The training, qualifications and ways of working are all important, but so is having a sense of the person you'd potentially be spending time with. I’ll tell you a bit about me.

I've always been fascinated by people and what makes us who we are. Before becoming a psychotherapist, I studied Painting at Manchester School of Art. At that time in my life, art was a way of expressing things I didn't have the words for. Whilst art and psychotherapy may seem like very different paths, to me they are rooted in similar values: expression, curiosity about the human experience, meaningful connection, and helping people feel seen, understood and accepted.

After art school, I began working within acute services as a support worker, where I facilitated creative groups for people experiencing significant mental health difficulties. It was there that I realised I wanted to support people in an even more meaningful and lasting way which ultimately led me to retrain as a psychotherapist. I went on to complete my Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Salford and have since worked in many roles across the charity sector, in EAPs and now in full-time private practice.

Over time, I naturally developed a particular interest in trauma. I found myself increasingly drawn to understanding how our life experiences shape the brain, influence our sense of self, and impact the way we relate to others and move through the world. Receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life added a personal perspective to this work and strengthened my commitment to creating a space where people can feel genuinely understood and accepted.

My working class background has also shaped who I am and continues to influence the way I work as a therapist. It gave me a particular awareness of how factors such as class, race, culture, privilege and power can shape experiences, and the importance of understanding each person's story within the context of their life. It also taught me the value of connecting with people candidly and without pretence, something that has always helped me build genuine relationships with people from all walks of life.

Outside of therapy, I'm someone who values authenticity, curiosity and genuine human connection. I'm committed to ongoing self reflection and leaning into my own discomfort. I believe the work we ask of our clients is work we should also be willing to do ourselves, and I strive to embody that in my own life.

My hope is that this page has given you an insight into who I am beyond the qualifications, and whether I'm someone you feel you might be able to connect with and trust with your story.