About Me
A very personal message
Hello and welcome — I’m really glad you’re here. Reaching out for support can feel daunting, and I deeply understand how overwhelming mental health struggles can be. I’m open about the fact that I’ve experienced depression and anxiety myself, and this lived experience shapes the empathy and understanding I bring to my work.
My own turning point came when I was referred for CBT during a very difficult period of my life. I remember feeling lost, stuck, and unsure how to move forward. CBT helped me make sense of my thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and it gave me the tools to rebuild my life. It was so transformative that I left my corporate career and retrained as a CBT Therapist — driven by a genuine passion to help others find clarity, hope, and direction again.
Since then, I’ve gone on to gain certified qualifications in EMDR and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, alongside extensive training in a wide range of mental health presentations (see my additional qualifications page)
This allows me to tailor therapy to each individual, drawing on approaches that best support your goals.
A strength clients often comment on is how quickly they feel at ease with me.
I once worked with a young woman who arrived extremely anxious; by the end of the session she laughed and said, “I was expecting Ms Trunchbull — but you actually made me laugh!”
For me, therapy is built on connection. I work hard to create a space where you feel relaxed, understood, and safe enough to explore whatever you’re facing. Many clients describe our sessions as “like talking to a friend” — I believe that sense of comfort and Safety is what allows people to open up, be honest, and make meaningful change.
If you’re looking for a therapist who brings professional expertise and genuine warmth, someone who will walk alongside you with compassion, humour, and honesty, I’d be honoured to support you.
My Professional Background
What Makes Me Stand Out ?
Please be aware that many individuals use the title “Psychotherapist” after completing only a short online course. It is essential to thoroughly research a therapist’s credentials before seeking treatment.
I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy from the University of Manchester. I have had the privilege of attending lectures by leading experts in mental health, including Professor David M. Clark, CBE; Professor Paul Salkovskis; Professor David Veale; Dr. Kevin J. M. Meares; and Dr. Deborah Lee.
Additionally, I obtained my Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) qualification through EMDR Europe, an organization that exclusively trains qualified mental health professionals. This training was led by Dr. Michael Paterson, OBE.
I further expanded my expertise by completing training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) at the University of Cardiff, under the guidance of Dr. Monica Millar.
Over the years, I have continuously pursued professional development through various advanced courses to enhance my clinical practice. I remain committed to ongoing learning in the field.
With over15 years of experience as a therapist, I have worked extensively within the NHS and with private clients. I am proud to be accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP).
In addition to my private practice, I serve as an affiliate Psychotherapist at The Priory Group.
My clinical supervision is provided by a BABCP-accredited supervisor, and I am an active member of a large professional network of private practice therapists and peers.
‘BABCP is the lead organisation for cognitive and behavioural therapies in the UK. We provide practitioner accreditation for CBT therapists living and working in the UK and Ireland. Accreditation means that a CBT therapist has both core professional mental health training or recognised equivalent, as well as specific CBT training.”