Having completed a Masters in Change Management, I found I was ready to make some changes in my own life so, when I came across the Human Givens’ approach, I signed up immediately, qualifying in 2001 as one of the first Human Givens therapists in the world.
Having been the CEO of a child-care charity for many years, I have a great deal of experience working with children. As part of this role, I also worked with other voluntary groups and agencies, including chairing a Multi-Agency Panel on Domestic Abuse and being a Non Executive Director on the board of a large university hospital.
I was delighted – and very surprised! – to find that my work in these fields led to being awarded an MBE, for services to children and the community, in the King’s first Birthday Honours List.
I absolutely believe that anyone can change their lives for the better. I work with my clients’ imaginations and cognitive minds, in an empathetic, honest, non-judgemental and straightforward way.
I also believe everyone deserves effective and speedy help with emotional or mental health issues so, whilst my normal charge is £65 per session, I am happy for my clients to pay in line with their own financial circumstances (with no means-testing, forms to complete, questions about finances).
One of the benefits of the Human Givens’ approach is that we work in a flexible way, bearing in mind our clients’ thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Human Givens therapists work in a solution-focussed way, helping our clients to decide where they want to be and providing the tools and techniques to assist them in achieving their goals.
My clients come from a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds and ethnicities, and I have worked with all ages, literally from seven to 77.
It is true to say that there have been no two clients who need exactly the same type of sessions, so each therapy appointment is bespoke to the client in front of me. An important part of my therapy work is sharing various tools and problem-solving techniques so that, in the future, my clients can work to overcome any challenges or problems without needing therapy again.
My practice is near Eastbourne (BN22 0SQ) and I also offer therapy via Zoom (with clients as far away as Singapore) which is equally effective. I have helped clients with many different issues, including:
- Depression
- Low self-esteem or self-confidence
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Domestic abuse
- OCD
- Phobias
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Relationship challenges, including working with couples or family groups
The sessions last an hour or so and, because Human Givens is a brief and solution-focussed therapy, the number of sessions is kept to a minimum. To support my clients in between sessions, we often agree a couple of “homeworks” – there’s no point in paying me for progress that can be made at home.
Most of my clients are now self-referrals, having been recommended by previous clients. I also receive referrals from Occupational Health Departments, PTSD Resolution (a charity specifically for military personnel), other Human Givens colleagues and of course Therapy Finders.
Relevant Qualifications & Certifications:
- Human Givens Diploma
- MA in Change Management
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Just What We Need (coaching programme for parents)
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Research
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate
- Registered Member of the Human Givens Institute, accredited by the Professional Standards Authority
