I am an approachable, experienced therapist whose aim is to help alleviate anxiety and get to the roots of the disharmony that you may currently experience in your life.  This may be because of a specific incident or relationship or because of adverse childhood experiences.  I am trained in Person Centred therapy but I incorporate knowledge of Attachment Theory and childhood trauma into my approach. This acknowledges the huge impact our early months and years can have on our emotional (and physical) health and well-being.

I am happy to work short term as I do appreciate that committing to therapy long term is a big financial and emotional commitment. However you may require more than this and it can sometimes take time to reach the depths where real transformation can happen. If appropriate we would therefor look into the type of nurture you received as an infant and child as this would give us a unique insight into your emotional development. It would also help us to understand how and why you relate to others in the way that you do and armed with that awareness we can work on any changes you may want to make.

All of this would take place in a space in which I’d hope you’d feel really listened to and respected. I believe this is one of the most helpful things one person can do for another. I don't give advice or tell you what to do – although I will offer insights and reflections based on my experience. The emphasis of my approach is on a collaborative, empathic, confidential and open relationship where we can try together to get a better perspective on whatever your problems or worries may be.

Learning to see your situation more clearly and most importantly, cultivating acceptance of yourself in it can take time; it certainly takes commitment and courage so well done for taking this first step.  So you know you're in safe hands I am a registered member of the BACP and adhere to its strict code of ethics plus have insurance, am DBS checked and have regular clinical supervision.

I work privately from home plus for a local charity that supports children and families that have experienced abuse, the NHS and Cornwall Council. I am from Cornwall and have also spent a long time in London and Sydney, which has given me a wide variety of experience. I am also a mum to two children.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

THERAPEUTIC PARENTING:

I have extensive experience of working with parents whose children have witnessed or suffered abuse, neglect and trauma. I offer therapeutic parenting support to parents/carers to help them understand the psychological impact of direct or indirect abuse that a child or young person has experienced and encourage them in therapeutic parenting techniques.

I am trained in a therapy called DDP (Dyadic Developmental Practice: Parenting & Psychotherapy) and am becoming certified in this approach. I am informed by this approach in my work with parents on their own or with a parent and child together.

What do the words mean?

‘Dyadic’ means ‘something about two people’. This word was used because this therapy helps people with their relationships with other people. DDP specifically aims to help parents or caregivers and their child make deeper emotional connections with each other. ‘Developmental’ is used because the children and adolescents who have experienced developmental trauma may have had their emotional, social or cognitive development affected. This therapy aims to work out whether and how your child’s development might have been affected and how you might be able to help your child’s development progress.

What does DDP aim to do?

Create a safe and emotionally containing environment that helps positive relationships     develop between parents or caregivers and their child

Provide a safe space for a child to explore thoughts, feelings and memories, including scary and unpleasant ones

Build trust

Help the parent or caregiver share the child’s emotional experiences and make sense       of them together

Help the child to feel that his or her emotional experiences, thoughts, wishes, feelings, perceptions and motives are accepted and not made light of, or judged, by their parents or caregivers

PARENT INFANT THERAPY:

I also offer Parent/ Infant therapy for Mums (and dads/carers) who would like to learn more about having a positive relationship with their baby. The therapy sessions are with you and your child together, in a safe, confidential and nurturing space where you can explore your feelings and not be judged or told what to do.

We would work together to attend to the emotional health and development of both you and your child by:

Examining any adverse conditions that exist in your current situation

Looking at your experience of pregnancy and birth plus any previous birth experiences that you have had

Exploring your thoughts/feelings towards the presence and care of your infant

Wondering about your infants experiences and feelings when interacting with you

Allowing you to express any conflicts or emotions you feel when with your infant

Sharing in the observation of the infants growth and development

Looking at any past history of abuse, abandonment, separation and unresolved loss and how this may affect your relationship with your infant.