About...

When I was younger I vividly remember receiving letters of reply from various teen mag agony aunts that I had written to in magazines. My life made so much more sense after I'd read these letters. I felt so much more in control of my life, a bit less of an 'odd one out' and slightly more normal. 

But what I mostly gained was comfort from feeling understood. Someone actually 'got me'. 

This feeling has stayed with me and has influenced the way I practice my counselling today. 

After a somewhat traumatic period in my life, I didn't really know what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go in life.

I was just going through the motions and just seemed to go where life carried me. Somehow I ended up at university in Wolverhampton, 

studying art and design. The only thing I thought I was any good at, at the time.

When I came back up North, I needed a job to pay the rent for my bedsit in Darlington! I spent a few years in retail work as a bookstore assistant, followed by a spell in the customer service industry working for EE (Orange at the time). I later trained and went on to work in education as a teaching assistant in a primary school and from that went on to managing a Pre-school. Again, it was just where life took me. 

Although I loved working with the children, I still had a strong desire to do something else, more true to my heart. 

It was in 2010 that I made the decision to change my career path completely and start professional counselling training. 

After many years of toying with the idea, I decided it was the right time for me to do it. It felt like I was coming home. It had taken until my 40's, 

but I had finally decided what I wanted to do with my life!

I launched New Balance Counselling in 2013. I've loved being able to nurture it into what it is today and feel very privileged to be in the trusted position of someone who many people have been able to confide in. 

"Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence" 

~ Max Ehrmann

I have level 2 & level 3 Counselling and also hold a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. 

In addition I hold a Certificate in 

Creative Supervision (UKCP accred) 

Most recently I've had training in 'Gestalt and Parts Therapy', and also 'Online and Telephone Counselling'.

Initial training to be a counsellor enabled me to grow both professionally and personally. It was a time in my life like no other. I met some amazing supportive people along the way and we shared lots of laughs and just as many tears! 

I learned so much about myself as well as counselling; it was utterly life-changing.

During my Diploma training I worked as a volunteer counsellor at the Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre in Darlington. 

Through the extensive training and the experience I had here, I developed a solid understanding of many issues surrounding the traumas of rape, childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence and controlling relationships. I learned about some of the related legalities, different forms of abuse, 

the impact and consequences of rape and abuse, self harm and other coping strategies.

I also volunteered as a children's counsellor in a primary school for the charity 'Place2Be'. 

I learned lots here, including play therapy techniques and games. I was able to combine my existing knowledge of working with children and safeguarding issues with my new skills as a counsellor in this role. 

The training and experience I had with Place2Be was amazing. 

I was keen to set up my own practice as soon as I qualified, so that's exactly what I did! But I also worked part time to help me get started.

 I worked as a counsellor for Talking Matters, Teesside. Here I worked primarily with people who had been referred either by their GP or the employment service for a limited amount of sessions. They came with a wide variety of issues including bereavement, stress, major life changes and social anxiety, to name just a few. 

I also worked as a children's psychological therapist at Alliance Psychological Services in Stockton. Here I was part of a team providing a service to improve the emotional health and well-being of children by visiting them in their schools to provide weekly counselling sessions. Again, using play and counselling skills, children from as young as 5 years old up were able to benefit from their weekly sessions. 

Being creative and playful is not just for children!! Adults also benefit from it, allowing them to experience the joy and freedom of expression which can enhance their counselling experience. Being creative in therapy can include drawing, writing, scribbling, painting, sand, playdoh, writing, using any small objects and more. It can also mean using creative thinking, all of which I will be able to help you with if you are interested. 

No artistic talent required, just a willingness to play! 

​​​​"Adults are only kids grown up, anyway"
- Walt Disney

​I now devote all of my counselling work to my private practice.  

Since 2013 I have been offering private counselling sessions in Darlington. Sessions currently take place either online by video call, by telephone or as a 'Therapy walk' session.

(In-person sessions are unavailable at present)

Fully qualified, insured and registered to practice, I currently provide private counselling for anyone from 16 to 116 years old! 

(I may need parental consent for 16 & 17 year olds)

I welcome enquiries from employers, occupational health companies and insurance companies.

There are many reasons for which you may come to see me. Some of these reasons including feelings of low mood or depression, worry, if you have suffered a recent bereavement or loss (of job for example), you are struggling with a change in circumstances or you have suffered any form of abuse or trauma (either recently or in the past). 

These are just some of the areas 

in which I work.

 I'm passionate about personal development and would love to work with you to help you understand and feel comfortable in yourself 

so that you can evolve in a way that feels right for you. You may discover a new normal, recognise a new beginning or discover a new balance for your life.   

   I have an ongoing interest in trauma work, in particular adults who have experienced childhood traumas including abuse, loss and parental divorce.  

You may find Trauma resolution therapy useful. It can help you to process traumatic situations or events, intrusive memories, shame, guilt, phobias and embarrassing moments.  

I also offer clinical supervision.

If you are either a qualified counsellor or a student counsellor in placement, and are looking for clinical supervision, you are very welcome to get in touch. I have a certificate in Creative Supervision (accredited by the UKCP). 

I'm a registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy)

and follow the ethical guidance from them.

"Where there are counsellors there is safety"

~ Edward Coke