Hello, my name is Ash.  I am a qualified integrative counsellor, which means the kind of therapy I offer draws from a variety of different theoretical approaches.  Every therapeutic relationship is unique, and your preferences to how we work are key. 

My aim is to offer you an opportunity to explore what you need in a safe and contained space, without judgement.  However, I am not a ‘nodding dog’ or ‘blank screen’ type of therapist.  I will work hard alongside you, to be an active partner in this process.  Therapy done well can be life changing, and lifesaving, but it’s not always easy.  Key to its success is the relationship we create.  

Seeking support is tough, and I have a particular interest in supporting those who feel most intimidated by the process or are perhaps only reaching out for the first time.  I understand that barriers to therapy can be deeply ingrained with culture, gender, family and life experiences all playing their part, but these can be overcome.   

My approach will be tailored to your aims, but I recognise that there are many different ways to support healing and change.  Whilst counselling and psychotherapy are often labelled as ‘talk therapies’, talking is not always the only way, and contrary to popular belief, you are never obliged to ‘tell all’.

My philosophy aligns with the trauma informed approaches, believing that ‘what happened to you’ matters and recognising the importance of neuroscientific developments in the therapy field and the specific considerations required to support healing from trauma.