My style is relational and authentic: I am not a blank slate therapist. My aim is always to create a warm, non-judgmental working relationship with you so that together we can reflect on, and work through, the issues that bring you into therapy. My therapeutic approach is informed by the belief that each of us has to adapt to our formative environments and that these adaptive strategies influence the development of our neural pathways, thinking styles and how we view ourselves. 

In therapy my aim is to help you recognise and optimise your strengths but also to identify and repair where any adaptive strategies may be limiting or even sabotaging how you would prefer to live. Whilst I have both experienced and observed how change through therapy can be a challenging and uncomfortable process, particularly regarding our relationships, it is nonetheless immensely rewarding and life-enhancing. But given that the process of change is complex, my approach is pluralistic, drawing on many different influences such as systemic theory, psychodynamic / attachment theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, compassion based therapy, polyvagal theory, CBT, RLT, IFS and the AIP theory of trauma that underpins EMDR therapy. Finding the right approach for each individual or couple is highly personal and something to focus on in the initial assessment and early sessions together. 

I have developed an expertise over the past 15 years through working in the NHS (inpatient and outpatient settings, including with eating disorders, foster families and looked after children), private practice and the third sector with Relate. Prior to that I spent 25 years working as a researcher as well as in advertising and marketing. These formative careers continue to inform my work as a therapist, particularly in terms of being evidence based and making me think about the stories we are told about ourselves and how these continue to play out and shape our lives.