Areas of Expertise
Counselling
As a person-centred counsellor, I believe that we all possess an innate ability to grow and develop in a positive direction. However, we also have a basic need for love and acceptance and this need is particularly important in childhood when our dependence on our primary caretaker is so strong. When conditions are attached to the love we receive, then we begin to form a self that conforms to the conditions and we move away from a more authentic way of being. We begin to live for others and not for ourselves.
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I seek to redress this imbalance by building a particular kind of professional relationship with you. My stance is of an open-minded enquirer who passes no judgement or opinion on what you talk about. My concern, rather, is to understand you and the context in which you live and have lived. My focus will be on you, the person, and not the problem.
The integrative nature of my work allows me to bring in other modalities which we believe may be useful, for example including but not only, CBT, mindfulness, breath work, compassionate enquiry and compassion-focussed therapy. The continuous and consistent experience of this kind of relationship creates a safe enough environment that allows you, the client, to risk deeper disclosure and, ultimately, to experience a liberating emergence into a fuller, richer way of life.
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I may help you to define and clarify your own goals. Your goals will probably change as you progress through counselling. Sucessful outcomes of our therapy together may mean that you become more open to experience, learn to trust yourself and stay in tune with a positive new direction in your life
Trauma Therapy
Traumatic events are commonly unexpected. Trauma can present in many forms and from situations, for example involving illness, disasters, assault, combat, abuse and threat. These events can leave us experiencing shock, disorientation and distress and often affects our daily lives and effective functioning which usually come out of the blue. It may result in negative, destructive or toxic behaviours, which if not addressed, can lead to further problems down the line. Both psychological and physical symptoms of trauma can often feel very overwhelming in themselves.
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There are various ways in which those suffering from the negative effects of trauma can be helped. As a trauma-informed therapist, I am able to gently encourage you to discuss the effects the experience has had on you. This can be invaluable in helping you in working through trauma and what it means to you and in rebuilding your life. One of the most important aspects of trauma is recognising that life for us has changed and our old ways of looking at the world sometimes don’t seem to make much sense. My aim is to move away from labels, diagnoses and medicalisation and understand the neurobiology of trauma, reframe behaviour for a client and offer a sense of autonomy, self, self-efficacy and control back to them. Sometimes we have to rethink the ways in which we live our lives and what is important to us. We need to take time to reflect on what we have learned from our experiences. After therapy, post-traumatic growth is common.
Rewind Therapy for Trauma
Developed in 1991, Rewind Therapy has been used to treat what some people term as 'PTSD'. There are many myths around 'disorders'. I work with the person and not any previous diagnoses that may have been given by medical professionals. Rewind therapy is a way to treat the effects of traumatic experiences, without reliving the trauma itself. This is extremely beneficial to those who may have had one-off, highly traumatic events or those for whom reliving the trauma would retraumatise them. My training at the Human Givens Institute in London has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to safely practice this technique with clients.
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Rewind Therapy involves a period of relaxation along with guided visualisation which stablises the client before the therapy can begin. Following on from this, at which point the client is in a safe, double dissociative state, they will be invited and guided to replay the trauma forwards and backwards, multiple times before the trauma is then changed, moved or diminished within the memory.
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In 2023, the first randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the rewind technique, as practised by its founder, Dr David Muss, was published in a medical journal. It found that the 'Rewind', delivered in this case remotely via video, showed “a large effect size in treating symptoms of PTSD” in the participants and suggests that “one to three sessions of rewind demonstrate potential as a more time- and cost-efficient trauma-focused intervention than CBT-TF (trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy) and other known trauma therapies, but with a similar effect size”. Source HG website - 3. Wright, L A, Kitchiner, N et al (2023). Rewind for posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomised controlled trial
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Rewind Therapy for Phobias
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Phobias can be debilitating, but they don’t have to define your life. Rewind Therapy is an effective treatment that can reduce or eliminate symptoms of phobias, which involve persistent, excessive fears around specific objects or situations. Whether it's a fear of heights, confined spaces, spiders, driving, dentists, or flying, phobias can create immense distress and anxiety, often impacting daily activities, work, relationships, and even your ability to access essential medical care, like getting an injection if you fear needles. Although facing your phobia can be overwhelming, leaving it untreated can be even more detrimental in the long run. Rewind Therapy works by altering the brain’s response to fear, helping you view it in a new way. If you’re ready to take action and regain control, I’m here to support you. While I can help guide you through this process, your commitment to change is key. Reach out today, and let’s work together toward your freedom from phobias.
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Walk & Talk Therapy
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Walk and Talk Therapy takes counselling beyond the traditional therapy room, offering the healing benefits of movement and nature. Based on the
edge of the Peak District in Sheffield, we are surrounded by stunning woodlands and open spaces, providing the perfect setting for therapeutic walks. This approach can be especially beneficial for those who find it easier to open up while moving or feel confined by indoor spaces. Nature has a calming effect, and walking alongside with me can feel more relaxed and less formal, all while maintaining confidentiality and privacy. It's particularly helpful for those who feel stuck in therapy, have had negative past experiences, or struggle with traditional therapeutic settings. Every session is carefully planned, with a full risk assessment ensuring the route is accessible and you’re prepared with suitable clothing and footwear for the weather. Experience a new path to emotional well-being with Walk and Talk Therapy.
My Approach
Being an integrative counsellor means I am able to take an holistic approach and bring in different modalities, concepts and ideas which we can work with, together. As a person-centred counsellor, I encourage you to bring to sessions what is most important to you, whatever that may be, without fear of judgement or opinion. My aim is to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, promote authenticity and work towards a greater awareness of self and a healthier you.
