I work from 2 places in Calderdale – White Rose Mill, Rise Lane, Todmorden OL147AA a ground floor space, see map below (toilet has one step, so not currently wheelchair accessible). Very close to Todmorden Train Station.
and Hebden Therapy Center, Wragley House, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge HX7 7BN – an upstairs space with a lift and accessible toilet.
Both places are quiet and comfortable with plenty of space to move around work in other ways than a traditional talking therapy, if wanted.
I have worked for many years with clients on the Autistic spectrum; firstly as a creative artist and then as a counsellor. I Currently work part-time with a Manchester based charity called Respect for all which provides free or low cost counselling for people on the spectrum and also for their siblings, carers, parents and partners.
It was through working as an artist with adults with learning disabilities that I realised that I wanted to train as a psychotherapist, thereby turning an aptitude into a qualified skill.
Many people, especially young people are receiving diagnoses of ASC with little or no understanding of how it might affect them. For some, the diagnosis helps to explain some things, but for many it can be a confusing or wounding experience. Counselling can be a good way of exploring these issues and gaining confidence and self-understanding.
My approach is not diagnostic. I engage clients in a non-judgemental exploration of there personality, focussing on aspects that might be causing problems as well as how they might utilise their strengths. For example, clients often come to me having researched ADHD or Autism and found several traits they can relate to. Rather than working through a list, I prefer to start with one or two traits suggested by the client’s own experience. We look at when that trait occurs, how it changes from situation to situation and how it’s opposite might show up too. I find this to be a kinder way of examining ourselves, and more likely to lead to integration.
Creative acts can be transformative and creativity can be key to problem solving.
Aside from the obviously “artistic” activities, many of our moment-by-moment behaviours, choices and responses require creativity, including our defences. As we decide what to do, or how to respond, our subconscious works to keep us safe and avoid things it has learned to fear. As children we learned through trial, experiences and through play. Those lessons were embedded deep in the psyche and are held in the body. Some of those lessons may now be holding us back, so creative thinking and creative play can help us contact those deeply held beliefs and feelings in a way that rational discussion can sometimes simply cannot access.
It’s not about artistic expression. It’s about engaging more than the cognitive mind and helping the vague notions and out-of-awareness feelings to emerge into consciousness. Exploration allows us to soften the rational grip and makes room for a more open perspectives, it relaxes the rigidity of thinking that may be needed for change to occur.
Sometimes we cannot understand rationally or cognitively, but we still need to find a way to express or explore our thoughts, feelings or actions.
Sometimes clients and I make drawings or diagrams to represent or catch something elusive. We may come back to these scribbles and schema to help us remember the themes and layers of previous sessions. Patterns appear, symbols speak and feelings become more meaningful.
Sometimes we can lay out objects to illustrate tangled relationships or a complex set of feelings. This enables a perspective, or multiple perspectives to be seen, to be layered…. and even to be challenged.
Sometimes we may need to stand tall, curl up, walk around the room or jump up and down. By changing ourselves physically we encourage different psychological perspectives to emerge.
I believe that we are all creative, through necessity. In times of distress, crisis or chaos our creativity can be illuminating, freeing, soothing and so helpful.
And of course it can add humour, fun, relief or distraction where needed.
Opinions differ but I feel like therapy and counselling often overlap and I find in my work that I do both.
I understand counselling as essentially a listening process, through which people gain perspective, find a voice and share their experiences without judgement or criticism. This process can be illuminating, empowering or cathartic. Sometimes sharing your story is a first step toward changing the narrative.
In therapy the client works towards a process of change. This may involve explorations and insights, it may involve discoveries and challenges. But the process should be held safely by the therapist and the direction or purpose of change should be agreed and understood by the client, usually through an agreed contract.
In simple terms, counselling tends to be shorter, often focussed on one particular issue, whereas therapy may take longer and be more open to exploration.
Feel free to ask for clarification if you are not sure. The first session is a good time to ask questions.
I welcome clients of any gender, race, ethnic background, sexuality or social class and understand that there may be issues specific to ones identity that may require sensitivity to your experience. I have worked in many countries and have wide interests in other cultures. I also have many years experience of working with people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and Autistic Spectrum Conditions, to help them to express themselves and to take control of their life choices.
I aim to support diverse beliefs or lifestyles and would like, where possible, to support people from challenging backgrounds to assert their rights and achieve their goals.
I also have some reduced price slots to support those with limited means of income. Please feel free to ask.
Parents and carers can also benefit from counselling or therapy with someone who understands something of these pressures and stresses.
I work from Todmorden and Hebden Bridge, in buildings that may present some obstacles. Please call to discuss the best options for you. More info.
I currently charge £45 for individuals and £60 for couples, for a one hour session.
Concessions and reductions are usually possible by agreement*. Feel free to ask if you are low waged or have limited income.
I ask that a client pay for sessions in advance because, excepting emergencies, 48 hours notice is required to cancel an arranged session. There is a cancellation fee for sessions that you do not to attend or cancel without sufficient notice. For couple sessions, if one partner does not attend the session cannot proceed, so a cancellation is charged.
For information on the cost of my workshops please use the enquiry form and give a brief outline of your organisation or event.
*I have 8 weekly sessions at reduced fees which are negotiated with clients at the start of therapy, or if they encounter an unexpected or unavoidable change in circumstances. Once those slots are all allocated I cannot offer any more until one of those clients either finishes therapy or has an upward change in their finances.
Our first session will include some contractual agreements. We will discuss these together and those which are optional may require a signature. You will receive a copy to keep for reference.
Member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
I hold a diploma in Transactional Analysis Counselling 4 years with Elan Training
BA(hons) Creative Arts 3 years Nottingham Trent University
Trained Psychodrama Auxiliary 1 year with Northern School of Psychodrama
I attend regular CPD and professional supervision including training on working with children, using creative arts, suicide prevention, diversity and disability training, Gestalt techniques, Action methods, working outdoors,…
I offer a reduced price session for new clients to meet me and ask some questions.
I appreciate how hard it can be to find the right person to work with. A conversation can give us some time to decide if we will be able to work together, or if not, I am happy to refer other colleagues who may suit your needs.
I always recommend that clients meet or speak to 2 or 3 different therapists before making a decision. Finding a good match is a great contributor to successful therapy.