Life is like a rainbow. You need both rain and sun to make it’s colours appear
About Susan
I decided to train to be a Counsellor for 2 main reasons, firstly, I liked helping people, obviously, but it was more than that I understand people’s issues from their perspective empathising and not shying away from difficult emotional situations. Secondly, I had counselling myself when I was struggling to cope with my feelings. I found the right therapist whom I connected with and I was able to get back on track through talking.
It was a huge step deciding to retrain and studying whilst working full-time and having a family was hard, but I loved every minute of my learning journey and knew I had found my true path.
So a little about me, Susan the person, out of my therapist role. What makes me happy now? As you can see from my website photos, I love walking my dog Nellie and generally being outside, that is my healing place, in nature. I also love cake decorating which is my indoor happy place. And of course spending time with family and friends.
I love people and being socialable but I also like and need time alone and have learnt it is important for me the set those boundaries. I am finally, after a lifetime of searching, finding my happy! It’s never too late, but if you can make a decision to find it as early as you can, you can really make the most of the life you have!
How I work
I will sit with you and listen, always, and do my best to understand your experiences. I am not a therapist who sits and expects you to just talk the whole time, I talk too! We will be a team working together to help you get where you want to be.
I work in a mostly person-centred modality but we will look at the past if necessary using the psychodynamic modality and maybe a little CBT if required. These are the tools I have available for us to use.
I work pluralistically, which means I will always put you at the centre of your own journey through therapy. I will help you to explore your feelings, thoughts and behaviours in a gentle and supportive way, and by working in the pluralistic style I can be guided by you and how you live your life and your beliefs. We will work collaboratively to find the way that works for you.
And finally, I will be honest, counselling can be challenging but will also often unlock the key to understanding yourself and why you are the way you are. The changes you will want to make during our work will make you think and behave differently but will finally help you to love and accept yourself.