What is Counselling?

Counselling is talking therapy, it is a space just for you to explore whatever is causing you pain, stress, or stuckness in your life. It is a contracted relationship that will usually be on the same day and time each week. 

Counselling can be useful for anyone who wants to explore the way they're thinking or feeling,  as well as for anyone experiencing a problem or issue they would like to resolve. People may choose to speak to a counsellor because they feel they cannot speak to their family or friends about what is happening for them, or they may wish to speak to a professional with an objective view.

I came into counselling through my own personal struggles and realised how life-changing it is to be in a relationship where you’re not judged, not expected to mask or please anyone, and can just be yourself.

Before becoming a counsellor, I spent several years working in the care and mental health sector, supporting adults with learning disabilities and complex needs. This gave me a solid grounding in person-centred, compassionate support,  something that runs through all of my work.

Clients often describe me as down-to-earth, honest, and non-judgemental, qualities I bring naturally into the room. I’m also a mum, and I know first-hand how tough, lonely and overwhelming parenting can be, especially when neurodivergence is part of the picture.

Neurodivergence is an area I’m deeply passionate about — both professionally and personally. My daughter was diagnosed with both ADHD and autism as a teenager, after years of struggling to understand why things felt harder for her. Her journey helped me realise that I, too, had been masking for most of my life and I later received my own ADHD diagnosis. I understand the grief, confusion, and relief that can come with late diagnosis, and I work with many clients exploring their identity through this lens  including parents trying to support their children.

I also support people who have experienced trauma or distressing events, using a gentle approach tailored to each individual. I am trained in the Rewind Technique, which can be a powerful, non-intrusive way to help clients process traumatic memories without needing to go into every detail of what happened. It can be particularly helpful for people who find talking about the trauma overwhelming or re-triggering.

Alongside my counselling practice, I’m proud to be the co-founder and director of Unmasked Neurodiversity Network CIC, a not-for-profit based in Leeds. We offer low-cost counselling, peer support groups, and a safe space for neurodivergent individuals and families to be themselves, without judgement.