About Me

My approach

I'd sum up my approach in three ways - I create supportive spaces for hard conversations; I ask good questions which bring insight into problems; I help you figure out new ways of doing relationships and being yourself.  ​

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The way I work differs between psychotherapy and mediation. As a psychotherapist, I provide weekly sessions for an hour in six week blocks. In these sessions I ask questions to shed light on what is driving your difficulties, from the past and present. These may include exploration of your underlying emotions and associated needs; fears and protection mechanisms; narratives and patterns from your family and culture; the influence of formative relationships on how you navigate the world; or how traumatic events in the past may be shaping your experiences today.

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Drawing on these insights, I then collaborate with you to figure out effective ways to improve your relationships - with others and yourself. These could include tools and techniques proven to be effective from recent research; as well as the approaches which work best for you based on your own context, skills and experience.  

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As a mediator, my approach is more solution focussed. I have introductory meetings with those involved in the conflict, followed by a joint meeting where I play a neutral, facilitative role in order to rebuild trust and agree a way forward in one sitting. In mediations I tend to spend less time understanding underlying drivers - and more time understanding each other's perspectives, exploring acknowledgements and identifying solutions which will help restore the relationship.  

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My experience

As a psychotherapist, I have experience working with couples, families and individuals in private practice, for Thrive Worldwide, Heart and Mind London, the UK charity Mind and the NHS. I'm a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the Association of Christians in Counselling (ACC). I have an MSc in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Derby, and am a Systemic Practitioner at intermediate level with the Association for Family Therapy (AFT). 

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As a mediator, I've worked with organisations, communities, and families - in private practice and via Thrive Worldwide and Wandsworth Mediation Service (WMS). I'm a Registered Mediator with the Civil Mediation Council (CMC) and an accredited mediator with the London School of Mediation.

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Before becoming a psychotherapist and mediator, I worked in international development, specialising in peacebuilding and governance in fragile and conflict-affected countries. I worked for charities and the UK Government, and have lived in South Sudan, Rwanda, Afghanistan and South Africa. I also have an MSc in Violence, Conflict and Development from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).