Although therapy can take different forms and go in lots of different directions, there are certain topics I have extra knowledge within and therefore specialise in working in these areas, based on additional training, which includes working with complex presentations and lived experience.

Anxiety and depression

I have extensive experience in working with anxiety and depression and look to work with clients to understand their experience in the here and now, whilst exploring and working on understanding the root cause and exploring any difficulties that might have arisen in the past

Neurodivergence

I enjoy working with neurodivergent clients and offer a supportive and understanding environment to explore how cognitive differences impact them and their experience of being different, whatever their diagnosis status. I work in an affirming way and stay with the experience of the individual.

Living with chronic illness, chronic pain and disability

This is an area I have personal experience with and have researched extensively. I have specialist knowledge in working with many different illnesses, including Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and associated co-morbidities, diabetes, and sight loss. I am a recognised partner of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Society and RNIB. Regardless of what is causing the physical health concerns, I offer a space in which we can reflect upon what is going on in an affirming way. Recently I have presented to fellow psychotherapists on the subject of ambulant disability- including when needs might change.

Carers

This links into working with chronic illness, as understanding what is going on for the cared for is an important part of working with a carer. My Masters thesis explored the therapeutic relationship with a client who is caring for a person with dementia. This was inspired by lived experience and my clinical practice placement at Carers Support West Sussex . This gave me a broad experience of working with lots of different sorts of clients in various caring roles. I am a recognised partner of Affinity Hub (parent carer support)

Trauma

My work is trauma informed and any traumatic topic is handled sensitively and gently, no matter what it is. Any trauma work is always led by the client, including the pace of therapy. Sometimes the first step is simply talking about talking about it.

Therapy can focus on one key area, or it could look at lots of different parts of life. There is no right or wrong topic to bring. The way I work aims to create a therapeutic relationship which supports whatever topics come up. There is an opportunity to talk about an overview of what is on your mind within the initial appointment, as this is a space to discuss any concerns you may have and an opportunity for both of us to ask questions.