Being a psychotherapist is a passion and a vocation for me. I'm privileged to have been working in this space for over 14 years. My work experiences - with individuals, couples/pairs, groups and organisations - stem from the UK (mainly) as well as The Netherlands. Linked to my recent PhD on the lack of racially minoritised women in NHS leadership, I'm alert to the various injustices that people live with and live beyond. I have worked with and managed a diverse range of people in diverse settings (the NHS, private practice, general and specialist services), particularly for the decade that I practised in person in central London.
I am a senior accredited psychotherapist (validated by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). As part of my professional ethics, I meet with another experienced psychotherapist (a supervisor) regularly to help me be the best I can be, especially in my work. Please see 'FAQ' for the professional ethics that I aspire to.
I'm also a...
Writer and researcher. Please see writings and media if interested. For example, I recently wrote a book chapter on the lack of racially minoritised women in health leadership, related to my PhD research. Prior to this I was on the editorial board for a psychiatric journal (the World Cultural Psychiatry Research Review). I have also reviewed papers submitted to the British Journal of Guidance and Counselling.
Media Spokesperson. I'm sometimes consulted by the media on topical issues, independently and as a spokesperson for the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Related articles/consultations may be found on the media tab.
Trainer. I have partnered with various counselling organisations to facilitate staff training, often on the topic of 'race' and difference. I also co-trained student therapists on a counselling degree/diploma from 2013 to 2015 at the Metanoia Insitute, London.
Here is a copy of my Online Working Agreement. It is information about how I work, such as my policy on upholding confidentiality, data protection and professional ethics. I tend to discuss these with clients in a first session but welcome related questions/comments at any point.
Many people find online counselling useful as another way to express themselves; it is not a substitute for face-to-face therapy. Or indeed vice versa: face-to-face therapy cannot offer some of the benefits of online counselling. Please see writings for a beginner's guide to online therapy - an article I wrote.
If you are feeling particularly unwell or desperate, it is better that you try to get some face-to-face support. In case of emergency contact your GP or local Accident and Emergency service.
Although I list below some of my specialisms, it may be useful to know that evidence consistently points to the relationships between client and therapist as being more important to meeting aims than finding a therapist that has worked with a particular issue before. So, feel free to contact me and discuss if you don't see what you are looking for below. I will say when I don't think I'm the one to help!
Counselling or psychotherapy (I use the words interchangably) is a talking process in which distress can be reduced and meaning can be found. It is a confidential space where you may discuss difficulties with a trusted companion, moving towards change and/or finding peace in a way that can be difficult to do on your own or perhaps with friends/family.
Person-centred therapy, the approach I take, is one of 3 main approaches to therapy in the UK (the other two being psychodynamic and behavioural). My approach includes the core belief that you usually know best what hurts or needs/wants improvement. It may therefore be experienced as 'gentle', whilst still looking at root causes of challenges.
I will offer you a space and quality of attention that will help you better understand yourself and your situation (e.g. life, relationships, career). I will help you think about and develop your options, and decide what steps to take next. Improvements in mental health and quality of life tend to be a part of this process. Contact me for an initial consultation (free of charge).
Sessions are usually 50 minutes. I have availability Mondays to Thursdays between 9am and 8pm.
I charge £65-£85 for individuals and £90-£110 per session for couples/pairs (per 50 minute session). I try to reserve the lower end of these scales for students or those not working - but let's please discusss if my fees are unaffordable.
I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (the BACP). To become a member I have demonstrated my capability for competent and ethical practice, and adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework.
Please contact me if you have any other questions or to discuss these.
Articles/Publications
Media