About Me
I have a deep understanding of the challenges of receiving a diagnosis, undergoing treatment, and finding a “new normal”. My own lived experience of illness has had a profound impact on my career and research interests, and I have been very implicated in raising awareness for rare and chronic conditions, as both patient and practitioner. I passionately believe that a holistic approach to health and wellbeing involves acknowledging not only the physical, but also social, psychological, and existential impact of illness which can be felt by both the patient and those around them.
As a counsellor and psychotherapist I have been studying and working in the mental health field for over 10 years. I am based in Kent and offer both short-term and long-term counselling to individuals. I practice Existential phenomenological psychotherapy and have experience working with adults and children in acute hospital settings, school environments and other NHS services including residential CAMHS unit. I have been working in specialist NHS cancer services for over 8 years, providing support to patients affected by cancer, as well as carers and relatives, through one-to-one and couple's counselling. I have also facilitated several patient support groups and therapeutic bereavement groups, including a Living with Secondary Breast Cancer support group on behalf of Breast Cancer Now.
In addition to seeing clients privately, I am a specialist Counsellor with Rareminds CIC, a not-for-profit community interest company providing specialist counselling and wellbeing resources for the rare disease community. I also regularly engage in teaching, delivering workshops, and consultancy.
Some of the issues I have worked with include:
-
Depression and low mood
-
Anxiety
-
Difficulty coping with a diagnosis
-
Relationship issues
-
Bereavement and loss
-
Coping with treatments and side-effects
-
Self-esteem and confidence issues
-
Issues around sex and sexuality
-
Carer's guilt
-
Facing difficult prognosis and end of life
Click here to learn more about my professional qualifications.
Finding the right therapist can feel a bit daunting, which is why I encourage you to get in touch to ask any questions you might have. After all, it is important you feel comfortable with whomever you choose to work with.