Psychological Services

Specific areas of Interest

Trauma-informed therapy

The term “trauma-informed” is widely used, but at its core, it reflects something quite simple:
many of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are shaped by past experiences — often in ways we may not fully recognise.

Trauma is not only about major life events. It can also arise from more subtle, cumulative experiences that shape how we relate to ourselves and others.

“Big T” trauma may include events such as accidents, abuse, or life-threatening situations, which can overwhelm our capacity to cope and may lead to symptoms associated with PTSD.
“Small t” trauma can develop through experiences such as ongoing stress, relationship difficulties, family dynamics, or periods of instability — often less visible, but equally impactful over time.

“Trauma is not what happens to you, it’s what happens inside of you as a result of what happened to you.”

In therapy, we focus not only on what has happened, but on how those experiences continue to live within you — in patterns, beliefs, emotional responses, and the body.

Shame, Guilt & Self-Worth

Many of the people I work with carry a deep sense of shame, self-criticism, or feeling “not good enough,” often rooted in earlier experiences.

A central part of my work involves helping to:

understand where these beliefs developed
gently challenge and rework them
develop a more compassionate and balanced relationship with yourself

This is often a gradual process, but one that can lead to meaningful and lasting change.

Boarding School Experience

I have a particular interest in working with individuals who attended boarding school, especially from a young age.

Research, including the work of Joy Schaverien, has highlighted how early separation from caregivers can have a lasting psychological impact. This is sometimes referred to as “boarding school syndrome.”

Children in these environments often learn quickly to adapt:

to manage without consistent emotional support
to suppress vulnerability
to present as coping, regardless of how they feel internally

Over time, this can lead to patterns such as:

emotional disconnection or difficulty accessing feelings
a strong “functional” or high-performing outer self
challenges in relationships or a sense of not fully knowing oneself
Schaverien describes this as a kind of internal split — between a “home self” and a “boarding school self” – which can persist into adult life.

“He wears a mask, and his face grows to fit it.”

In therapy, we work gently to understand these adaptations – not as flaws, but as ways of coping that once made sense — and to reconnect with a more integrated sense of self.

As someone who attended boarding school myself, I bring both professional understanding and lived insight into this work.

Session Structure & Fees

Session Structure

You may have experienced sessions where just as you begin to settle into what feels important, the time comes to an end. For some people, shorter sessions can feel limiting — particularly when working with more complex or deeply held experiences.

I recognise that committing to therapy is both a financial and personal investment. Therefore, sessions can be flexible in length, typically between 60 and 120 minutes. This allows space to explore things at a more natural pace, without feeling too constrained by time. We can review this together as we progress

At the same time, I recognise that different people have different needs, and I am always open to discussing what feels most appropriate for you. There is no fixed or “one size fits all” approach.

Initial Consultation

I offer a free 30-minute initial telephone consultation. This is an opportunity for us to explore what has brought you to therapy, and to get a sense of whether my approach feels like a good fit for you.

We can also talk through practical aspects such as session structure and availability.

There is no expectation to continue beyond this — it is simply a space to begin a conversation.

Fees

My standard fee is £120 per session.

I offer a limited number of concessionary spaces, which can be discussed during our initial conversation.

Further details around payment, scheduling, and cancellations can be discussed during the initial consultation, so that everything feels clear and agreed from the outset.