About Me

A Short Bio

An important part of counselling is the relationship between client and counsellor. While many therapists choose to disclose very little about themselves in order to mitigate transference, I think it can be helpful to know who the person is behind the screen.​

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I am from a small town in Shropshire where I remained until I began studying in Manchester. Since I was eight years old, I have had a passion for music-making. This passion spurred me to begin studies at the Royal Northern College of Music where I graduated with a BMus (Hons) in performance (trumpet and cornet).  This was a hugely formative time as I was involved in a very high-level of performancel fulfilling many life-long dreams.  During this time I fostered a passion for philosophy and psychology. Reading the works of Kierkegaard, Jung, Husserl and others helped me navigate existential and psychological challenges which were related to a collapse in the muscles which allowed me to play the trumpet. 

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Overcoming the physical and mental hurdles opened my eyes to the complexity of the psyche and the interrelation of the physical, social, psychological and spiritual dimensions. 

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I moved to Dundee where I completed an MSc in Pluralistic Counselling (though I now prefer to use the term integrated but more on that at another time).  In Dundee, I worked as therapist and Service Manager for Hope Counselling working with clients from a wide range of backgrounds.  Although no-longer actively engaged with Hope Counselling, I still provide trauma-informed counselling as part of a partnership programme between them and the local Parish Nursing Team. ​

I left Hope Counselling after being offered the position of Director of Music at the University of Dundee. 

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Presently, I am continuing to work at Dundee University where I oversee and organsie a range of musical performances. Additionally, I am working as an Associate Tutor of Trumpet at St Andrews University alongside this private therapeutic practice. 

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In the future, I am exploring doing a PhD with the view to reviewing how the writings of G. K. Chersterton might be integrated into therapy. 

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Services Offered​​

Clients come to me from all walks of life and all backgrounds.  Although I am informed by Christian theology and existential philosophy, these areas do not necessarily need to present themselves in sessions. I work with a range of faiths and none and cover a many presenting challenges inlcuding:

• Anxiety

• Panic Attacks

• Depression

• Grief

• Addiction (though I reccomend collaborating with a recovery specialist)

• trauma

• Identity

• Big life questions/dilemmas

• Spiritual Direction (specifically Christian/Catholic)