Counselling, Psychotherapy and Psychology Services in Southampton, Totton, Hampshire, the New Forest, and Online

Choosing a Practitioner

At present in the UK, anyone at all, qualified or not, can call themselves a counsellor, a psychotherapist or some sort of a psychological therapist. This means that a lot of very inadequately qualified, and all too often actually unqualified, people advertise themselves as therapists.

It is therefore very important that prospective clients ensure that any practitioner that they consult is a member of a Qualifying Professional Body. Genuine Qualifying Bodies publish easily checkable standards for the levels of professional practice and ethical behaviour that clients should be able to expect. They also have transparent complaints procedures and they discipline bad practitioners.

Amongst the leading Qualifying Bodies are the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, (BACP), the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy, (UKCP), the British Psychological Society, (BPS).

Make sure that any therapist that you choose is properly qualified, properly insured and professionally accountable. Looking out for any of the logos shown below will often help. You can also check out their members on their websites

www.bacp.co.uk

www.ukcp.org.uk

www.bps.org.uk

Who I am

I am a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Psychologist with over 25 years of experience helping people address their emotional and psychological difficulties. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, bereavement, relationship difficulties, workplace worries, addiction and many other mental health issues. I also offer consultancy services to employers and organisations.

Based near Southampton, I provide counselling and psychotherapy for clients across Hampshire, the New Forest and surrounding areas. I also offer help online throughout the UK and beyond.

I believe that seeking support is a positive step towards understanding yourself more fully and creating meaningful change. I provide a safe, confidential and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, gain greater self-awareness, and develop new ways of moving forward.

My approach to counselling and psychotherapy

No two people are the same, which is why I believe therapy should be tailored to the individual rather than applying a standard therapeutic approach or style to everyone.

My work is informed by many years of professional practice, training and research. I draw upon a range of therapeutic approaches to meet each client’s unique needs, helping them better understand themselves, overcome difficulties and achieve lasting change.

I offer a warm, professional, and non-judgemental space where we can work together at a pace that feels right for you.

Problems I can help with

I work with people experiencing a wide range of issues, including:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression and low mood
• Stress and burnout
• Trauma and PTSD
• Bereavement and loss
• Relationship difficulties
• Addiction and recovery
• Workplace stress
• Confidence and self-esteem
• Personal growth and life transitions

Whether you are facing a specific challenge or simply feel stuck, therapy can help you gain clarity, resilience and a greater sense of wellbeing. It is also about finding solutions

Professional qualifications and experience

My qualifications include:

• Doctor of Psychotherapy (DPsych)
• MSc Counselling
• MA Mental Health
• BSc (Hons) Psychology
• Senior Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

Alongside my private practice, I have held a number of senior academic and professional appointments throughout my career. Most notably, I served as Head of Counselling and Psychotherapy Undergraduate and Postgraduate Studies at the University of Southampton, where I was involved in the training and ongoing development of future counselling and psychotherapy professionals. I am an External Examiner in Counselling and Psychotherapy advising numerous UK and overseas universities

My experience spans clinical practice, higher education, professional training, practitioner supervision, and consultancy providing me with a broad knowledge of both the theory and practice of psychotherapy.

Professional memberships

I am committed to maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards through ongoing professional development, training and supervision.

My professional affiliations include membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), where I hold Senior Accredited status.

Counselling and psychotherapy across Hampshire and online

I welcome clients from Southampton, Hythe, Totton, Romsey, Winchester, Lymington, Lyndhurst, the New Forest and across Hampshire and its neighbouring counties.

For those who prefer greater flexibility, I also offer secure online counselling and psychotherapy sessions, enabling clients throughout the UK and beyond to access support wherever they are based.

Taking the first step

Finding the right therapist is an important decision. I understand that contacting a therapist for the first time can feel daunting, but many people find that taking this first step brings a sense of relief and hope.

If you would like to discuss your situation or learn more about how counselling and psychotherapy may help, please feel free to get in touch. I would be pleased to hear from you.