Open to everyone
It matters greatly to me that I work with people regardless of their ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or disability.
Individual · Couples · Family therapy · Clifton, Bristol
A quiet, safe place to talk things through
Everyone runs into problems and dilemmas during their lives. Often we find ways to resolve them on our own, but sometimes we can't find a way that works. That's when therapy can help.
Therapy is talking things over with someone who isn't involved, and who has experience and expertise in helping people. Through talking, new ways of thinking about problems, and new ways forward, can emerge.
30+
years working with people and families
Imago
Certified Relationship Therapist & Advanced Clinician
NHS
experience in Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services
Clifton
Bristol BS8 · flexible hours, some evenings
About
My background
I have over thirty years' experience of working with people. I began in social work with children and families, work which included adoption and fostering, physical and mental disability, and mental health.
During that time I trained as a family therapist, registering with the Association for Family Therapy in 1993. Following that, I registered with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), which regulates therapists. I am also a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist and Advanced Clinician.
Alongside many years in private practice, I have worked in the NHS at Southmead Hospital, the Bristol Royal Infirmary and in South Gloucestershire, all within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. I have also seen clients in Adult and Children's Services at the Priory Hospital in Bristol.
Values I hold in my work
No judgement, no blame
Judging or blaming doesn't help. I work with you to understand how you've arrived at this point in your life, and what you would want to be different.
Working together
I work collaboratively: your views and feelings are valued and taken seriously. Therapy is worth what it's useful for, so I regularly ask clients for feedback.
How I can help
Therapy for individuals, couples and families
Individuals
Talk about a difficulty without involving anyone else, even when others are part of the story.
Read moreCouples
A quiet, private place where it often feels safe to say things that can't be said elsewhere.
Read moreFamilies
"Family" means any group of people who call themselves a family. Whoever chooses to come is welcome.
Read moreIndividual therapy
Therapy for individuals
Sometimes people want to discuss a difficulty without involving anyone else, even if others are part of their story. Others want help with problems they feel belong just to them. Either way, it helps to look at the situation from every angle to bring about change.
What happens in sessions
We start by talking about why you've come and what you hope to achieve. I'll ask about the situation you find yourself in, and work out with you how past events, and your beliefs about them, have shaped what has happened. This helps us see what you would like to change so you can move forward in a different way.
Couples therapy
Therapy for couples
Therapy can provide a quiet and private place to talk about the difficulties and dilemmas you and your partner may have. People often tell me it feels safe to say things in the session that they haven't been able to say elsewhere. It's also a place where you can feel properly heard by your partner, and listen properly yourself.
What happens in sessions
You'll each get the chance to say what you think, and you'll both be asked to respond to what the other has said. Interruptions aren't allowed! Through our conversations we work on finding new ways forward, or, in some cases, on how to separate in the best way possible. My couples work draws on Imago Relationship Therapy.
Family therapy
Therapy for families
Families usually come to therapy when they have tried everything else. "Family", to me, means any group of people who call themselves a family. I work with as many people as choose to come, even if the person you're most worried about isn't there.
What happens in sessions
Everyone has the chance to share their views on the issues raised. Being encouraged to really listen to each other helps to reveal patterns of communication and the unwritten rules of family life, and that in turn can help you and your family to change.
Imago certification
Certified Imago Relationship Therapist · Advanced Clinician
Imago Relationship Therapy was developed by Dr Harville Hendrix and Dr Helen LaKelly Hunt. At its heart is the Imago Dialogue: a structured way of talking and listening that slows conversations down, so that each partner can feel truly heard and understood.
Rather than seeing conflict only as a problem, Imago treats it as a sign of something that is trying to heal, and an opportunity for couples to grow closer. As an Advanced Clinician, I bring this approach to my work with couples alongside my training as a family therapist.
Practical information
Getting started
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1
Get in touch
Phone, email or use the form below. Tell me a little about what's bringing you to therapy, whether it's for you, you and a partner, or your family.
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2
A first session
You might like to set up a session to see what it's like, and to talk about what you're hoping for.
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3
Agree a rhythm
We decide together how often to meet. I work flexible hours, including some evenings.
Contact
Get in touch
If you'd like to arrange a session or ask a question, please call, email or send a message using the form.
- Phone
- 07894 916618
- Location
-
15 The Paragon
Clifton, Bristol
BS8 4LA
View map - Hours
- Flexible, including some evenings
This is not an emergency service. If you are in crisis or worried about your immediate safety, call 999, contact NHS 111, or call Samaritans free on 116 123.