Over the last 25 years I have worked  in a number of different areas – in law, education, construction and for the NHS. During this time I have gained a huge amount of life experience, both within my personal life and throughout my time in different career paths. Through personal experience and working in fairly diverse areas I began to understand how, as human beings, we all experience pain – perhaps through mental health issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety or depression, relational issues with family, friends or partners, or situational difficulties, such as poverty, job loss or illness to name just a few.   I decided to train as an integrative counsellor to gain an understanding of various theories applicable to my work.  Interestingly, it has been found that the single most important and helpful aspect of therapy which enables change and deeper understanding is a trusting and supportive relationship and this is always my priority.  In addition to my private practice, I am a volunteer counsellor for the NHS working with people affected by cancer and have also volunteered for MTCIC, which seeks to help people on low income.  I am a fully Accredited Member of the BACP.