Hi, I am Claire. I am a counsellor with over ten years experience and  I aim to help you talk openly about the problems you are having which have brought you to counselling.

I use an integrative approach which means I have been trained to include a variety of therapy models which I like as it helps me to be flexible in adapting the way I work to help you best. I prefer this to a one size fits all approach.

I am a qualified Counsellor with experience of working as a senior manager within mental health services. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and practice to the standards set within the organisations ethical framework.

I believe that counselling can provide a space for difficulties to be discussed which allows us to gain a broader perspective and find more helpful ways of responding to and dealing with issues.

I understand that some emotions can be difficult to experience and often work with clients to help strengthen their understanding and tolerance of these feelings whilst accepting what they can and cannot change.

Although I have worked with clients on a range of issues I have developed particular experience in working with certain areas of difficulty these include;

 Eating disorders/body image –My counselling background began within eating disorder support and as a result I have worked with men, women and young people experiencing a range of food and body image issues to help them in moving towards a more helpful relationship with food, their bodies and themselves. I know that moving away from problems can be difficult, this is particularly true for eating disorders and I understand that people may often be in two minds about tackling the issue. I aim to provide a space where we can explore this and look at ways at increasing your motivation to move forward.

Relationship difficulties for men and women- This may be a relationship with a partner, family member or problems linked to around forming and maintaining relationships or friendships. Work in this area has included supporting clients who are affected by a difficult relationship or help in understanding underlying issues and patterns of behaviour which may be affecting specific relationships.

Low self-esteem – What we think about ourselves and how we think others view us can have a huge impact upon our lives and how we treat ourselves.  I have supported clients to address problems with their self-esteem and assertiveness to aid them in moving towards having a stronger more assured sense of self and self-confidence.