Qualifications & Experience - Background

& Therapeutic Approach

Qualifications & Experience

I hold an MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy.  I am accredited with the United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapists (UKCP) and a Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and abide by their codes of ethics.

In addition to my private practice I have worked in the NHS, Higher Education, and the Charity Sector.

Background

I am originally from Canada.  Prior to working as a psychotherapist  I worked in both mental and physical health sectors of the Canadian health care system as an occupational therapist.

Watching people heal and helping them in the struggle of returning to daily living after severe injury, trauma or disability was satisfying work on many levels.

However the more psychological aspects of the recovery process were  unanswered by occupational science, and I was drawn to psychotherapy so as to better work with the whole person.

I moved to London to take advantage of its excellent psychotherapy training opportunities. Originally I had planned to return to rural Canada after my training, but in the end I liked it so much I stayed on and have now made a home here in the UK.

Therapeutic Approach

My approach is Integrative which means that I draw upon different models of psychology and psychotherapy.  This allows me to work flexibly, depending on your particular needs and experience.

Overarching my approach is an Existential Perspective. I work in a way which acknowledges that life is not straightforward or easy. At the same time I hold the perspective that to explore and consider life's difficulties can lead to a new sense of meaning and direction in living.

I also work Relationally, and consider how life can be complicated by difficult experiences in relationships - past or recent.  Negative experiences with others can have a very powerful effect on one’s well being.  They can shape how you feel about yourself and how effective or satisfied you are in your life.

The process of psychotherapy includes shining a light on your life circumstances.  Becoming more aware and giving more space to the related feelings is a first step toward finding new ways of being and feeling better about yourself and the life you are living.