Anxiety and depression can be horrible feelings. General anxiety can affect almost every area of your life, leaving you worrying about everything and feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Sometimes there is an obvious reason for how you are feeling: bereavement, problems with work, family or relationships. Sometimes it can seem to come completely out of the blue.

When anxiety takes hold, it can feel as though there is no escape.

I've been where you are. I have experienced anxiety and panic many times in my life, and although I have learned ways of managing it, I still find myself there occasionally. I know how difficult it can be when things feel as though they have become too much.

I became a counsellor because I wanted to offer other people something that had been incredibly important to me: the experience of not having to struggle alone.

My own experience

My first experience with the counselling world came in the spring of 2014.

Anxiety and unfounded fears about my health had been bubbling under the surface for a few years. Then, one day, I woke up and felt as though I had imploded. Everything I had been suppressing seemed to come to the surface.

Eventually, I realised that I needed professional help.

It took me a few weeks to gather the courage to contact a counsellor, but when I finally did, she made me feel safe and understood from the beginning. One of the things that meant the most to me was that she allowed me to speak without interrupting.

I didn't feel judged or rushed.

I felt listened to.

That experience stayed with me.

I didn't become a counsellor because I believed that the way I had overcome anxiety would work for everyone. Quite the opposite. I wanted to understand people as individuals and be able to offer them the kind of support that had helped me.

A place where they could talk openly, without judgement, and without having to pretend that everything was okay.

Feeling isolated and cut off from other people was one of the most difficult aspects of my own anxiety. I know how frightening it can be to feel that nobody else could possibly understand what is happening inside your head.

I also know how difficult it can be to take that first step and admit that you need some support.

How I work

I don't see my role as having all the answers or telling you what you should do.

My role is to listen, understand, and help you make sense of what you are experiencing. Sometimes, having someone genuinely listen and try to understand can be incredibly important.

Clients often tell me they don't know where to start. You don't have to explain everything perfectly, and you don't have to know exactly what you need from counselling.

You can start anywhere

There is no one way to 'do' counselling.

I have a particular interest in health anxiety, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and bereavement.

I have experience supporting people through a wide range of difficulties, including depression, panic and overwhelming thoughts and feelings.

I understand how nerve wracking it can be to contact a counsellor for the first time. It can take courage to reach out, especially when you are already feeling overwhelmed.

But asking for support could be the "best gift you ever give yourself"

My qualifications

I am an Accredited Registrant with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and work within their ethical framework.

I hold the following qualifications and training:

• Level 5 Diploma in Trauma Informed Counselling – New Pathways
• Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
• ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
• Cruse Bereavement Care training

My counselling experience

Alongside my private practice, I have worked as a counsellor with:

• 2wish – providing counselling to families following the unexpected death of a child or young person under the age of 25
• New Pathways – providing specialist counselling and advocacy to people affected by rape and sexual abuse
• Mind Mental Health Charity
• Cruse Bereavement Care – providing grief counselling

Getting in touch

You can contact me on 07415 014690. I may not be able to answer straight away, but if you leave a message, I'll get back to you as soon as I'm free.

Working days

Wednesday - By appointment only