There are many reasons why people decide to come to therapy. It might be that you are feeling stuck and frustrated but you don’t know why, and you would like the space and time to get a clearer idea of what it is that is not quite right.
Whatever the starting point in therapy, most of us are looking to improve the quality of our life, better relationships, to live life with more fulfillment, balance, vitality and joy, this is what I hold for each person I work with.
I offer a non-judgmental, empathic space in which we can establish a relationship built on warmth and trust. I will be led by what you want to bring, and go at a pace that works for you. I will meet you with compassion, inviting a here-and-now exploration of your feelings, thoughts and experiences so that you can gain clarity over your experiences and work towards making the changes you want to make.
In our sessions, my role is to listen, support you and be alongside you as you identify and explore the challenges you are facing. My treatment planning includes the use of empathic transactions and will include me using techniques of enquiry, specification, explanation, gentle confrontation, interpretation, confirmation, illustration and crystallisation to heighten awareness and gain a deeper understanding of self.
I know from experience, that therapy can be a step towards real change. I believe that, given the right conditions, each of us possesses the inner ability to expand our awareness and realise our true potential.
My professional life has always involved caring for others. I qualified as a registered nurse in 1984 and a registered midwife in 1988. After working in the NHS for 40 years I have gained a wealth of experience, clinically as a practising nurse and midwife and in the latter part of my NHS career as a senior manager and leader. For the last 10 years of my career, I was a Director of Midwifery at two prestigious NHS Trusts in London.
My experience as a leader within a complex system such as the NHS has developed my skills of team working, negotiating and problem solving. As a senior leader I faced many difficult and challenging situations, supporting others working alongside me, through these difficult times, was always important to me. My approach was always compassionate and involved a mentoring and coaching style. Through a compassionate lens difficulties and challenges were faced. I bring this style, combined with my life experience, both professional and personal, to my psychotherapy work with individuals and couples.
In 2020, I retired from my NHS role and started training as a Psychotherapist. I have completed 4 years of training in Transactional Analysis and I am now a contractual trainee working towards certification as a Transactional Analyst. This involves writing a 24,000 word dissertation, preparing a portfolio of evidence regarding my skills and competencies and preparing for an oral examination. A very experienced supervisor is supporting me along this journey and my work with you will inform my learning and continuing professional development.
Continuing professional development is really important to me, I support my learning journey by reading and critically thinking about evidence to support my clinical practice and therapeutic interventions. I have completed various workshops and attended conferences to ensure I am informed and knowledgeable. I have a 'Working with Couples - theory and practice' Certificate awarded by the Cedars Therapy Institute
My hope is that I will go onto study a professional doctorate.
Pricing
| Individual sessions | £65.00 |
| Couples sessions | £95.00 |
Contact me
Location: online via zoom or in person in Exeter
The Practice Rooms, 15 - 16 Castle Street, Castle Street
EX4 3PT Exeter