I trained at Edinburgh University as a mature student and am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I have long experience of the pressures of the working world – and of life. I come from a large family and I have raised my own children.

My first career was in journalism. I was an interviewer on a national newspaper and a columnist on three. Over many years of interviewing people from all age groups, cultures and walks of life, I witnessed how emotionally vulnerable the seemingly strong can be – and how the fragile can find hidden strength when life demands it.

As a columnist I charted societal trends like the increasing numbers of us who live alone. I saw how the shift to virtual communication replaced meeting friends and deepening real connection. I observed the pressure for men as well as women to look good, be successful and make money in an increasingly insecure world. I witnessed the growing epidemic of loneliness and its corrosive emotional effects.

I re-trained because I recognised that any one of us can find life’s pressure too great. I knew from experience that being supported at the right time can help us back on track.

I have a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling from Edinburgh University (passed with distinction). It was a training in both psycho-dynamic theory (which looks at how our past has shaped us) and person-centered theory (which emphasizes our on-going innate capacity for healing and growth).

In my practice I integrate the two approaches. I will take an interest in your formative years but I acknowledge that the only expert on you is you. My role is to walk alongside, to support you through focused listening and true understanding. I may sometimes offer a tentative observation and occasionally I will mirror back what I am hearing so that you better understand yourself.

(Through continuous professional development I have also gained an understanding of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.)

I abide by BACP‘s code of ethics.  I am fully insured and I receive regular supervision. I am committed to continuous professional development and I regularly attend training courses and conferences

I am based in central Edinburgh at Rutland Therapies, 11 Rutland Square, EH12AS.