About Me

As a potential client, choosing a Counsellor to work with from the many available online can be a difficult and sometimes overwhelming task. Therefore, I believe it is important to know a little about the person who may help you find your way again. 

I was born and raised here in Dumfries and Galloway, upon leaving education, I worked in retail for many years, finding joy in connecting with my customers. I enjoyed getting to know them, their preferences, wants, and needs. 

Upon returning to education, I qualified in childcare and briefly worked in nursery and primary schools before transitioning to community-based support, where I assisted children with various disabilities. 

During my studies, I volunteered at a small village school in Nepal. This short but pivotal experience, even years later, has shaped my lifelong desire to work with people and practice gratitude. 

I qualified as a Social Worker in 2015, primarily working with adults. It was in this role that my counselling journey began. I completed my counselling skills course amidst COVID-19, aiming to enhance my practice and feel more capable in supporting individuals through crises and transitions in their or their loved one's lives. At that time, I was involved in helping people who had experienced sudden and profound sight or hearing loss. The course sparked my interest in one-on-one counselling, and I enjoyed the inner reflective practices it offered. 

In 2021, I commenced my Pluralistic Counselling & Psychotherapy diploma while balancing personal therapy, employment, placement, and family commitments. Although challenging at times, I thoroughly enjoyed the learning and personal development. 

Personal counselling provided me with lived experience as a client. I felt the fear, anxiety, and worry that many experience when first accessing counselling. I grew accustomed to what I can only describe as "comfortably uncomfortable." I realised my biggest strength came from verbalising my weaknesses, discussing difficulties, and processing past experiences. To be heard, held, and validated during my most vulnerable moments allowed me to heal and thrive. I will be eternally grateful to my counsellor for this experience. 

Counselling has helped me understand more about "what makes me tick," which has given me more direction and focus in my life. Since qualifying, I have ventured into private practice while also working within the NHS. I look forward to offering you all the space and opportunity to feel heard and supported throughout your counselling journey.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

Diploma in Pluralistic Counselling & Psychotherapy (Feb 2024)

Certificate in Counselling Skills (2020)

B.A Hons Degree in Social Work (2015)

ACCREDITATION

RNIB accredited Sight Loss Counsellor (Since Dec 2024)

OTHER TRAINING/CPD

In September 2025, I commenced a certificate in Neurodiversity Affirming Practice.

Trauma Informed Practice (March 2024)

Counselling for Sight Loss (RNIB) (July 2024)

Counselling Tutor; Online and Telephone Counselling Course (July 2024)

Domestic Violence and Sight Loss (RNIB) (Nov 2024)

Enhancing Therapeutic Practice in Grief and Loss (Cruse) (Mar 2025)

Suicide and Self-harm: Working Ethically with Risk in Counselling (June 2025)

I am committed to ongoing CPD; however, my most valuable skills, knowledge, and values haven't solely come from books, journals, or courses, but rather from the lessons I've learned along the way. 

While I bring a wealth of knowledge and skills from my previous/ongoing careers, it is the insights gained from every client—past, present, and future—that truly enrich my practice.