About Me

My name is Vanessa and I am a qualified integrative counsellor. I’m a firm believer that when we feel safe, and when we are in a space that is free from judgement or criticism, we can bring our whole selves, not the selves we are sometimes forced to put on in the world. In that space, we can really dig deep and explore our deeply held hopes, fears, wounds, desires and capabilities.

I am committed to providing just that. A space where you feel free to be heard, seen, happy, sad and all the other feelings or needs that aren’t always welcome in the world in day-to-day life.

I am registered with the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and work with their Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling ensuring a safe and ethical service for you as standard.

What qualities do I bring?

Compassion

I’m human, so I’ve been through my fair share of difficulties too, and some of my experiences are what inspired me to train as a counsellor. From my own experience, one of the greatest gifts I got from therapy was feeling seen and heard. Receiving the compassion of someone else taught me how to show myself compassion, give myself grace and importantly, nurture that same compassion for my clients.

Openness & Cultural Competence

I’m fortunate enough to have grown up in an environment with people from many faiths, cultural backgrounds and walks of life which fostered an awareness of culture and difference, both mine and others. I’m sensitive to others experience even when it differs greatly from my own. Whilst that has been a great foundation for me, I continually seek to educate myself on difference and diversity and integrate this knowledge into my practice.

Respect & Vulnerability

Nobody knows you better than you. Therefore I work collaboratively with clients and do not seek to tell you what to do or impose my views. Therapy nurtures new ideas, insight, and perspectives and whilst I’ll share and explore with you through insight and creativity, I’ll never seek to be the expert in your life, or be perfect in general. I’ll share my emotions appropriately, never seeking to take away from your experience.