A calm, unhurried space to work out what's going on — with no pressure to perform, nobody talking down to you, and no expectation that you arrive with the words already sorted.
You don't have to have the words for it.
Starting therapy can feel like the hardest part — especially if you're not sure you're "allowed" to struggle, or if you've been told you're overreacting. Nothing here is a test. We go at your pace, and we don't have to start with talking.
Alongside my Gestalt training, I hold a QLS Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Children and Adolescents, and I currently work with people from 16 upwards. As a parent, I have personal experience of neurodivergence and home education — so differences in how you think, learn and cope aren't something I need you to justify.
Common reasons young people get in touch
Anxiety, low mood, or feeling overwhelmed most days
Exam, college or work pressure — and the fear of falling behind
Big changes: leaving school, moving out, a new city, a new role
Family or friendship strain, and the loneliness that can follow
Figuring out who you are — identity, sexuality and belonging. I'm LGBTQ+ friendly & have family experience
Grief and loss, including the loss of someone close or a pet
Not being able to put any of it into words — that's okay, we can work around it
How I work
I work in the Gestalt tradition, which means we pay attention to what's happening for you now — your thoughts, your feelings, your body and the world you're living in — rather than only the story you tell about it. Sessions are 50 minutes, weekly, ongoing or short-term.
Alongside talking, I sometimes use art materials and a sand tray, particularly when words are hard to find. If something isn't landing, we change it — there's no fixed way this has to look.
Sessions run online by Google Meet or by telephone, or in person at St Albans Rooms in St Albans Town Centre, Oak House Studio & Therapies in Old Hatfield or Nadya Giffen Therapies in Marshalswick. Online or telephone sessions are £50 (£45 for students), in-person sessions £60.
If you're a parent or carer, a short email is a fine place to start. Tell me a little about what's going on and I'll come back to you — usually within a couple of days — so we can talk it through before anyone commits to anything.
Get in touch
Have a question, or want to check I'm a good fit?
A short email is a fine place to start. I usually reply within a couple of days.
