My Background

In 1999 personal experience with post-natal depression led me to commence a person-centred counselling course. Having lived through the impact of my experience I realised I wanted to learn how I could manage my mood and mental health.  Once I had learnt the tools for this I then decided I wanted to go on to help others.

After completing my therapeutic counsellor training I went on to co-tutor counselling diploma groups.

In 2009 I trained as a mental health nurse, completing in 2012.  Within that time I gained experience working with clients who had experienced complex mental health issues in a variety of secondary care mental health services, Crisis and home treatment teams, eating disorder service, early interventions for psychosis, older adults and memory service and secure services.

From 2012 I worked within the Prison Service regional male mental health unit.  

My training and working knowledge utilises my skills as a therapist and mental health nurse.

Covering assessments and formulation of complex and co-morbid mental health needs. For example, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Bipolar, Depression, Schizophrenia, Personality disorders such as Anti-social behaviour, Borderline personality, Narcissism, Psychopathy, PTSD and complex PTSD, Dissociative Identity Disorder.

Whilst working within this environment it became apparent that childhood trauma and damaged childhood attachments were strong attributing factors to poor mental health.

Listening to traumatic life experiences of individuals led me to train to become an accredited EMDR practitioner.

I am currently working within an (IAPT) service - Mental Health Matters - as an advanced psychological therapist specialising in clients with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD.

This is in addition to my own private practice.