Trauma and Complex Trauma.
I work with clients navigating both acute traumatic events and complex trauma - the result of having existed in a chronically traumatising environment, perhaps in childhood, in a workplace, at school or in an abusive relationship. I can facilitate you processing the impact of traumatic events on your identity, behaviour and world view, and address unwanted symptoms of trauma such as flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks and dissociation. Ultimately we can work to restore autonomy and a sense of wholeness, both of which may have been destroyed by difficult experiences.
Bereavement, Grief, and Life-limiting illness.
My first counselling placement was at a hospice, and post-qualifying I took a role at The Shakespeare Hospice in Stratford-upon-Avon; as a result, bereavement and grief work have always been close to my heart. I have experience working with clients who are living with a cancer diagnosis, those who have been bereaved both recently and historically, and those caring for a loved one who is terminally ill. I also work with individuals and couples who have experienced pregnancy loss or miscarriage, supporting them through the often complex and deeply personal grief that can follow. I aim to create a warm, compassionate and sheltering space in which you can grieve, and to hold hope for you while you find a new way forwards.
Attachment Issues and Difficult Relationships with others.
Experiencing exploitative or unpleasant relationships can not only hurt acutely, but can also leave us struggling to form and maintain relationships that feel safe, mutual, and enjoyable going forwards. Experiences such as bullying (from a friend, partner, or co-worker), family conflict, or ongoing difficulties in friendships and intimate relationships can shape our attachment patterns, influencing how we approach closeness, trust, and boundaries with others. You may be left feeling socially anxious, disconnected, or misunderstood. I endeavour to provide a space in which you can gently examine your experiences of relating to others and begin to understand — and where possible change — patterns of relating that no longer feel helpful to you. We can also use the therapeutic relationship between the two of us to explore what safety in relationship looks and feels like for you, at a pace that feels manageable and supportive.
Adults with Narcissistic or Immature Parents.
I work with clients who grew up with narcissistic or emotionally immature parents, where emotional needs may have been overlooked, minimised, or inconsistently met. These early relational experiences can have a lasting impact, often showing up as hyper-vigilance, people-pleasing, difficulty trusting one’s own feelings, or a deeply ingrained sense of shame or self-doubt. My approach is trauma-informed and client paced in order to prioritise safety, choice, and collaboration. I aim to facilitate a gentle exploration of how these patterns developed as understandable adaptations to early relationships. Part of this work may involve learning to recognise and honour your own needs, developing boundaries that feel safe rather than punitive, and building assertiveness in ways that support nervous system regulation and a greater sense of agency.
Suicidal Thoughts and Self-Harm.
I offer a calm, non-judgemental space where self-harm and suicidal thoughts can be spoken about openly and safely. My approach is focused on understanding the underlying pain, unmet needs, or nervous system overwhelm that may sit beneath these behaviours or thoughts. Sessions may involve working to increase safety, develop alternative ways of coping, and strengthen a sense of connection, hope, and agency.
Burnout and Overwhelm.
I work with leaders and professionals who are experiencing burnout, chronic stress, or a sense of overwhelm in the context of high responsibility and sustained pressure. Leadership can carry significant emotional demands, including holding responsibility for others, managing uncertainty, and maintaining performance while feeling depleted, stuck, uninspired, or disconnected from a sense of purpose. Many leaders also experience imposter syndrome, self-doubt, or a fear of being exposed, often alongside a strong internal drive to keep going despite the cost to their wellbeing. My approach is trauma-informed and attentive to the impact of prolonged stress on the nervous system, identity, and capacity for choice. I support clients with professional, career, and work-life issues, including anxiety about returning to work after burnout or absence. Together, we work at a pace that feels safe to understand patterns of over-functioning and self-pressure, develop more sustainable ways of managing stress, and reconnect with values, boundaries, and a sense of agency in work and leadership.
Sex.
I work with issues relating to sex, gender, and sexuality. I offer a respectful, affirming space for clients of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and relationship structures to explore their experiences without fear of judgement or assumption. This may include navigating identity, minority stress, shame, internalised stigma, or the impact of discrimination and misunderstanding. My approach is grounded in curiosity, consent, and collaboration, recognising how societal and relational pressures can affect both mental health and a sense of safety in the body and in relationships. Sessions can provide a place to explore your identity, desires, and relationships in ways that feel authentic, supported, and empowering.
Loneliness, Low Self-esteem and Struggles with Body Image.
I work with clients who experience loneliness or a sense of isolation, which can be felt not only emotionally but also in the body — as tension, numbness, or a sense of disconnection. These experiences are often intertwined with low self-esteem or self-confidence, a critical inner voice, or difficulties with body image shaped by early relational experiences, trauma, or societal pressures. As a yoga instructor and a trainee Somatic Experiencing practitioner, I bring an embodied approach to therapy, helping clients gently reconnect with sensations, emotions, and needs in the body. In a compassionate and safe space, we work together to cultivate a kinder relationship with your body, strengthen self-worth from the inside out, and foster a deeper sense of connection — both with yourself and with others.
Panic Attacks and Panic.
I use a body and nervous system centred approach to work with clients experiencing panic attacks, panic, or sudden waves of anxiety. By exploring how the nervous system responds to stress and threat through a polyvagal lens, we can begin to understand the physical sensations, triggers, and survival responses that accompany panic. Together, we use increased intellectual understanding, grounding, regulation, and gentle body awareness techniques to help the nervous system feel safer, reduce intensity of panic, and build a sense of safety and agency in the body. This approach helps clients reconnect with their bodies, notice early warning signs, and develop tools to manage anxiety in a way that feels empowering.
