I have successfully worked with people experiencing a wide range of issues including, depression, bullying, workplace conflict, low self-esteem, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, anger, sexuality, loss of identity, substance misuse, childhood & adult sexual abuse (including incest), bereavement, relationship difficulties, boundary difficulties, shame, midlife crisis and spiritual crisis.

Special areas of interest include-

• Substance misuse – I have over six years experience in NHS addiction services and with private clients. For many people with compulsive behaviour their lives have become increasingly unmanageable through the pursuit of trying to “fix” painful feelings, unwanted thoughts or memories. By exploring the feelings and emotions that drive your addiction you can learn to work more effectively with your cravings, break the cycle of dependency and lead a more rewarding life.
• Masculinity & men’s issues – The modern world teaches men to be driven and goal orientated but this has a negative impact on family, friendships, health and enjoyment of life. By connecting with a deeper sense of who we are and what really matters to us we can inhabit a more positive male identity full of confidence, courage and tenderness.
• Midlife crisis – as we got older it can seem that old certainties give way to new questions. A call to live life differently is emerging. Developing a greater sense of who we are and what gives meaning to our life can help reveal a more authentic way of living.
• Spirituality and crisis of faith – there are times when our deepest beliefs and certainties no longer seem to hold true. Such periods give us the opportunity to evaluate our experiences and find new understandings.
• Anxiety, depression and resilience to life challenges – As we go through life we inevitably encounter suffering no matter how hard we my try to remain positive and be in control. ‘Resilience’ is the ability to take care of ourselves, recover, and learn from our experiences.

I have been practicing Buddhism and meditation since 1992. I integrate mindfulness into my approach to help you connect more fully with your body, feelings and emotions and so develop greater awareness of who you are and what’s calling for attention.

In order to qualify as a counsellor and psychotherapist I have undergone a 5 year training course that had been accredited by the BACP and UKCP – two of the main professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy. This ensures that I have been trained to a high standard, my theoretical and clinical capacity has been thoroughly assessed and my competency to practice has been validated by registered professional bodies.

In addition, I undertake regular study and training to keep in touch with new developments, to expand my knowledge and understanding, and to exchange ideas with other therapists. Over the years I have been fortunate to have been mentored by some very experienced and talented psychotherapists and trainers.

• PTSD – Making Trauma Therapy Safer (with Babette Rothschild)
• The Nature of Trauma and Dissociation
• Motivational Interviewing
• Mindfulness
• Group Facilitation
• The River of Soul (Psychotherapy using myth, folk-tales, poetry and dream work)
• Working with the Dreaming Mind
• Buddhist Philosophy and Psychology
• The Meaning of Anger
• Coping with Grief and Loss
• Addiction and Alcohol & Substance Misuse (including Club Drugs & New Psychoactive Substances)
• Working with Families of Substance Misusers

I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), a professional register approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care. This ensures that I continue to meet a set standard after qualifying, such as, having my work professionally supervised and being committed to ongoing professional development. I adhere to the BACP ethical and professional framework.