Expressive Arts Counselling in Wimbledon, London

Each one of us struggles in life at one point or another. When the difficulties in life feel too much to manage on our own, counselling and psychotherapy offer a confidential and safe environment in which we can explore these difficulties and find the direction to lasting changes. Often our current difficulties have their roots in the past. Problems emerge when we stick to our old ways of coping. Counselling can help us make links to the past and find more adaptive ways of coping. It can help us to tune in to our emotions and thus understand what matters the most and what needs to be changed.

Choosing a counsellor is a big step which can feel daunting. How do you find the therapist who will be right for you? If you are new to counselling, the various theoretical approaches listed by therapists can be confusing. Current research shows that more important than the theory is the therapeutic relationship (the relationship between you and me) and this is the cornerstone of my work. My theoretical approach is Integrative, drawing on the Psycho-dynamic, Humanistic and Existential schools within a relational working model which emphasizes the Humanistic philosophy and embraces Person Centered core process.

I am a HCPC registered art psychotherapist, full member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) and a Transformational Coach. I have more than sixteen years’ experience working with adults,  children and young people in different settings and within different  roles. I have worked as an Art Psychotherapist for the not-for profit sector, the NHS, educational settings and  in my private practice. Parallel to my role as an art psychotherapist, I have worked as a team manager  delivering therapeutic services in  schools supporting, parents, staff and students for more than nine years.

Life can be hard and doesn't always go the way we would like. I offer a range of times to suit your needs. Where together we can explore what you are experiencing and work towards, creating a meaningful life. I am currently conducting masters research, of my final year in transpersonal psychology, so any spiritual counselling that is required we can work together. I offer a place to get away from everything and talk while feeling safe without judgement. This can be a place to process what has gone on and learn how the world is perceived uniquely by you.

Is it difficult for yourself to connect to your emotions and feelings? Sometimes it is complicated to find a link to enable us express freely. Unintentionally, we can create a habit in which we suppress, run away, deny or manipulate our emotions. It is normal to try to push away feelings of discomfort like stress, fear or pain; but there are tools you can learn to help you cope with these emotions in a healthy way. Instead of denying, distracting yourself, manipulating or disconnecting, you can accept, observe, acknowledge and connect deeply with your feelings.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, pre-occupied with worries or struggling with intense emotions? Do you feel numb, disconnected or lost in your life, with others and your environment? Would you like to better understand your life journey? Manage the complexities and find ways to connect with your inner and outer worlds?

Did you know 1 out 5 children in the UK experiences mental health challenges that affects their ways of relating with loved ones at some point during their childhood? Getting appropriate support at an early stage is important for children who have experienced physical or emotional trauma. Children struggling with their emotions often act out or become withdrawn. These responses are put down as behaviour issues while in fact they are children's way of communicating to adults that they need support. Music Therapy is the perfect tool for children who are not ready to 'talk it through' to express themselves in ways that motivates them.

You may be experiencing low mood or anxiety, an inability to focus, disordered thinking or overwhelming emotions, it could be that you recognise your behaviours are not representative of what you believe yourself to be, that your relationships seem very challenging to maintain, or maybe you just have a generalised sense something is missing.

Whether due to recent events or past ones, many people struggle with grief, loss, food and body, and traumatic experiences, leaving them feeling stuck, overwhelmed and needing support. My professional expertise is in working with clients struggling with trauma and PTSD; struggling with eating disorders, body image and identity; child and adult bereavement; clients undergoing cancer treatment; end of life care; and carers. This breadth of experience has informed my understanding of the universality of inner conflict and distress, and how the tools of self-exploration and insight are essential to effect change in the here-and-now.

Are social situations leaving you drained or unfulfilled? Maybe you can't speak to friends and family about how disconnected you're feeling and they aren't understanding you. Do you want to be more open, assertive and have a greater sense of purpose in life? Need time for yourself? A space to air confusing or painful thoughts and experiences that build up over the weeks. Sometimes we need to reflect and vent about our relationships with a warm, neutral professional.