About Me/Training & Qualifications
As an integrative psychotherapist I incorporate a range of ideas and techniques into my work. I am broadly humanistic in my approach meaning we have a dialogue and build a working relationship together. I also draw on attachment theory and CBT techniques.
I am currently enrolled in the Relational Life Institute's couples therapy certification programme with Terry Real.
I have a particular interest in mindfulness, it is a practice that benefits me and I believe it can be helpful for my clients too.
I began my career as a volunteer for the Samaritans and went on to work for the mental health charity Mind and Mums Aid a small charity supporting women with post-natal depression where I ran groups as well as seeing individuals.
I have also run a group for people suffering from chronic illness at the Central Middlesex Hospital.
Training & Qualifications
When looking for a psychotherapist or counsellor it is important to choose someone who is properly qualified and accredited. The main accrediting bodies are the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). I am accredited with the BACP who explain its meaning as follows:
“Accreditation enables clients, employers and colleagues to recognise proven, competent practitioners. This means that the selection of a counsellor or therapist can be based on an informed choice rather than speculation.”
My training includes:
Introduction to Counselling - Birkbeck College, University of London
Certificate in Psychodynamic and Humanistic Counselling - Goldsmiths College, University of London
OCR/RSA Certificate in Counselling Skills - Spectrum
One Year Psychotherapy Course- Spectrum
Post-Graduate Psychotherapy Course- Spectrum
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Certificate in Supervision - CSTD London
Relational Life Therapy levels 1&2 Relational Life Institute
I continue with my personal and professional development by attending workshops, courses and conferences, including:
‘Couples and Parents: Working with Attachment in Family Relationships’
(1 year course)
Dr Chris Clulow Tavistock Relationships and Greenwich Mind
The Practical and Therapeutic Applications of Attachment Theory.
(Dr Gwen Adshead, Dr Chris Clulow, Professor Jeremy Holmes, Dr Una McCluskey)
Running Mindfulness Groups Training with Dr Maggie Stanton, Greyrock
Polyvagel Theory in Practise: Essential strategies (Live webinar) PESI
How the Body Keeps the Score with Dr Bessel van Der Kolk: Intensive trauma treatment course (online) PESI
The Psychology of Accomplishment (Transpersonal approach) CCPE
Before training in psychotherapy I completed an MSc at University College London in 'Human Evolution and Behaviour' taught by Professor Robin Dunbar and Professor Leslie Aiello