About Me
I am a fully qualified person-centred counsellor in the Tamar Valley, Cornwall.
Although my working life has primarily been in IT, my interest in mental health began in 1997 as a medical librarian in a psychiatric setting. This sparked my journey into counselling, where I started training in 2007 and gained full qualification by 2012. Over the years, I’ve helped clients in agency settings with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship troubles, stress and bereavement.
As well as being a counsellor registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) I also work with 16 to 18 year old students in a local college who have special educational needs. This has given me valuable insight into the lives of autistic people and those with ADHD, ADD and Dyslexia.
Continue reading below to look at the type of counselling I offer…
A brief (ish) look at my style of counselling
What is person-centred counselling?
Person-centred therapy, created by a psychologist named Carl Rogers in the 1940s, is a widely used form of evidence based talking therapy. The NHS offers a version of it called Counselling for Depression (PCE-CfD) as an alternative to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
How does person-centred counselling work?
As a person-centred counsellor I aim to create a confidential and safe space where you take the lead in expressing your thoughts and feelings. I listen to you without judging so you feel understood and accepted as you work through your challenges. Instead of giving advice, I’ll help you explore your own thoughts to find solutions as you are the expert on yourself – no-one else knows exactly what it’s like to be you!
So, you don’t advise me what to do?
No, as a person centred-counsellor I help you reach your own conclusions about what to do. Advising someone on what to do in a difficult situation might seem helpful, but it assumes the person advising knows best, which may not be the case. Plus, giving advice undermines a person’s ability to make their own choices. Instead, counselling works by guiding a person to discover their own solutions, to find what works best for them, leading to more meaningful and lasting change.
OK, but how does that actually help me with my problem?
As an example, let’s say you’re struggling with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Working together we uncover reasons behind your loneliness, like struggles connecting with new people or rejections from past relationships. Through conversation, you might explore your own way of building connections, perhaps moving away from unhelpful behaviours and approaching things differently. Over time, you might develop more effective strategies for building meaningful relationships leading to less isolation and loneliness.
Isn’t counselling just glorified navel gazing?!
No, counselling isn’t just about thinking deeply; it’s about working alongside a counsellor like myself to figure things out. By talking openly and honestly, you learn more about yourself and how to tackle life’s ups and downs. It’s like having a supportive guide on your journey to feeling better and finding your way.
How is it better than talking to my mate Sam?
A chat about your problems with a friend like Sam can be of comfort, however, person-centred counselling provides a structured and confidential environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. It offers dedicated time and attention from a trained therapist like myself who can help you gain deeper insights into your experiences and work through challenges in a supportive way.
OK, but I’m physically feeling exhausted/tired/overwhelmed -how can it help these physical symptoms?
Counselling can have positive effects on the body. It helps reduce stress and anxiety, which lowers cortisol, the main stress hormone. This can lead to lower blood pressure and heart rate, improving heart health. Counselling also improves sleep by addressing the issues that disrupt it. As emotional burdens are lifted, people often feel more energetic and overall healthier. The mind and body are connected, so as mental health gets better, physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, and muscle pain often decrease.
How is it different to CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is another form of evidence based talking therapy. It is usually the first type of therapy you’ll get offered by the NHS for a range of mental health issues. CBT is more focused on changing negative thoughts and behaviors, often using homework, which might appeal to those seeking practical strategies for managing specific issues. In contrast, person-centred counselling is about exploring emotions and feeling accepted without judgment, emphasising self-discovery and acceptance. Think of the difference as open-ended exploration (counselling) versus structured problem-solving (CBT).
Is person-centred counselling for me?
Some find the open-ended approach of person-centred counselling empowering for exploring thoughts and emotions. Others prefer the directive guidance of CBT. The truth is, studies have shown that what really matters in therapy is having a good relationship with your therapist, where you feel understood and supported, no matter what kind of therapy is used. For this reason it is always worth trying to find a therapist you ‘click’ with, regardless of what style of therapy they offer!
Is person-centred counselling ‘non-pathologising’?
Although my college work is supporting neurodiverse students who may be diagnosed and labelled as autistic or have ADD/ADHD etc, my style of counselling emphasises viewing clients as whole individuals rather than focusing on symptoms, labels or diagnoses.
Are you a trauma-Informed counsellor?
My training in person-centred counselling and ongoing continuing professional development has seen me attend various courses on trauma. Instead of having a ‘what’s wrong with you?’ viewpoint, I’ll be asking ‘what happened to you?’. This is an important difference and means that I understand that past experiences affect how you feel and act so instead of criticism I’ll show empathy. I try to provide you with a safe, trusting relationship, offer choices and work with you in a collaborative and empowering way. It’s about you, what you need and working in a compassionate, non-judgmental and respectful way.
Do you have any examples of person-centred counselling?
My client work, as you can imagine, is very private and confidential. However, I have created a few fictitious examples of person-centred counselling scenarios so you can get a flavour of how it might help you. Please see my Counselling Stories page.
What are your qualifications?
After my degree in an unrelated subject (I have a BSc in Information Management if you’re asking!) I undertook the traditional counselling training route between 2008 and 2013 that includes these qualifications:
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Person Centred)
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Level 2 Introduction to Counselling Skills
I have a CPD Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People as well as Level 2 courses on Adverse Childhood Experiences and Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties e.g. Autism/ADHD/Dyslexia/DCD. I’ve completed training courses with Cruse (a bereavement charity) to cover Loss and Bereavement with Children and Young People. I have completed NSPCC training for safeguarding and also have had relevant safeguarding training for working in my role at a local Further Education college. I also have a Level 3 Award in Coaching and Mentoring and have completed BACP recommended training in counselling remotely (online and telephone).
Are you a member of a professional body?
The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is the largest professional counselling body in the UK and the one I am a member of. What this means is that I have completed a substantial level of training and experience approved by the Association, you can see my membership of the BACP register here:
https://www.bacp.co.uk/search/Register
if you search for my membership number which is 402148. The BACP Register is a public record of counsellors and psychotherapists who meet or exceed the BACP’s recommended quality standards. Being a member means I have to keep my training up to date with Continuing Professional Development. As with any other awarding body, I also have to have regular monthly supervision to make sure I am practicing safely according to the BACP’s code of ethics.
Why did you train in person-centred counselling?
I worked years in IT, analysing and solving technical problems in a very structured and methodical way. Based on that way of working, I should have become a CBT practitioner! However, I found myself drawn more towards the freedom of exploration offered by person-centred therapy, the opposite of how I used to work.
I see this contrast in my work with clients too. Each client’s issues are unique, and they might find benefit from different types of therapy at different times in their life. I’ve met clients who seem like they’d be better suited to CBT but end up responding better to person-centred counselling…and vice versa. Sometimes, things just click in ways you don’t expect, especially in therapy!