I believe that respect for the individual, understanding, being honest and real are important to therapy. These qualities will underlie how I will engage with you.

Following my own experience of therapy I retrained to become a qualified and accredited psychotherapist and existential analyst.

I studied at Regents University, London School of Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology for a Master’s degree in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology, followed by an Advanced Diploma in Existential Psychotherapy.

In addition, I have undertaken training in cognitive behavioural skills, working with trauma, attachment therapy, and counselling skills for working with adolescents and young people.

I have a Post Graduate certificate in Autogenic Training from the British Autogenic Society. Autogenic Training is a simple but powerful tool for rebalancing our stress response and reducing anxiety.

Autogenic Training (AT) is a simple but profound technique to rebalance our body’s stress response. It has been found to be especially helpful in reducing anxiety, preventing stress and improving psychological well-being. It is a holistic self-help technique for life utilising the body’s natural healing systems. I have found it a helpful adjunct to existential therapy.

It is a simple, easy, pleasant relaxation technique that  doesn’t require special clothing, equipment or difficult postures. It is drug free,  unrelated to a belief system, and  is easy to learn and practise for a few minutes a day easily fitting into a busy lifestyle. It is  taught over 9 weeks with home practice, with results being experienced within 2 to 3 weeks.

How does AT work?

1. There is  a change from the basic ‘stressed state’ of everyday life to a restorative healing state in which many of the bodies systems are readjusted.

2. AT involves active participation as a form of self-help. Clients enjoy the effects of doing something positive for themselves. By practising AT, one is able to achieve a degree of  control over their body and nervous system.

3.  Research shows that reduced tension and an increased sense of wellbeing is aided by better communication between the hemispheres of the brain resulting in improved physical coordination, creativity and concentration and improved communication in relationships.

Uses

The pioneers of AT suggested a wide range of applications that possess a psychological component, in particular stress, tension and anxiety.

Recent outcome based research illustrates its effectiveness across a multitude of health issues including:

•  anxiety with nursing students, coronary angioplasty patients, teenage anxiety,  chronic anxiety, migraine in adults and in children,
•  significant Improvements in insomnia, falling asleep faster after night-waking, waking feeling more refreshed and energised.
•  clearer thinking and reduced worrying.
•  panic disorder
•  depression
•  anorexia nervosa
• It has helped cancer patients with improvements in coping and agency 

AT has not been restricted to the ‘medical’ world with benefits noted in education especially with test anxiety, in sport for better performance, endurance and faster recuperation, in industry for occupational stress,  by NASA for training astronauts and pilots  as well as for training Hercules aircraft and Dolphin helicopter pilots.

For more information please visit the website of the BAS, www.autogenic-therapy.org.uk

I am accredited by UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and abide by their code of ethics and conduct. In line with their standards, my clinical work is overseen by accredited supervisors and I invest in continued professional development and training.

I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and a member of the Society of Existential Analysis (SEA) and British Autogenic Society (BAS).

I have worked as a therapist since 2012 providing both long-term and short-term psychotherapy and counselling. I have spent four years working in a university counselling service with undergraduates, postgraduates and mature students of all ages. This involved working with individuals of different cultural backgrounds, sexualities and gender identities.

Alongside my private practice I have volunteered in an affordable counselling service for adolescents and young people in Henley-on-Thames.

Before training as a psychotherapist, I trained and qualified at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW). I have experienced the demands of working in multi-national companies, as well as small and start-up businesses. Such first-hand experience of these highly competitive and stressful working environments has given me an understanding of these worlds as well as those who are seeking to make a career change. I am a keen gardener and enjoy spending time outdoors in the Chilterns with my husband, family and dog.