About Me
My Background
After many years of working in the NHS, both as a Healthy Lifestyle Advisor, helping clients to make positive health and lifestyle changes, and as a Coach and Mentor for NHS colleagues, I decided to train as a Psychosexual Therapist and Relationship Therapist/Couples Counsellor. I have always had a great interest in both psychology and issues around relationships, sex and sexuality, so these two (related) areas seemed a good fit. Having benefited from counselling myself during a difficult period in my life, I was further convinced that this was the right choice.
I chose Relate training as Relate have an excellent reputation for both their training courses and their important work with Sex, Couples, Young People and Families. I was fortunate enough to be able to undertake my clinical practice training in a Psychosexual Medicine Department in an NHS Hospital. This gave me the opportunity to meet with specialists in different areas of sexual health related medicine, such as gynaecology, urology and dermatology, raising my awareness of many of the medical elements that may impact on sexual function.
After qualifying I worked in the NHS as a Psychosexual Therapist within a Sexual Health Service before starting my private practice. I have also gained a qualification in Relationship Therapy/Couple Counselling in order to offer this both as a stand alone therapy and to strengthen my Psychosexual Therapy practice.
Most of us have times in our lives when we may feel anxious, stressed or low and struggle to cope. We may find help and support from family, friends, work colleagues or other communities and this may be enough to see us through to happier times, or we may wish to keep our difficulties private or prefer to access a more specialised form of support.
I work integratively, meaning that I use a combination of different psychological approaches depending on the needs of the individual. The therapies I most commonly use are: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy and Systemic Therapy.
If you feel that I may be right person to help you to achieve your Sex or Relationship goals and would like to get in touch, please use the phone or email link and I will be happy to have a chat with you.
Qualifications and Training:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy
- Level 5 Diploma in Relationship Therapy
- Certificate in Working with Couples
- ILM 5 Certificate in Coaching & Mentoring
- Postgraduate Diploma in Health Education and Promotion
I undertake CPD training throughout the year on a variety of psychosexual and relationship related topics to maintain my knowledge and skills. I also attend regular Clinical Supervision sessions to ensure that I am working safely and effectively.
I am a member of The College of Sex and Relationship Therapists (COSRT) and adhere to their Principles and Code of Ethics.
