Personal & Professional Philosophy:
I believe that every person deserves the right to feel safe, seen and heard. I believe in the value of human connection and the creative power of people to change, when provided with optimal conditions and afforded time with an attentive, interested other. A small change can open up new perspectives and that is what I aim to provide in my practice.
I endeavour to ensure that stepping into my therapy room offers individuals the freedom to contemplate change and the opportunity to discover new perspectives about themselves; of their emotions, behaviours and cognitions. Most people, at different times in their lives, seek self-understanding and to be understood by others. My philosophy centres on providing the conditions and resources for this to occur.
Genuine curiosity, compassion, creativity and inclusivity lie at the centre of my neuroaffirmative practice. By showing an interest in another human being and valuing their neurotype, a new creative expanse can evolve, where alternative perspectives can be offered and a collaborative process unfolds.
My belief in the uniqueness and potential of each client I meet compels me to work in a person-centred, integrative way; to create an emotionally and physically safe space in order to develop a meaningful relationship with each person. Utilising Rogers’ core conditions creates ease and comfort in the initial sessions to ensure that co-regulation, empathy and reflection can occur. I collaborate with each client to unearth how they feel, and facilitate the development of resilience and tools (both internal and external) to allow the exploration of the presenting issues.
I aspire to maintain the courage and intelligence to weave my personal experience with my clinical training, and to facilitate the possibility for each individual to be themselves.
Typically, the work does not stop there, as in many cases the deeper trauma-based work organically follows. Pace and patience is key. I work in the hope that by being their ethical companion and a meticulous, attentive listener, I can help each client open up the possibility of self-trust and belief in their own capacity to cope and live well. As per the IACP’s definition of counselling and psychotherapy, I respect the “client’s values, personal resources and capacity for self determination.”
Flexibility and adaptability has been at the core of my practice when working with a diverse range of clients and presentations. To date, I have worked with male and female clients ranging in age from 18-75 years. I have welcomed an array of neurotypical and neurodivergent brains into my practice (i.e. ADHD, autism, dyslexia, OCD). I enjoy being a companion on their exploration of, and facilitating them to befriend, their mind.
Simultaneously, I have worked with people suffering from loss, grief and bereavement, those navigating family estrangement, separation, isolation and addiction (alcohol, drug and online), alongside those experiencing anxiety, depression and anger management issues. I have explored the impact of transitions and cultural differences, as well as workplace toxicity, chronic stress, exam pressure, burnout and bullying. In conjunction with this, I have also encountered and continue to work with those who have suffered sexual abuse and trauma, in a sensitive and ethical manner.
Because each person is unique, my philosophy is drawn from a variety of modalities: from person-centred, psychodynamic, CBT, creative and art therapy techniques to discovering new routes to self-expression and understanding. As a psychotherapist I see my practice as a lifelong learning space, each session offering a new experience and education for me, and I believe that an open, authentic, integrative and creative approach provides holistic psychotherapy and sustainable support to my clients.