Welcome.

I am an Gestalt Psychotherapeutic Counsellor working with clients since 2015. I provide Counselling & Psychotherapy in an environment that best supports you. You may choose to work with me outside amidst nature or online in the comfort of your own home.

I am a member of UKCP and BACP.

MY ROLE.

Support That Makes a Difference

I am deeply invested in therapeutic work. I believe in the value of offering a safe space where you can explore in a meaningful way. Together, we can deepen awareness and understanding, giving attention to your experiences with support and care.

I have experience of working with many different issues including:

Relationship difficulties
Chronic Illness
Stress
Gender, sexual and relationship diversity (GSRD)
Anxiety
Grief and loss
Isolation and loneliness
Trauma

I am committed to working in a safe and responsible way. As an accredited member of UKCP, I follow a rigorous and professional code of ethics.

A copy can be found at the link below.

www.psychotherapy.org.uk/media/v11peyoh/ukcp-code-of-ethics-and-professional-practice-2019.pdf

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Making the first step in your counselling journey is a brave step. Having been a client, I understand how challenging it can be to make those first steps.

It is not easy finding the time in such a busy world, or to find the means in such challenging economic times or to face a stranger when feeling vulnerable.

However, when you arrive, there will be a calm and safe welcome for you. We will spend time getting to know each other and discussing a way to work together. If we agree to work together, we will discuss a working contract to help keep us both clear. This is a chance to talk through your queries that you may have about our work together.

OUTDOOR THERAPY

Do you feel more comfortable outdoors?

For many being outdoors is good for the soul. Fresh air and the smell of rain, wood and soil that can soothe your senses and deepen your connection to the environment around you. If this sounds good to you, then we can arrange to meet outdoors. For more information on this way of working, please get in touch for more information.

MY STORY

For me, I have found healing while out amidst nature.

Above all else, the natural elements have allowed me time and space to connect into deeper wounds and allow space for something new to emerge.

I now work outdoors regularly. I find that the space can be a powerful conduit for healing and change

The wonderful use of metaphor, physical movement and somatic release allows us to experience a deepening acceptance and understanding of life's challenges and we can find more movement within ourselves.

I also enjoy the process of tasking with clients, whether it be, setting up hammocks or preparing a fire. The sharing of the more intuitive tasks outdoors builds on our sense of connection and calm.

I have a current outdoor first aid certificate to ensure all outdoor work is safe and contained.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ME

Qualifications:

Dip Gestalt Psychotherapy, COSCA Cert Counselling Skills, MSc Psychology & Health, BA (hons) Psychology

I carried out my core training in Gestalt Psychotherapy with the Edinburgh Gestalt Institute. I have since taken up a number of advanced training opportunities to support my ongoing development as a therapist. I have also attended training in a number of specialist areas including working with children and young adults & solution focused therapy and outdoor therapy. I hold a current outdoor first aid certificate as required for all outdoor field work. I remain highly motivated to learn and develop both professionally and personally.

I have been working with client's since 2015 in the voluntary sector and in private practice. I have also worked within schools supporting young people.

I taught Counselling at Perth College, UHI for six years. I am deeply passionate about group work and it's potential for creativity, authenticity, empathy, challenge and acceptance.

Prior to my training in Gestalt, I worked in academic research in psychology and health.

When I am not working, I like to spend time outdoors, walking and open water swimming. As I face into an empty nest, I am drawn to quieter moments of reflection and growth.

I have a mindfulness practice that supports me to stay balanced and present in my daily living. I am committed to my ongoing personal growth and self care.

I have regular supervision with an experienced supervisor, who supports my work through constructive challenge and guidance. I am committed to working as an ethical practitioner in counselling.

MORE ABOUT GESTALT THERAPY

Contemporary Gestalt Therapy originates from the work of it's founders, such as Fitz & Laura Perls in the 1950's. Gestalt- is a deeply relational, creative and compassionate approach, where support is key.

As a Gestalt Practitioner, I am interested in your experience. By offering a safe environment and an authentic relationship, we can begin to understand more about ourselves and how we relate to the world and each other. Healing can occur when we experience something new and, by understanding the ways in which we have coped and adjusted over time. The depth of connection between client and therapist offers rich ground for real therapeutic work to occur.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What will working online look like?

I work on Zoom for all my online sessions. I will send a link for our session the day before to ensure you have time to access our online platform. Each session is charged at £60. Each session is up to 50 minutes long.

What does working outdoors look like?

We will agree between us the best location for our work together. I carry out a complete risk assessment for each location. We will agree to work in the same location each week.

Sessions can involve walking and or sitting. I have equipment that can support our work together if we should choose to build a fire or use a hammock. I ask that clients come prepared for all weather and with comfortable shoe wear.

Sessions are £70 for a full 60 minute session. Payments must be made in advance of the session.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel a session within 48 hours of our appointment, you will be required to pay the agreed fee.

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without words,
And never stops at all.

Emily Dickinson

The Peace of Wild Things

When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drakerests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free. Wendell Berry

Contact

If you have any questions please get in touch. You can complete the form below and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.