About Me

I would describe myself as being down-to-earth; deeply compassionate; honest; friendly and open-minded. I'd say my Northern Irish background brings with it a quick-witted sense of humour; an appreciation of the absurd; and perhaps a tendency to be quite direct - but always from a place of kindness!

I am passionate about helping people to heal or to reach their personal goals, and feel very honoured to do this important work with people. I am constantly in awe of the human capacity for recovery and growth, and of the role that creativity or a shared narrative can play in this process. I believe that people are inherently "good" and that it is through connection and relationships that we evolve, grow and heal. I learn so much from the inspiring individuals that I work with and I truly love being a therapist. I frequently engage in further training; reading or evaluation that can develop my practice and broaden what I can offer people.

When you work with me, you will get a sense of me as a real person, not just a "blank slate" that nods and asks you how you feel! I will share my views or personal and professional experience wherever I feel this is helpful to you. I will be carefully direct when this is required and I believe that by sharing my thinking, I can demonstrate openness and authenticity, thus building trust within the therapeutic relationship.

I often introduce some psycho-education into the sessions, which provides a deeper understanding about how our minds and bodies work, and can help people to stop blaming and shaming themselves for the things we all struggle with. Therefore, I always have lots of suggested resources for people to continue learning about different aspects of wellbeing, both in the sessions and beyond.

I also believe that therapy can be enjoyable! Even though we're often working through tough subjects and painful emotions, my clients usually enjoy coming to our sessions and I think it's important to find ways to help people reconnect with a sense of joy or fun in their lives.

Experience & Qualifications

Since graduating in 2015 with an MA in Art Psychotherapy (from Goldsmith's University, London) I have been working for the NHS in the field of Secondary adult mental health services, across both the Crisis Services and Community Mental Health Teams.

During this time, I have acquired extensive experience of working with individuals with complex and enduring mental health difficulties, particularly working with survivors of trauma. Much of my work has involved helping people to safely process their experiences of abuse or neglect in childhood, enabling them to leave distressing memories in the past, while fostering a renewed sense of empowerment and improved self-esteem.

I have additional training in Arts Psychotherapies Advanced Supervision (through ICAPT) and Supervision Training through the British Association of Art Therapists. In 2021 I also completed practitioner training in Mentalisation Based Treatment (MBT) through the Anna Freud Centre, and am continuing to work towards MBT practitioner status. (MBT is an evidence based treatment for people with complex trauma or with a diagnosis of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder.)

Prior to my NHS work, I have experience of working with children and adults with learning disabilities; and of working with older adults and people with dementia.

I am fully insured and professionally supervised. I am registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and am a registered member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT).