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I have been working as a therapist since 2000.
I identify as White British, however my immediate family members are Black African and Dual Heritage. My personal experience of cross-cultural relationships has enriched my life and also helped to inform my work in cross-cultural counselling relationships.
I live between the UK and Qatar, having particular experience supporting people based in those regions either as natives or in expat communities.
I am qualified to work online with children, young people and adults of all ages, using Video, Live Chat and Email Exchange.
I also offer training and consultancy to therapists and practitioners in the wider helping professions, especially those looking to understand more about working globally, online and/or in private practice.
I am a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist (aligned to Column C of SCOPED) and a Specialist Accredited Supervisor.
There are many reasons why people come for therapy, as it focuses on the problems of living that we all face at different stages of our lives; for example, some clients I see are experiencing the challenges of living in a foreign country, others are struggling with issues around identity, relationship difficulties, or making the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Sometimes work life is stressful, or raising children.
Many clients want to look at issues around sexuality, race or culture. Bereavement and depression or anxiety issues are frequently explored and I also work with clients living with long term or life threatening illness, for example HIV/AIDS.
Some people come because they simply feel dissatisfied or stuck in their lives, others because they want to work through issues that have troubled them for many years.
Therapy is a process which takes time and commitment. I hope that we can work together for as long as you feel necessary. Many issues can be resolved in short-term work, whilst others may require longer-term therapy.
For many people, accessing therapy face to face can be problematic for any number of reasons. It may be difficult because of geographic location, mobility issues, limited time, childcare, or it may simply feel too daunting to meet a counsellor in person. I have found that in such circumstances it is very possible to build a warm and trusting relationship online.
As a Senior Professional Member of ACTO, I have undertaken significant training in working in a range of online methods of communication and can offer you online counselling ‘live’, by video platform or Instant Messaging (such as Zoom) or by email exchange (where we don’t have to be online at the same time). You can choose whichever option you prefer.
There are many different theoretical approaches to therapy. The core approach I use is Person-Centred. I have also trained in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and I have found this approach, when offered from a Person-Centred perspective, can be very helpful for some clients in crisis situations or in very time-limited therapy settings. I enjoy creative pastimes and use creative materials in therapy if clients find it helpful.
Coming from a mixed heritage family I continuously confront my white privilege and our differing experiences in the world and have undertaken additional training in working sensitively within the different cultural perspectives we all hold. Therefore my therapeutic work incorporates a strong focus on cultural empathy where I am open to connecting with and exploring challenges of diversity and oppression in whatever ways we may experience them.
Children, Young People, Adults of all ages
Working across international borders, CYP, Identity, Transcultural Counselling
£75 per 50min session
Paid by Bank Transfer in advance
English
Senior Professional Member of ACTO & Qualified Online Supervisor. Senior Accredited Psychotherapist & BACP Specialist Accredited Supervisor. I have extensive experience of working with CYP and with transcultural issues, and a particular interest in working with supervisees/clients in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
My practice is global with supervisees involved in delivery of, or line management of staff, in the professions of counselling, psychotherapy, play therapy, psychology, pre-and post-bereavement care, and advice work.
With family spread around the Middle East and Africa, I have valued the growth in online methods of communication on both a personal and professional level. I identify as White British, however my immediate family members are Black African and Dual Heritage. My personal experience of cross-cultural relationships has enriched my life and helped to inform my work in cross-cultural counselling relationships. Having previously worked as a Manager in an out of hours Crisis Service and Telephone Helpline, I am experienced at working with clients experiencing short term emotional distress as well as those with severe and enduring mental health problems. Following my core training as a therapist, I completed a specialist training in Working with Children and Young People. I feel passionately about the importance of providing respectful and empowering support for clients, regardless of their age, in a safe and confidential environment. These days I particularly enjoy working in private practice where clients can choose how long they wish to attend therapy. However, my experience of managing Third Sector CYP and Crisis services has also highlighted to me the benefits in working short term. I am Past Chair of the BACP Private Practice Executive Committee and have ongoing involvement in planning the Divisional Conference. This role involves raising the profile of private practitioners within the BACP and the public, through planning events and contributing to the Private Practice journal. I am experienced in working with EAPs (Employee Assistance Programmes) and also with the media, including live appearances on BBC Radio Leeds.
Working across international border, CYP, Transcultural, Complex Mental Health
My core training both as a therapist and supervisor is in the Person-Centred Approach. My personal ethos on supporting people in either context is one which I like to describe as empowering and enabling. I believe my role as a supervisor is to assist you, the supervisee, to celebrate your existing knowledge and experience and gain new insights into personal or professional development issues; challenging you when necessary, to explore any matters which help you to expand your awareness and facilitate your work with clients.
In offering the ‘core conditions’ within supervision I endeavour to provide a space where it feels safe to acknowledge the difficulties you may be experiencing in your work, without fear of judgement or reprimand. I also hope to hear about work that you are proud of, as this is equally important. In such an environment, it is my experience that supervisees can celebrate their successes, be open to challenge, and grow both personally and professionally.
I do not believe myself to be the ‘expert’ in our relationship. I find that I learn as much from my supervisees as they may from me. Therefore, I aim to build a collaborative relationship between us.
I will acknowledge situations where I do have experience or knowledge, but will encourage your own exploration of issues raised, so that you are able to develop your own ‘internal supervisor’ more effectively.
£75 for 1hr
£112.50 for 1.5hrs
£150 for 2hrs
English