Hello
I am an integrative psychotherapist based in Darlington, Stockton, Barnard Castle, and Online via ZOOM, with experience in working with a range of clients, from those who practice self-injury, experience anxiety, depression, difficulties with pregnancy, postpartum depression, abuse (historical or present), bereavement, and trauma, among many other concerns. I aim to help individuals understand the root causes of their difficulties to transform their lives meaningfully for good. I am increasingly interested in existential concerns and psychoanalytical ways of working with clients.
Training and Experience
I completed initial undergraduate studies in family and childhood studies many years ago at West Suffolk and Cambridge College. Using these skills I worked with families across a wide range of settings, such as Early Years Settings, OFSTED, CAFCASS and Social Work. I then continued my studies across the North East, incorporating therapy into schools as a Landscape Gardener, transforming school grounds and supporting high-end looked after young people. I continued to study the Ba Hons Therapeutic Counselling and graduated with honors at Teesside University. I recently successfully defended my PhD thesis with the University of Central Lancashire in the topic of emotions and self-injury.
I gained experience working in a local Hospice (helping those experiencing bereavement and/or terminal illness), with local schools supporting children and young people with a range of issues, predominantly self-injury and family concerns, and in a range of Psychological Services providing a variety of Mental Health Solutions for Children and Adults. I have been in private practice since 2018 working in Teasdale with a range of people, young and old, and across genders. Ongoing Continuing Professional Development enhances my professional capacity and ability to work with a range of personal issues.
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A large part of my career lies in sharing counselling knowledge, part of this meant that I went on to teach and lead across a range of counselling courses at Stockton Riverside college, from level 2 to 6. I remain an Associate Lecturer at Sunderland University and East Durham College teaching on psychology and counselling modules. I love this part of my career, as well as the recent research I am involved in with teams within The University of Central Lancashire..
I supervise student counsellors and qualified therapists as well as offer advice in routes to counselling.
I work flexibly and aim to offer a time to meet that fits with your schedule. Deciding to begin Psychotherapy can feel like a big step. I am happy to talk with you over the phone or email if you have any questions or want to get a sense of me before booking an initial appointment.
