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I currently work flexibly throughout the week and offer a range of daytime, evening, and weekend appointment times. The following is a general guide to my availability:

Monday to Friday: 10.00am – 7.30pm

Saturday mornings: 10.00am – 12.30pm

I aim to accommodate individual schedules where possible and offer face-to-face, telephone, online (Skype), and walk-and-talk sessions to suit your preferences.

Assessments and therapy appointments are currently available this month. I also offer a limited number of urgent/crisis appointments within 2 working days, which are available for an additional fee.

If you would like to discuss availability, book a session, or have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

I am a retired Mental Health Nurse and practising Senior Psychotherapist with over 40 years’ experience working within the NHS. Before this, I served for four years with the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, which continues to inform my understanding of service-related trauma and resilience.

I established my private practice in 2016 and work as an integrative psychotherapist and CAT-informed therapist. Over the years, I have developed a particular interest in working with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma, sexual abuse, harm minimisation, relational and attachment issues. I have extensive experience supporting individuals who have experienced childhood sexual abuse and complex trauma. My clinical work is supported by regular monthly supervision with a senior accredited supervisor.

Since August 2022, I have also worked one evening per week at Jesmond Therapy Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne, offering both short-term counselling and longer-term psychotherapy to individuals from all backgrounds, including university students.

My approach is holistic and person-centred. I take into account the physical, emotional and behavioural aspects of each client’s wellbeing. I believe physical and psychological health are deeply interconnected, and where appropriate, I am able to explore areas such as lifestyle, nutrition, or liaise with a GP. I also offer comprehensive written assessments or reports upon request, for an additional fee.

I work with adults and young people aged 14 and over in individual therapy, and with couples aged 18 and over. There is no upper age limit. Sessions are available in person, by telephone, online (via Skype), or outdoors through walk-and-talk therapy. I hold a full enhanced DBS certificate (Adults and Children).

I run my private practice from home in a quiet area of Killingworth, where I offer a warm, calm, and comfortable space to help you feel at ease. My therapy dog is usually present and often lies quietly nearby during sessions - many clients find his presence soothing. If you would prefer not to have him present, please let me know in advance and he will be cared for elsewhere during your appointment.

There is ample on-street parking available near the practice and a bus stop nearby with transport links in the local area.

I provide comprehensive mental health and emotional wellbeing assessments, including suitability for counselling or psychotherapy. These include an initial risk assessment, which is reviewed throughout therapy to ensure your support remains appropriate and safe.

I work collaboratively with each client to create a bespoke care plan tailored to your needs. While we all experience similar emotions such as grief, loss, anger or sadness, we each process them in our own way. Therapy is shaped around your unique experience, and with your consent, I can liaise with your GP or other professionals to offer joined-up care.

Home visits may be available within a 10-mile radius following an initial telephone assessment, for an additional fee. This is assessed individually based on client need. Suitability for walk-and-talk therapy is also considered on a case-by-case basis.

Sessions are available face-to-face, by telephone, or online via Skype. I also offer between-session resources where appropriate to support your ongoing progress.

The first session is a chance for us to meet in calm, comfortable surroundings and begin to build a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship. Before your appointment, you will be asked to complete a short intake and registration form. This helps me understand your needs and prepare appropriately, while keeping the session focused on you.

During the session, we’ll explore what brings you to therapy at this time, what’s currently troubling you, and how you’ve been managing things so far — including what has or hasn’t helped. We’ll also discuss your hopes for therapy, any initial goals, and whether working together feels like the right fit for you.

Where appropriate, I may offer a brief assessment of symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, or other specific issues — but only if you’re comfortable and feel ready. You’re welcome to ask questions, and there is no expectation to disclose anything before you feel safe to do so.

Please note that the fee for the first couples therapy session is slightly higher than individual work, reflecting the more complex nature of the initial assessment and the additional time often required.