Meet the Minds

What motivates you to be a therapist? 

At different times in my life I have had reason to use therapy to help me manage my own emotional life. Each time, the support and acceptance I have received in counselling has been incredibly effective and supportive. I know its value personally and I believe in it that much that I have committed myself to offering those same opportunities of self development to others. I have sat in your chair. I know what it could feel like.

How would you describe your approach to therapy? 

I am trained in a collaborative, client-led, approach to therapy. First off, I want to understand what you need. Do you need to be simply heard, having the space to give voice to the thoughts inside your head? Do you need help to unravel those thoughts with a neutral but compassionate observer who can join some dots and help you see the wood through the trees? Do you need some structured, workable, guidance with which to take active steps towards change. Or do you need a mixture of all three? In our first sessions together we will explore what your emotional nature, and the nature of your issues, find most productive and together, collaboratively, we will move towards the changes you wish to see. 

What are your core values in working with clients?

I am an open, curious and adventurous person. I see the struggles of life like a mountain range waiting to be explored. What I bring to the therapeutic relationship is honesty, courage and integrity. You can rely on me to listen to you and value your experience and you can also rely on me to ask you to delve deeper into your experience and examine it further. 

What can clients expect from an initial session with you? 

We will start with ensuring you know what the counselling process entails, and that you understand the contract you are entering into. It is really important to acknowledge the time and financial commitment being agreed and the parameters of the counselling relationship.  When you are fully comfortable with those 'housekeeping' necessities we will begin with you telling me, in as much or as little detail, what you are coming to counselling for, what you would like to achieve, what needs to change and how quickly, slowly and with what kind of process you would like to achieve that. At KvLS there is no time limit to your therapeutic journey. It is in your hands and, during our first session, I will endeavour to show you how I will support you while you explore your challenges.

How do you, as a therapist, stay balanced and motivated? 

It is not true that counsellors have got it 'all sorted out'. But what we are trained to do is develop our personal awareness so that we can put our 'stuff' down for a moment to help you sort through your stuff. One of the ways I do this is through motorbiking. When I ride my bike, I give myself space from everything else. I find focus and peace in that activity, that allows my spirit to relax. I really do feel at one with my machine, clearing my head and leaving my stressors behind for a time. It is my means of practising mindfulness.