An integrative approach, tailored to you
You don't need to know anything about the approaches I use before we start. Here's the short version, with a plain-language guide underneath if you'd like more detail.
In short
- I'm an integrative counsellor. Rather than using one model for everyone, I draw on several approaches and fit them to you.
- Everything I do is trauma-informed: we go at your pace, and you decide what you do and don't talk about.
- Depending on what helps, we might use practical tools (CBT), look at patterns in relationships (Transactional Analysis), notice what's happening in your body (Gestalt), or use IFS-informed parts work.
- Sessions are on Microsoft Teams or by phone, from a private space where you won't be overheard, anywhere in the UK.
The approaches I draw on
Person-Centred & Psychodynamic
The foundation is our relationship. Person-centred work means you are the expert on your own life — I listen without judgement and follow your lead. Psychodynamic ideas help us gently notice how earlier experiences and patterns may still be affecting you now.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
Practical tools for day-to-day coping. We might look at how your thoughts, feelings and actions link together, and try small, manageable changes if that feels useful.
Transactional Analysis (TA)
A way of understanding relationship dynamics, boundaries and how you communicate with others — for example, why certain patterns keep repeating with the people around you.
Gestalt
Bringing awareness to the present moment, including what you notice in your body. This can be helpful when stress or trauma shows up physically.
IFS-informed parts work
Alongside these, I use IFS-informed parts work, drawing on ideas from Internal Family Systems (IFS). Many people recognise the feeling that “part of me wants one thing, and part of me wants another”. Parts work is a way of getting to know those different parts of you — including the protective ones that step in when things feel too much — rather than fighting against them.
In practice, we might notice body sensations, step back a little from reactions that feel overwhelming, and approach the parts of you holding deep trauma, neurodivergent exhaustion or chronic health depletion with curiosity and compassion. I describe this as IFS-informed because I bring IFS ideas into my integrative work, rather than offering formal IFS therapy.
Trauma-informed and body-aware
Whichever approaches we use, I work in a trauma-informed way. That means:
- We go at your pace.
- You decide what you do and don't want to talk about.
- I'll explain what I'm suggesting and why, and you can always say no.
- Where it helps, we pay attention to how things feel in your body, not just what's going on in your head.
Online and by telephone
Sessions take place on Microsoft Teams or by phone, so you can have counselling from home or another private space where you won't be overheard, anywhere in the UK. If there's anything that would make sessions more accessible for you, let me know and we can talk about it. Fees, availability and cancellations are all on the Services & Fees page.
Book a free 25-minute initial conversation