My Areas of Specialism
Relationship Counseling and Relational Psychotherapy
I specialize in relationship counseling and relational psychotherapy, drawing from a diverse range of counsekling and therapeutic approaches that I have studied, including:
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Systemic Therapy
- Object Relations Theory
- Transactional Analysis
- Life and Executive Coaching
Additionally, I am trained in EMDR therapy and utilize EMDR techniques to therapeutically address developmental trauma, phobias, and other trauma-related issues. I am a trauma-informed therapist.
We learn about relationships through our interactions with others, which help us uncover different facets of ourselves. These experiences shape the strategies we use in friendships and family dynamics, and they can vary significantly from one relationship to another. Relationships play a crucial role in our self-perception, and understanding our patterns through gentle exploration can be enlightening. If there has been trauma in relationships, it can introduce additional complexities. As a trauma-informed therapist, I offer online counseling and psychotherapy through platforms like Zoom and Skype. I am also trained and use EMDR techniques.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals process and overcome traumatic memories and distressing life experiences. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has gained widespread acceptance as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related issues.
How EMDR Works - Processing Trauma: EMDR helps individuals process traumatic memories by recalling them while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (typically through guided eye movements). This can help the brain integrate the memory in a more adaptive way. Durint these sessions I will encourage you to focus a specific memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This can involve following the therapist's fingers as they move back and forth. The concept is that this dual attention allows for cognitive processing to occur in a way that doesn't become overwhelming.The goal is to reduce the emotional charge associated with the traumatic memory (desensitization) and help the individual reprocess the memory so that it is no longer distressing and is integrated into their life narrative in a healthier way. As the individual processes their memories, they may also work on negative beliefs related to those memories, replacing them with more positive or realistic beliefs about themselves.
Why EMDR Works
EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can overwhelm the brain's natural ability to process information. This can result in the memories being "stuck" and not integrated properly. EMDR aims to reprocess these memories so that they are more appropriately stored and less emotionally charged.My Qualifications
- Counselling Skills – level 2 - CPCAB
- Counselling Studies – level 3 - CPCAB
- Children’s Counselling Certificate – Relate – Play Therapy (written by Margot Sunderland)
- Advanced Diploma – Relationship Counselling – Relate Institute – Hull University - level 6
- Advanced Diploma – Transactional Analysis, Iron Mill - level 7
- Life and Business Coaching - Training
- EMDR - training
I am a Tutor/Lecturer at the Iron Mill College Exeter - Currently tutoring the Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling at Poole IronMill College.
I am a Registered BACP (Accred) Psychotherapist and Counsellor with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
Past Experience
I have a Masters in Human Resources which means I am Chartered MCIPD qualified in People Management and Development. My experience prior to this professionally was gained in the Private and Public Sector including The Travel Industry, Fashion Retail, Consultancies and Local Government. I am originally from South London and now reside in Dorset. I have spent time living and working overseas experiencing different people and cultures. My work has always been people and customer focused both overseas and in the U.K.
I have a back ground in Training and was the Training Lead as well as a practitioner for Relate Dorset for 12 years.
I now work in Private Practice and offer some funded slots for individuals who are in difficult circumstances.
I am a Registered and Accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
I am a member of the International Association of Relational Transactional Analysts and the European Association of Transactional Analysts.
I work to a code of ethics and confidential frameworks.
Fully Insured
I am fully insured and adhere to internationally recognised standards clinically, ethically and legally.
