About Me : My Experience
I offer space to share what is changing for you, so you can explore with my professional support how you want to be, how you want to live with this and / or what comes next for you.
Every person is different and I am open to hearing from you. Some of my specific areas of interest are below. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression or simply want somebody to talk to please get in touch.
Life Changes and Transitions
People often find me to be warm, friendly, non-judgemental and easy to talk to. My experiences and training equip and motivate me to support people who are going through change and finding it challenging, in particular if you are:
in a life transition - becoming a parent, a new stage of parenting, (peri)menopause, ageing, career change or relationship change
adjusting to or processing news of an autism or other diagnosis, for yourself or for a neurodivergent child you care for
a young adult - perhaps starting or struggling at university, adjusting to living alone or away from home, embarking on a career / education / training
experiencing ‘positive’ change that feels daunting - like marriage or a new relationship, divorce, pregnancy, childbirth, promotion …
leaving a religion - perhaps due to coercion, abusive behaviour or because your beliefs and spiritual identity are changing and you need support
Counselling helped me to process changes I have been through. I have 21-months’ experience as a client, and prioritise holding in mind what it is like to be the client. I understand that counselling can feel daunting or mysterious at first.
These areas are examples. I can also work with you if you are experiencing something else.
Professional Experience and Training
I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor*, accredited by a recognised professional body (the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society) . I trained with The Academy SPACE.
I have volunteered and / or worked for Sheffield Carers, Sheffield’s Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service, Barnsley Recovery Steps and The University of Sheffield’s Counselling and Mental Health Service. I have worked with survivors of abuse.
*Integrative Counsellors have working knowledge of several counselling approaches, instead of in-depth expertise in one. I use a range of tools in my work, depending on what you need and communicate to me. I pay close attention to the therapy relationship - the way a counsellor and client relate strongly influences whether or not the work is experienced positively.
I am inspired and influenced by the Person-Centred Approach to counselling, and so prioritise:
genuine contact between myself and my clients
striving to ensure clients feel understood and experience empathy
unwavering acceptance of the client, without judgement
my self-awareness and congruence (authenticity)
In a session, I listen, contribute, respond, ask questions and offer suggestions. I might suggest activities, share knowledge or resources.
