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I do not work on Fridays

I work within an Integrative approach and seek to form a safe, non-judgmental and genuine therapeutic relationship to build trust and openness to explore the difficulties you are facing.  I work from an understanding of how adverse or traumatic environments or events affect wellbeing from a physical, social, emotional and behavioural perspective.   I am an EMDR Europe Accredited Consultant and use this model of psychotherapy to inform my practice and build a plan for therapy.  EMDR has a 3 pronged approach - past, present and future - when considering what has happened to you rather than what is wrong with you.  It is helpful for a lot of presentations but is mostly known for its use with PTSD and C-PTSD.   Further study (Walking Free Model developed by Dr Gillie Jenkinson) and research has taken me to specialise in the traumatic and adverse impact of coercive, cultic and spiritual abuse settings.  This can include one to one domestic or family relationships, institutional abuse and religious contexts.  With over 20 years as a therapist I  have gained experience with different presentations and hold qualifications in CBT, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Couple Therapy and consistently continued professional development in all areas of a trauma focused approach.   I currently see clients face to face in Hillsborough, Co Down and also offer online sessions.  Making a decision to avail of therapy can be your first step to change and hope for yourself and your relationships.

I have been in private practice for 10 + years, having had experience in both the community and voluntary sector.  I offer sessions to individuals and couples in a safe and neutral space both face to face and online.  My therapy room is located with good parking and disability access.   

I recognise that coming to therapy can be a daunting experience and one that takes courage to make the first step.  Our first session will mostly take the form of an assessment - the presenting difficulties you face and the reason and hopes for coming to therapy.  I will also assess on areas of risk, resources and relationships, taking into account that the past can have an impact on current levels of distress, anxiety, depression and sense of self.  The first session is also used to form a therapeutic contract for therapy building on confidentiality, trust and safety.  

I am a qualified supervisor and work with qualified counsellors/psychotherapists.  I am also an EMDR Consultant offering consultation to EMDR practitioners.  I have a wide range of  experience and qualifications as a therapist and have supervised students and qualified therapists for over 10 years.  I believe the supervisory relationship is key to growing and developing a therapist in their work.  I seek to be supportive alongside gentle challenge that will create a safe environment where therapists can learn and grow in skills and knowledge.  I encourage an honest, open and authentic supervisory relationship.  I also help and encourage in the accreditation process both for counsellors and psychotherapists and EMDR practitioners.  I have experience in facilitating group supervision and consultation.