About me
I have been in Leeds since 2012 but I’ve also had the opportunity to travel, spending time in Leicester, London and Nottingham. I have also lived abroad, an experience which has given me the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures.
I initially started my career studying Computer science at University before switching to Physiotherapy. It was during that course that I was diagnosed with depression. I took some time out and talked through my problems in counselling. One of the problems I encountered was realising that I was always doing things to please others and not looking after myself. This caused a lot of underlying stress & anxiety which I was unaware of. Counselling helped me a great deal, enabling me to understand where these difficulties had come from but importantly what I could do to address how I was feeling.
This led me to understanding myself better and ultimately to a career in counselling. My experiences have greatly shaped my private practice and how I work. I initially had a special interest in Anxiety, Stress and Depression but in the more recent past this has shifted to providing a neuro-affirming practice. I have a family member who is Autistic and this personal journey alongside an increasing number of clients wanting help to understand what it means to be neurodivergent, has led me to want to specialise in this area.
Ways of Working
What does it mean to work with me in a neuro-affirming way? It means I recognise that your experience of anxiety, especially if you have Autism or ADHD, is often tied to how you’ve had to navigate the world. Rather than starting with a goal to “fix” or change how you are in the world, we simply begin by looking at what is happening for you. Whether you have a diagnosis or are just starting to wonder if your brain works differently, our work is about curious exploration—finding out what serves you, what feels heavy, and what you need to feel more at ease in your own life.
The Types of Issues I Support Neurodivergent Clients With
Anger
Anxiety, stress, depression
Bereavement
Intrusive thoughts
Masking, overwhelm and burnout
Organisation, motivation and time management difficulties
Rejection sensitivity
Relationship and social communication difficulties
Self-esteem
Self-harm and suicidal ideation
Separation, loss of relationship, divorce
Qualifications
Chrysalis, Accredited Professional Training
Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy – Distinction
Diploma in Hypnotherapy – Distinction
Leeds Beckett University
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
CERT HE Interpersonal & Counselling Skills
Additional CPD Specific to Neurodiversity
Neuro-Affirming Approach to Working with Autistic Clients – Aspire Autism Consultancy
ADHD in The Therapy Room – Aspire Autism Consultancy