Psychotherapy and Counselling

About Me

I am an integrative psychotherapist and counsellor who specialises in the area of psychosexual (sex) and relationships adopting a range of theories, approaches, models, tools and techniques tailored to suit the specific needs and preferences of my clients. These may include: Psychodynamic, Attachment Theory, Transactional Analysis, Gestalt, Existential, CBT and Transpersonal, in addition to Psychosexual and Relationship specific.

Therapy sessions are held with individuals, couples/partnerships, other relationship structures and families for a variety of presentations (please refer to the psychotherapy and counselling services page for more detailed information).

I work with a diverse range of people of all ages, sexualities, genders, education, cultures, ethnicities, nationalities, physical and mental disabilities, physical and mental health issues etc. to ensure that inclusion, equality and ethics are always part of my practice.

I also consider myself to be a BDSM/Kink/Fetish/Fantasy and Sex Worker Allied therapist having a deeper understanding of people beyond society’s expectations of having to adhere to being conventional and conformist.

Safe, warm, confidential, non-judgemental

I advocate a safe, warm, confidential and non-judgemental space for my clients to allow them to be authentic and express their thoughts and feelings freely and without reservation. I like to provide support and challenge to allow exploration of issues whether they be in the past, in the present or future concerns. I like to steer clients in establishing fortitude in the face of adversity in order to lead the best life possible.

I consider myself to be a ‘lived’ experience therapist rather than just a text book style one, in order to relate to people, situations, circumstances and contexts that we all face in life, including transitions from adolescence to adulthood, to midlife and old age. I have an understanding of both the Italian and Irish cultures due to my personal background, and always welcome the chance to find out more about people from all around the world and currently work with many clients from many different countries.

Alongside being a Psychotherapist and Counsellor, I have had 25 years+ experience working in education as a Teacher and Manager in schools and TEFL Teacher in the UK and abroad, as well as an Education Consultant in a Local Authority. I have also worked in the Corporate World in a variety of companies and organisations in the public and private sector.

Registered Member of College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists

I am a Registered Member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT) adhering to their ethical code, professional standards and guidelines, in addition to holding full Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance.

Qualifications

NAOS Diploma in Trauma Therapy (Masters Level 7) – course commences in 2024
Affinity Advanced Diploma in Contemporary Relationships (Masters Level 7) – 2022
Bibliotherapy/Book Counselling: Literature and Mental Health Course - 2022
NAOS Advanced Diploma in Couples Therapy (Masters Level 7) – 2021
London Post Graduate Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy (Masters Level 7) – 2019 to 2021
London Foundation Certificate in Psychotherapy and Counselling (Graduate Level 4) – 2018
Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) - Secondary English Teaching – 1999
BA (Hons) 2:1 in Modern Languages (English and Italian) – 1995 to 1998
Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing: Prose, Poetry, Drama and Non-Fiction writing (Graduate Level 6) - 2010
Institute of Leadership & Management Graduate Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring (Graduate Level 5) - 2008
Various Career and Professional Development and Training courses and workshops to maintain up to date knowledge, understanding, skills and experience in the field of Psychotherapy and Counselling.

About You

Are there issues from your past affecting your present?

Are there some current issues in the present?

Do you have concerns or worries about the future?

Do you feel misunderstood or unloved?

Do you feel overwhelmed, stressed, under pressure, lonely, fearful, angry, sad, anxious, depressed or any other negative feelings that may arise?

Perhaps it is something physical, sexual, behavioural, mental, emotional, spiritual or financial or a combination of any of these areas that is troubling you and you would like a safe space to explore things further. Maybe you are not sure what is going on or how you are feeling, all you know is that something doesn’t feel right and you would like to try to change this.

Therapy is not a magic wand with immediate solutions or a get fixed quick sticking plaster, but it will help you have a deeper understanding and self-awareness of you and other people that you connect with such as family, friends, partners, colleagues and the general public. Therapy can provide you with some of the strategies, tools and techniques to cope with all the issues and curve balls that life throws at us, especially the unexpected.

There can still be a stigma attached to seeking help for our mental wellbeing, however, you have taken the first brave step by reaching out. We all need help, support, guidance, information sometimes, and to just be listened to and truly heard and psychotherapy and counselling is a way of doing this and providing you with a safe space and time for you to think, talk, reflect and begin to put into action some changes for a better life.

How does it work?

I am happy to offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss further and answer any questions that you may have. This is also the opportunity to see if I am the right therapist for you or if there is a need for alternative specialist support.

I will then ask you to complete the necessary paperwork prior to our first session and we can then book your first appointment.

Sessions are 50 minutes long and you can then decide if you would like to proceed further and book more sessions on a weekly basis; I also offer single sessions to deal with any pressing matters. In addition, people may return for top up and ad hoc sessions in the future in order to ensure good maintenance of the work we have done together.