Hello and welcome. I am an experienced and accredited counsellor and psychotherapist working with individuals (18+) on an ongoing or time-limited basis. I practice in Central London, five minutes from Oxford Circus/Bond Street stations, and also out of rooms in Stroud Green (Crouch Hill, N4) which is convenient for people near Archway, Crouch End, Finsbury Park and Highgate, and in Clerkenwell (Lloyd Baker Street, WC1X) which is close to Farringdon, King's Cross and Angel stations. All locations are safe and comfortable and offer a quiet space for us to work through whatever issues you might be facing. I also offer an online service for anyone living further afield within the UK.
What therapy with me is like
Most research into successful therapy points to the quality of the relationship between therapist and client being the most significant factor. The Person-Centred Approach is a relational way of working based on the belief that people have an internal directional capacity – a kind of innate wisdom – that difficult life experiences can thwart, silence or subdue. An empathic, warm, and genuine relationship can help reactivate that capacity by creating the space to explore your feelings, thoughts and behaviours in a safe and understanding environment, free from judgements or threat.
How we work together
Since it is you who knows what hurts and what problems are crucial, the focus of our work together will be on your perceptions and your experiences. That means that you control the process, not just in your choice of me as your therapist, but also the direction of what we work on, the depth, and the pace. My role is not to offer advice, techniques or analysis of you and your situation, but rather to respond with compassion and understanding as you begin to reconnect with your own aspirations and instincts, and start growing in ways that are more satisfying for you.
The experience of being listened to with sensitivity as your unique personal meanings begin to emerge – often for the first time – can be deeply empowering. As an un-frightened witness to your newly revealed insights and awarenesses, I hope to help you increase your sense of self-agency as you start to make more constructive and effective decisions about your life and relationships.
What therapy helps with
The process of transformation experienced in therapy is often accompanied by a sense of living more authentically; increased self-esteem; a greater sense of openness and trust both for yourself and for others; a reinvigorated capacity for feeling, thinking and acting in more balanced, creative and passionate ways; increased clarity with regard to purpose and self-worth; a reduction in the distressing effects of depression, anxiety and stress; a working through of painful experiences related to disappointment, grief and loss; and more enjoyment and pleasure in everyday life.
What happens next?
I usually suggest an introductory session so we can explore what's brought you to therapy and what you might like to get out of it. I hope that this 45-minute exploratory meeting (which I do not charge for) will give you an idea of how it might be for you to talk to me and if you’d like us to work together.
Often, the hardest and most arduous step is the first. Some people find that having made that initial step, there is an immediate relief – that’s why I’m also happy to answer any questions you might have before booking a first session. You can get in touch with me by phone or e-mail (details below).
How long will we work together?
An initial commitment of six sessions is a realistic place to start exploring what you want to do in therapy. Your needs might change from session to session, but during this time we can collaboratively assess whether you would like to continue. Some people find six sessions are enough for them, while others prefer a longer-term relationship.
Sessions & fees
I offer sessions on Zoom and I also work out of warm, welcoming and comfortable therapy rooms at Library Rooms on Wimpole Street (W1), Homa Therapy Practice in Clerkenwell (WC1X) and OneTwoFive (N4).
If we agree to work together, sessions will be at the same time and place every week and last up to 50 minutes. My fee is £80, however I also operate a sliding scale and maintain a small number of concessionary places for people on low incomes – please get in touch for details.
I hold a postgraduate Clinical Diploma in Person-Centred Psychotherapy from the Metanoia Institute, a leading specialist training institute for humanistically-informed psychotherapy and counselling based in Ealing, West London. I hold a BA (Hons) in philosophy from The University of Leeds and I have completed an MSc in Contemporary Person-Centred Psychotherapy and Applications (Metanoia/Middlesex University – award pending). I also attend regular additional training to support my ongoing professional development.
Besides my private practice, I have worked at therapy centres in Islington, Ealing, and Berkshire, with adults from a diverse range of backgrounds facing different challenges - this includes bereavement and losses of all kinds, relationship challenges, questions concerning identity and sexuality, stress, anxiety, obsessive, intrusive or paranoid thoughts, compulsive behaviours, loneliness, low moods, depression, hearing voices, work difficulties, health related issues, post-traumatic stress, career challenges, and struggles with addiction. I also work with clients who want to use therapy as a means of personal development.
As a full clinical member of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), I follow the UKCP Code of Ethics and Professional Practice and am subject to their Complaints & Conduct Process. I also follow Metanoia's Code of Clinical Ethics & Professional Conduct and attend regular supervision to support me in my clinical work.