A space to reconnect and restore
About Me and My Practice
I initially trained to work with children before qualifying as a registered nurse and moving into adult nursing. I have worked within the NHS and continue to work in healthcare alongside my private practice.
My route into this work grew from a longstanding commitment to understanding people and the experiences that shape them.
Training as a Psychotherapist feels like a natural progression, enabling me to help people make sense of their challenges, develop insight and move towards change that is both meaningful and lasting. I am a registered member of the BACP.
Psychotherapy in Knaresborough and North Yorkshire
I offer Counselling and Psychotherapy specialising in Transactional Analysis (TA). I support people who are experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties including anxiety, low mood, trauma and the effects of abuse.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck or uncertain about your next steps, including navigating the emotional and psychological impact of menopause, I offer a supportive space to make sense of this.
In addition, I have worked with clinicians and healthcare professionals, supporting them to talk through their experiences of compassion fatigue, burnout, and loss of confidence at work.
Through my clinical work, I have seen first-hand the powerful link between physical and emotional health, and the emotional weight that can accompany a life of caring for others.
My Approach
My approach is calm, grounded and compassionate, with gentle challenge offered carefully only when it feels supportive and safe.
In my work, I integrate Transactional Analysis with mindfulness and meditation practice where it feels appropriate. This can help to gain clarity, regulate emotions, and reconnect to rediscover a sense of balance and strength in everyday life.
My work is flexible and attuned, with respect for each person’s unique way of thinking, feeling and communicating.
I believe the therapeutic relationship is central to meaningful and effective therapy.
What is Transactional Analysis?
Transactional Analysis is a therapeutic approach that offers a practical and compassionate way of understanding how early experiences can influence the way people think, feel and relate to others in the present.
It can bring clarity to unhelpful patterns and support greater choice and self-awareness in everyday life.
In the therapy room, I will approach your experiences with care and curiosity. It is a collaborative and practical approach and moves at a pace that feels right for you.
Qualifications and Professional Memberships
- Member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)
- Membership No: 00986453
- Certificate in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Transactional Analysis)
- Certificate in Working with Addiction
- Certificate in Trauma Focused Therapy
- BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
- PCET Teaching and Education
- Certificate in Motivational Interviewing in Healthcare.
- Menopause Wellness Coach Diploma.
- NNEB Diploma
- Mental Health First Aider (Mental Health First Aid England)
- Nursing and Midwifery Council Registered
- DBS Checked
- Registered with The ICO (Information Commissioners Office)
I currently volunteer with an organisation that provides support to survivors of sexual abuse.
Sessions, Services and Fees
Session Format
Sessions last 50 minutes and are charged at £60 per session. Sessions are available in person, online and through walk and talk therapy. Payment can be made via BACS or cash.
Location
In-person sessions take place at Castle Clinic, Castle Yard, Knaresborough and North Yorkshire, HG5 8AS. Just moments from the striking setting of the viaduct.
Initial Consultation
A free 15-minute consultation is available to discuss what you are looking for and whether my approach and experience are right for you.
If we choose to work together, we will agree a shared understanding of how we will work and what you would like to focus on. This will be discussed at your first session and reviewed as required throughout therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling and psychotherapy provide a safe, confidential space to explore and reflect on personal experiences and relationships with a trained professional.
People come to therapy for many reasons including anxiety, low mood, trauma, bereavement, relationship difficulties, feeling stuck, overwhelmed or disconnected.
Therapy is not about giving advice, but about developing insight, noticing patterns and being supported to make choices and changes that feel right for you.
Psychotherapy looks at how past experiences influence thoughts, feelings and relationships. Together, we can work to increase understanding, emotional safety and choice.
What is Transactional Analysis TA?
TA is a talking therapy that helps you to understand yourself and relationships and identify any patterns you may find yourself repeating.
It looks at how past experiences can influence how we think, feel and relate to others in the here and now. It supports you to develop greater awareness, choice and self-compassion.
It is collaborative and focused on helping you make meaningful and lasting change.
How do I know if therapy in Knaresborough is right for me?
If something is affecting your wellbeing, your relationships or how you feel about yourself, therapy can help.
You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out. Many people seek support when they are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, detached or trapped in repeating patterns that are no longer useful.
A free initial 15-minute online consultation is offered so you can decide whether working together feels right for you.
Therapy sessions are 50 minutes long.
What happens in a first session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another.
We will talk through what has brought you to therapy, what you hope for, and anything you feel is important to share. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.
I will ask a few personal details and some background information to help shape and guide your therapy, and you may be asked to complete some questionnaires.
I will also explain how therapy works, confidentiality, boundaries, and make space for any questions you may have.
There is no pressure to share everything at once. Therapy moves at your pace.
Can I come to therapy without knowing exactly what I need?
Absolutely. Many people come to therapy with a sense that something isn’t quite right, even if they are unable to put it into words.
Therapy can be a place to gently explore what’s going on and clarify what you need at your own pace.
How long will therapy last?
This varies as everyone’s needs are different.
Some people find a few sessions helpful for a specific concern, whilst others choose longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns, past experiences or trauma.
We will review this together as we go and adapt to what you need.
What kind of issues can you help with?
I work with adults experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including:
- Menopause support
- Anxiety
- Low mood and depression
- Trauma and childhood experiences
- Low self-esteem and self-criticism
- Relationship difficulties
- Boundaries and people-pleasing
- Stress and burnout
- Loss, grief and life changes
- Feeling disconnected from yourself
You do not need a diagnosis or a label to come to therapy.
What about confidentiality?
This is taken very seriously. What you share in therapy is confidential.
There are only a few legal and ethical exceptions, such as if there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or concerns about a child or vulnerable person. These limits to confidentiality will be explained clearly in the first session.
As a therapist, I keep brief, professional notes recording only what is clinically relevant to support the therapeutic work.
I am registered with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office), which regulates how personal data is stored and handled in line with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
What if I don’t know what to say or become emotional during a session?
That is completely okay.
You don’t have to know what to say or how to say it. We will take things at your pace and work with whatever shows up.
Many people worry about their emotions, going blank, or saying the “wrong” thing. There is no wrong way to be in therapy, and I am trained to gently guide conversations.
Sometimes, simply noticing how you are feeling is a good place to begin.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. I offer online therapy.
This allows you to attend sessions from the comfort and privacy of a convenient space that works for you.
This can be helpful if you have a busy schedule, mobility issues, or prefer not to travel.
How often will I need sessions?
This will be discussed at your first session.
Many clients start with weekly sessions to create consistency and help build a safe therapeutic relationship.
Session frequency will be reviewed and adjusted when required.
What if I’m neurodivergent?
I have experience working with neurodivergent clients and aim to offer a flexible, respectful and collaborative approach.
Therapy can be adapted to suit how you process, communicate and experience the world.
How do I get started?
You can contact me via the website or email to arrange a free 15-minute online consultation.
This is a chance for you to ask questions, share what you are hoping for, and see whether working together feels right.
How do I know that you are a competent practitioner?
I maintain competency through professional training, ongoing clinical supervision and a commitment to ethical practice. I work within a recognised framework.
Just as importantly, I welcome feedback and we will regularly review how the therapy is working for you.