Issues with self-esteem, perfectionism and people pleasing are becoming increasingly common. As with depression and anxiety it is likely that these will not vanish through counselling work. I am really interested in working with you to make these issues less troubling and more manageable so that you can feel like you are able to experience things in new ways rather than feeling like you are stuck on repeat.

I believe you are already finding ways of coping and caring for yourself. Part of my role is to notice these strengths with you, even when you dismiss them or don't yet recognise them. In sessions I see people discover strengths they didn't realise they had, taking courageous steps towards the lives they want to live.

Being an integrative counsellor means that I don’t just work in one way. I work with people as individuals, meeting them where they are rather than expecting everyone to fit into one approach to counselling. Sometimes sitting still in the counselling room for an hour isn’t what we need and we are lucky in Exeter to have beautiful areas of nature in and around the city. Sessions walking or sitting surrounded by nature feel different and can profoundly affect our stress levels.

Depression is an area that I have a long standing interest in, particularly in terms of navigating being stuck in patterns that no longer seem to help. I am interested in seeing how we can respond more flexibly with greater freedom and in ways that feel more satisfying. While I have a particular interest in recovery from addiction, and compulsive relationships with food and eating, I am curious to work with whatever you bring to sessions.‍ ‍

I am interested in identity and belonging, how communities can be supportive but sometimes also controlling. I do not believe that therapy should be used to change who you are in order to fit someone else's expectations. This includes rejecting attempts to change or suppress a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Equally, I believe neurodivergence and other aspects of identity should be approached with curiosity and respect. My focus is on understanding you as an individual rather than reducing you to a label.

I believe that you are the only expert in your experience of life. That is why I listen so carefully. Your experience matters. By being heard we begin to feel that we are valued and can begin to treat ourselves differently.

Life changes such as changing jobs, moving away from home, retirement and bereavement are important areas that I work with because of how these transitions ripple through our lives and sense of self. I increasingly notice the power of shame, how it can keep us feeling small and how it sometimes becomes a way of controlling ourselves or others. I'm especially interested in how anxiety shows up in our increasingly overwhelming, technology-filled world, where many of us feel short of both time and meaningful connection.

I believe that meaningful change happens when you experience being fully yourself in a relationship that is accepting, clearly boundaried and free from judgement. A relationship where you can feel safe enough to explore difficult experiences openly and honestly. The relationship we build is different from others in your life. Because I am deeply listening to you and not requiring you to know about my life, you have the space to talk in a different way.