My Approach and philosophy
At Core Psychotherapy and Counselling York I offer a compassionate, relational approach to emotional wellbeing. Rooted in the belief that lasting change comes from understanding yourself deeply, Core helps you explore the underlying reasons behind how you feel—not just the symptoms. By gently uncovering what sits at the core of the issues you bring, you can begin to make sense of long-held patterns, emotions, and ways of relating to others.
Through an accepting and collaborative therapeutic relationship, Core Psychotherapy and Counselling York supports you in reconnecting with who you truly are. This focus on self-awareness, understanding, and acceptance helps you build resilience, develop healthier patterns, and move toward a more authentic, grounded, and fulfilling life.
Sometimes life is just hard – and we want to know how we can be with others in a more satisfying way – our relationship is where understanding and healing can begin.
Qualifications and Experience
I have an MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling from the University of Leeds and a PGCert in Counselling and Interpersonal skills from Leeds Beckett University. I work in private practice Monday to Wednesday at Blake House and Dringhouses in York.
Before becoming a therapist I worked in senior management in commercial environments and understand well the pressure, strains and burnout that can result from work based stress. I have spent periods of time working overseas in the USA, Japan and the Middle East as well as with young people in a school environment.
I work with a number of clients who have attended boarding school and are experiencing difficulties in relationships, stress, anxiety, or depression. Informed by my research on boarding school syndrome, I have a specialist understanding of the emotional and relational challenges linked to early separation, disruption, attachment and the unique pressures of boarding school environments. My approach is thoughtful, trauma-informed, and compassionate, offering a safe space to explore these experiences, understand their lasting impact, and develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.
At Core Psychotherapy and Counselling York, I work therapeutically with a wide range of adults (16+) experiencing a wide variety of challenges. You may feel like your problems are too big – or too small – I would invite you to get in touch with me – it’s where change can start.
Qualifications
MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling – University of Leeds
PG (Cert) Counselling and Interpersonal Skills
Most recent Post Training qualifications and courses
Complex Trauma Certification Training – Level 1 and 2 (CTTP/CTTP-2) – Janina Fisher PhD (Pesi UK) – Ongoing
Certificate in Trauma informed psychotherapy – Counselling Tutor 2024
Domestic Abuse – Essential Training (IDAS) 2025
Pre Trial Therapy Protocol – Community Counselling 2024
Suicide First Aid – National Centre for Suicide Prevention, Education and Training (NCSPET) (April 2024)
Professional Member Organisations
I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to the BACP’s Ethical Framework.
Previous Education
BA (Hons) English Literature and American Studies – Brunel University, London.
