Are you finding the demands of parenting and family life much tougher than you imagined, leaving you overwhelmed and anxious, but unable to see a way out of the current chaos and fog?

Are you feeling constantly exhausted, sad and tearful, inadequate because you are unable to concentrate and make decisions, and not finding much pleasure even in things you used to enjoy?

Did you have a traumatic birth or other difficult experience, which has left you feeling constantly on-edge, perhaps with flashbacks and constant reliving of the difficult experience, leaving you trapped in a cycle of depression, anger and guilt?

Or perhaps you are pregnant and struggling with difficult thoughts and anxiety around your forthcoming birth?

People come to me for support with anxiety and overwhelm, PTSD/birth trauma, low mood and postnatal depression (in both men and women), baby loss and bereavement, early parenting difficulties, attachment and bonding concerns, parenting disagreements, and lots more.

 Counselling with me can:

- Help you to cope with the demands of being a parent, giving you confidence to make sound decisions, find the ‘real you’ again, and be the best parent you can be.

- Give you relief from the distressing symptoms of trauma, so that you can see a way forward and enjoy life again.

- Give you tools and techniques for those moments when anxiety and overwhelm and self-doubt strike, helping you to feel calmer and more in control.

 If you feel ready, we can discuss options and alternative courses of action for as long as you need, until you feel confident that you can see a way forward.  But I will never try to tell you what you to do, or insist that my way is the right way.  I will listen and help you to explore what feels important to you, at the pace that feels right for you.  There are no 'musts' or 'shoulds' in counselling with me.  Some people like sessions to be very specific and goal-orientated, whether other people simply want a place to express all those difficult feelings - everyone is different.

If you've had a traumatic birth or other difficult experience, sadly I cannot rewind time and take away what has happened to you but I can help with specialist memory processing techniques to support you in getting to a place of greater safety, where you can find a way to continue with your life without feeling overwhelmed by the accompanying terror and distress. I have undertaken specialist trauma training to minimise the risk of re-traumatising you.

 How I work

As both a professional and a mother of two, I'm very familiar with the challenges of difficult birth experiences, the ups and downs of parenting, the ongoing struggle to adapt to new roles and the loneliness that can bring.

I have 10 years professional experience supporting and empowering parents and parents-to-be through support groups, workshops and classes (including remotely for parents who found themselves isolated and struggling through the pandemic), as well sensitively supporting those who have had a very difficult journey through fertility treatments, baby loss and stillbirth.

I provide a safe, comfortable, private environment, either physically face to face or online via Zoom, in which you can say all the things you don't feel you can say to anyone else, knowing that I'm right there beside you when difficult thoughts and emotions arise.  

 Practical arrangements

Your time with me is a chance to focus on you and your needs, and I would encourage you to leave babies and children with someone you trust if you can, however I appreciate that that is not always possible.  If you are attending my counselling room in person you are welcome to bring babies with you if you want to. A lift is available immediately inside the front door of the building for easy access for buggies/pushchairs.

Sessions are held in a historic converted building at the top of Cane Hill in Coulsdon. There is easy parking right outside the door, and the venue is also easily accessible by train and bus.   Online sessions are held on Zoom, as the package I find that offers the best stability and security.

 Now is a good time to get in touch

You don't need to wait for the mythical 'good day' that rarely comes, and you don't need to dress up, or put on 'nice clothes' or make up (unless you want to of course!) - just be brave enough to get in touch and we can take it one step at a time from there.

Available in person in Coulsdon, South London, or nationally on-line via Zoom.