduate.
Having experienced therapy services both as a young person and as a professional, I understand that starting therapy can feel a bit intimidating and you may not know where to start. That’s why the first few sessions are about getting to know each other a little better and taking the time to really understand the focus of the therapy. I also realise that at times therapy can feel heavy or overwhelming. So we will work together as a team to ensure that the pace feels right; feeling safe and cared for is the most important part of our relationship. But there will also be times when we may decide to push our comfort zone a little, it’s in these moments I often find people make the most progress.
My long-term goal is to share my knowledge and skills more widely to ensure that people have access to support through free and low-cost resources. Consider following me on social media where I share information and tips about mental health and general well-being.
Experience
I have over 15 years of experience working with adolescents and young adults in a variety of settings. I have worked in special education and mainstream schools, with college and University students and young professionals.
I began my journey to become a therapist in 2015. Over the years I have studied Person Centred Counselling and integrative psychotherapy before specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). As a practitioner, I pride myself on working in an effective way that achieves positive transformations for my clients. I chose to specialise in CBT due to its strong evidence base. CBT is the modality most recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the National Health Service (NHS).
I have undertaken continuing professional development (CPD) in a wide range of clinical areas, such as: working with low self-esteem, clinical perfectionism and complex PTSD. In recent years I have also undertaken additional CPD in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT).
Qualifications
I completed my CBT training at the prestigious Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Centre for CBT. My training was validated by the University of Manchester.
I have received training from some of the leading experts in the field of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
As an accredited member of the BABCP I undertake regular supervision and continued professional development. This ensures that the standard of therapy you receive is continually reviewed to ensure standards of excellence.
