Choosing to talk to a counsellor about how you’re feeling is a really big step for most people and finding the right counsellor is crucial.  It is so important that you choose someone that you feel comfortable with - someone you can open up to and share your thoughts and feelings with.  My website is designed with that in mind - to provide you with clear straightforward information, whilst also giving you a sense of who I am and how I work.  If you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

What led me to counselling

By the age of 30 I had worked in multiple sectors, from the service industry to the music industry, and everything in-between - but I was still yet to find the career path that felt like a good fit for me. At that time, a close friend of mine was experiencing an extremely traumatic time in her life and I saw how counselling helped her, the difference it made, and the self-awareness and understanding that she gained from that experience. I was really interested in the process that she went through and it occurred to me that this could be something that I might be good at!

I talk to my clients about this all time - trying something new, rethinking the path that you’re on and changing it if you’re not happy. I went back into education at 30 and it was the best decision I made. The joy of learning and studying on my own terms, was such a stark contrast from my school years. I’ve never looked back – counselling is a career that I will never grow tired of because it’s ever changing – each new client brings their own individual life experience and no two clients are the same.

Professional experience

I became a qualified Therapeutic Counsellor in 2010, after studying for 4 years, through the University of Essex (Southend), to gain the Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.  My training model is person-centred but through my years of experience, and additional professional training, I have adapted a more integrative approach to tailor to each individual clients’ needs. I am also a registered member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). 

Over a decade of expertise

Shortly after qualifying in 2010, I relocated to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, where I first opened Clear Counselling.  Amsterdam is home to many expats from all around the world – Clear Counselling was born out of the idea that many of these expats were seeking counselling but felt more comfortable speaking to a native English-speaking therapist.  Over the years that followed my practice grew and thrived and I had the unique opportunity to work with and counsel an extremely diverse group of clients from all around the world.  I moved back to the UK in 2018, and shortly after opened Clear Counselling by Sea. 

Addition of online therapy

I’ve been offering online therapy for over 14 years – when I first started it was due to the transient nature of my clients, but now being available online, is an essential part of how we live.  The flexibility of online therapy means that regardless of where my clients are I can still provide a service.  It also means the we can be more adaptable; fit around work meetings, childcare and any last-minute unexpected changes.

Why I love counselling

I’ve been incredibly fortunate in the work that I do and the people that I work with.  I am always in awe of my clients and their courage.  Making that first step to talk to someone in a counselling room can be very daunting – the fact that I get to be that person for so many people is a great privilege, and I love what I do for a living because of the variety of people I get to work with and help.