My Approach & Ways of Working

I’m a pluralistic psychological therapist, drawing upon my background in creative, embodied work and flow state, and grounded in a radically person‑centred ethos. “What does that actually mean?” you might wonder.

Put simply, therapy is something we create together. It’s shaped uniquely by who you are, what you bring, and the relationship we build. Rather than following a rigid method, I collaborate with you to implement different approaches in a flexible, responsive way – attending to your emotions, your bodily experience, your values, and the meanings you give to your experiences.

I believe each person’s journey is distinct, so together we “invent the therapy anew,” finding what genuinely fits you instead of asking you to squeeze into a particular model.

Guiding principles

Person‑centred: You set the pace, focus, and goals. Given a safe and facilitative environment, answers and solutions will come from your own innate sensemaking.

Pluralistic: We draw from different theories and approaches, based on your choices, and tailor them to you.

Trauma-informed and Neurodiversiy-affirming: We honour your unique way of being and processing the world, moving beyond 'fixing' to build a relationship rooted in trust, choice, nervous-system regulation and a deep respect for your authentic self.

Holistic and embodied: We can attend to mind, body, emotions, instincts, nature, community, and meaning.

Relational: The quality of our relationship is the most effective healing factor in therapy, and offers us both new chances to learn how we are in relationship with others.

Creative: Creative activities and imagination can open new perspectives, if that suits you.

What Happens in Therapy

I’ve found that lasting change happens when we support the whole person: mind, body, emotions, instincts, and the unique ways you make sense of the world. You are always respected, always heard, and always in control of the pace, direction, and focus of your therapy. My role is to meet you with curiosity, care, and openness, so we can explore what matters most to you – and support your growth in a way that feels authentic, empowering, and truly your own.

What sessions might look like:

Talking and reflective dialogue
Experimental, creative or written exercises
Skills and problem‑solving where helpful
Walking, talking and creating outdoors in the stunning High Peak area
Mindful attention to body, breathing, posture or movement
Simply noticing what arises together

You do not need to be “arty” to benefit from creative exploration. Every person has an innate capacity to imagine, adapt, and self‑heal. When we invite creativity or body awareness, people often discover fresh ways of meeting challenges.

At the core of my work is the belief that you are the expert on your own experience. Rather than imposing solutions and strategies from outside yourself, I’ll invite you to tune into your own inner signals, awareness, and wisdom – because these are the most reliable guides to who you are becoming. Over time, you can reconnect with your natural flow: a deep, instinctive self‑trust and inner anchoring.

A Note on “Flow”

My work (and play!) includes the idea of Creative Therapeutic Flow – a concept devised through my PhD research and clinical practice. This describes a particular quality of engaged, safe, and flexible exploration that can emerge in therapy and other creative activities. It is similar to yet distinct from everyday “flow states” and can support meaningful change.

What to expect: First Session

We clarify what brings you to therapy and what you hope for.
You can ask questions about how I work and what to expect.
We agree a focus, a first step, and a review point.
You remain in control and can pause or stop at any time.

Ethics and Safeguards

I work within professional codes of ethics and hold appropriate insurance, supervision, and safeguarding training. Your privacy, consent, and autonomy matter at every stage.

If you’d like a sense of my background and training, see Professional Background and Qualifications & Training. To explore whether your concerns are a fit for this work, see Issues I Work With.