Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Counselling in Bracknell

Thank you for taking the time to view my profile and find out more about my experience as a therapist and how I practice.  If you, or someone you care about are struggling, and certain aspects of life are feeling overwhelming, reaching out for help is such an important first step. Many of us are affected by mental health issues at some point in life, through our own experiences, or somebody close to us. I am dedicated in helping you to better understand these difficulties and to provide you with the tools you need to achieve emotional wellbeing.

Collaborative working is at the heart of CBT and its important for clients to take control and contribute to their recovery. To help clients reach their goals I guide them to their own realisations and encourage them to challenge their bias negative thinking and unhelpful behaviours. Clients often want to be heard and understood but importantly to learn coping skills to make changes to improve their life experiences.

Not being accepted for your full identity, experiencing the turmoil of family conflict or disconnection, or healing from abuse may have lead to you feeling confused, anxious, angry, ashamed or frustrated, or just completely fed up. You might wonder if you're good enough, or "normal". I am particularly passionate about helping people who feel like an 'other', with a profound sense of difference from family, friends or community. I have professional and lived experience and understanding of the LGBT+ community, neurodiverse individuals and survivors of parental abuse and neglect, as well as sexual abuse.

I am a clinical psychologist trained in a diverse range of therapeutic models including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with a special interest in Schema Therapy. I have received formal training in Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) as well as experience of delivering Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) interventions. I have 11 years of experience working within the NHS with children and adults with a range of psychological difficulties including anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.

I work with a variety of issues within my sessions and am happy to work with whatever needs you bring as the client. I work as a Pluralist Counselling which means I am well versed in Psychodynamic therapy (looking at and working through your childhood), CBT (changing behaviours and a more practical approach) and person-centred (working in the here and now, putting the clients' needs first). I will work in collaboration with you, and making sure that you feel you are getting the most out of your therapy session, checking in with what you feel is working and what you would like to change whilst offering an empathetic safe space.

I have over 20 years of mental health experience working in the NHS and in private practice. I offer cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). My treatments are guided by (but not restricted to) NICE guidelines. I have extensive experience of working with a range of difficulties including anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, insomnia, binge eating disorders and obesity. I will see clients for weight loss at a reduced rate and I am also a nutritional coach. Please see my website for details.

Whether you are seeking help for a long-standing mental health difficulty, support to manage a current crisis or more general personal development, it can be scary to reach out to others. People come to therapy for many different reasons and it is important to find the right therapist, who can help you explore your feelings and develop ways of managing in an honest, collaborative environment. I am warm, caring and compassionate and able to provide an open, non-judgemental space for you to share and explore your difficulties. Together we will work to understand how they have developed and what can be done to improve your wellbeing.

Counselling is for anyone who feels they need help. That help could be coming to terms with a particular issue in your life or learning to manage difficult and upsetting feelings. I provide a safe and confidential environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and emotions. Although support may be available from family, friends and colleagues; it is often helpful to step outside of these relationships and speak to a professional who has no other emotional involvement in your life. ​

My Clients over the last 18 years have ranged from having simple symptoms ( i.e. sleep disturbances, anxiety about interviews or social anxiety ) to severe symptoms (i.e. severe depression, insomnia, PTSD, OCD, Borderline Personality or sexual abuse). My clients are looking for tools that will help them reduce or eliminate those symptoms but they are also wanting to develop long term functional habits that will help them lead a healthier life. Most of my clients are highly functional but they are struggling with emotional issues in their relationships with childhood abuse, addictions, fears, self-esteem and others.