Headshot 3

As with the majority of therapists nowadays, my therapeutic approach is integrative, but recently I have embarked on the Relational Life Therapy Certification which informs my practice more than any other approach. Terry Real, who founded the Relational Life Therapy Institute, bases his training on challenging unhealthy patterns, understanding trauma, raising up the latent partner, and building lasting connections as a result. He cites his own main influences as being Pia Melody and Carol Gilligan. Two of my favourite quotes from his books are:

“Women are unhappy in their marriages because they want men to be more related than most men know how to be. And men are unhappy in their marriages because their women seem so unhappy with them” And “…changing one’s own behaviour is a much more promising strategy than insisting on change from the other.”

This is why I offer individual sessions based on the RLT model – at least if we can change ourselves, that’s half the problem! But ultimately I seek to assist individuals and partners in discovering new ways to communicate and ensure that each person feels heard within the relationship.

To provide the best possible support to my clients, I have completed training in counselling, conflict resolution, family mediation, and an advanced couples therapy diploma. I also have a wealth of experience about dementia hence my services specifically for couples where one person has been diagnosed with dementia.

My qualifications:

  • Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy (Westminster Pastoral Foundation)
  • Diploma in Conflict Resolution (NAOS, Ealing)
  • Certificate in Mediation (Align Mediation)
  • Certificate in Counselling Skills Level 2 (BACP, Kingston College)
  • Level 3 Counselling Diploma (Association of Learning)
  • Advanced Couples Therapy Diploma (NAOS, Ealing – completion date November 2025)
  • Relational Life Therapy Levels 1, 2 and 3
  • Currently training for the couples therapy coaching certificate with the Relational Life Institute. For more information follow this link:
    What is RLT – Relational Life Institute

My personal therapy background

Before engaging in couples therapy with my partner, I firmly believed in the transformative power of personal therapy. In my thirties my life felt like it was unravelling and without therapy I am not sure how I would have navigated past trauma which was playing into many unhealthy decisions and affecting not just my marriage but my friendships too. This taught me just how beneficial therapy could be as it provided clarity during a confusing and sad period when I struggled to understand the reasons behind my feelings and circumstances.

In 2010, my partner and I participated in a programme led by the remarkable Dr. Sue Johnson, a pioneer of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). This unique project involved being recorded as case studies for her students. While it was somewhat daunting to be in the spotlight, I knew that we were contributing to the development of future couples therapists.

I can confidently attribute our ability to navigate various storms in our relationship to the skills and insights we gained from this programme. Since then, we have learned to communicate more effectively and respond to challenges with greater understanding and compassion.

My career history

My professional journey has been diverse, but a common thread throughout has been a commitment to helping others. One aspect of my work today involves delivering mediation to families caring for loved ones with dementia. This experience often parallels couples therapy; the same themes of conflict and communication often emerge in family dynamics, just as in romantic relationships. By facilitating discussions, I help clients reduce conflict and foster a deeper understanding of one another’s perspectives: Family Mediation – Pathways Through Dementia

I have worked with various charities where listening and empathy are integral to the role. For example, I worked as an advocate for people living with dementia in Ealing, ran a helpline for the Alzheimer’s Society where I supported individuals and families navigating the complexities of dementia, and have worked for 2 Age UK branches in southwest London. I am currently contracted as a General Advice Supervisor with Citizens Advice Kensington and Chelsea on an ad hoc basis.


“If you change your mindset you have the ability to change your whole world.” Damien Thomas