I would say that I’ve always been someone who has been sensitive to other people’s feelings, which I think informs my empathic approach to therapy. It’s important to me to compassionately tune into someone’s world, to try to get a sense of their perspective and where that may have originated from. I respect that we are all unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.   

I aim to empower clients to make the right decisions for themselves through considerate exploration. I aim to strike a balance between offering suggestions, and strategies that are in line with evidence-based CBT practices, I also honour and respect the person’s choice, as it is their choice to make.  

As a qualified mindfulness teacher, I integrate the qualities of mindful attention during therapy. I find this useful as it fosters a curiosity and openness to the unknown, and a journey to uncover hidden insights and wisdom for the individual. I use meditation in my own life, and notice the sense of equilibrium it gives me to navigate what life throws up.   

I also think there’s a real strength in ‘the art of not knowing’ when exploring concepts in therapy as it helps us to stay open to new ideas, embrace uncertainty, and think outside the box. I believe that at times we all can get clouded with busy minds, distracting thoughts, and internal arguments in our minds about what we need to do, and so it facinates me when, through guided discovery, the answers we are searching for rise to the surface. 

Equally, mindful practice has also guided me to live a life with self-care as a top priority. What seems to be a little mantra of mine is the phrase “self-care is a priority, not a luxury”. Self-care is an all-encompassing mindset, and has qualities of care and commitment to one’s wellbeing. Very importantly it aligns with looking at the actions that that are sustainable and workable.