During these uncertain times I understand there are many concerns for you, your family and friends, and therefore in addition to face-to-face appointments, I am continuing online consultations, via FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom, Skype and phone, if you prefer. Please contact me for further details.

I have over 17 years' experience as a registered psychotherapist and counsellor, working in couples counselling, with individuals, parenting issues, teenagers and in family therapy. I have a wealth of experience in dealing with people of all ages and backgrounds in the UK and Ireland. Whatever you are facing right now, I would be pleased to meet with you and talk through the problems and offer a variety of solutions.

I work with a mindful, holistic and caring approach, and deal with a wide range of issues in a safe, confidential and totally non-judgmental atmosphere. My work with clients is predominantly solution-focused rather than problem-focused; an approach which enables powerful solutions for all of life's many challenges. Research shows this type of therapy successfully resolves issues in 4 to 5 sessions for 83% of clients, and I am one of the few therapists to have trained in this type of client-focused therapy.

In an on-going commitment to psychotherapeutic education, I have studied Counselling and Psychotherapy to BSc (Hons) degree level with Middlesex University, graduating with a First Class Honours. I also draw from my extensive studies in Positive Psychology and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). I incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques within a humanistic setting and include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in my work with clients.

I have also worked successfully with clients in the areas of Phobias and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which can often be resolved in just 1 or 2 sessions using NLP, CBT and relaxation training.

Conditions during sessions are created allowing clients to achieve effective and rapid results. CBT and SFBThave been shown to be successful in challenging situations such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, parenting issues, abuse, relationship conflict, family breakdown and working with young people, among many others. Solution-focused approaches involve:

• Focusing on resources rather than problems
• Looking for what is right rather than what is wrong
• Negotiating effective goals and creating preferred futures
• Building expectation of change rather than dwelling on unwanted pasts
• Finding the client’s own way of changing

Positive psychology examines ‘positive prevention’, and researchers discovered that strengths such as hope, future-mindedness, interpersonal skills, strong sense of values, perseverance, the capacity for intimate relationship, flow and insight, all act as ‘buffers’ against developing mental problems. A young person who is future-minded, skilled interpersonally and derives flow from sports or hobbies, is much less at risk for substance abuse, self-harm, involvement in crime, etc.

Parenting Skills: I specialise in helping parents acquire skills to assist them in dealing with children and the many challenges that raising a family presents. I believe that creating well-adjusted resilient children with good coping skills and high self-esteem is the foundation for happy people as they grow up. I also devised and created an online parenting skills course, which is available for download at www.parentingskillsonline.com. The first ebook in the 12-part programme is offered FREE on the website.

HOME COUNSELLING: If you have mobility problems or some other circumstance that makes travel difficult, it may be possible to arrange home visits. An appropriately private, uninterrupted and calm environment would still be necessary, and visits are also dependent on your location and therefore additional charges may apply.

ONLINE COUNSELLING: In this modern world of internet and video calling, consultations can also be conducted via Skype, telephone, What's App, Viber and email. In recent years, research¹ has shown that online counselling can be as effective as face-to-face therapy. Working with clients online, I adhere to the same BACP Code of Ethics as in face-to-face counselling and confidentiality is assured in exactly the same way as regular sessions.

Clients with mobility issues may find online counselling especially suited to their needs. Online therapy is particularly helpful for people who prefer to maintain a degree of anonymity and don’t want to be seen, even while travelling to the therapist. With the many ‘free’ call packages for mobile phones and landlines now available, telephone counselling has become increasingly low cost and popular, especially with individuals who find it easier to ‘tell their story’ if they don’t have to look at another person.

¹ Results of research into the beneficial effects of online counselling: http://academia.edu/3551311/Online_counseling_A_narrative_and_critical_review_o

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/6062089/Depressed-people-should-get-online-counselling-study-says.html