% Life's Work Counselling service

“Whether it’s a journey of healing, or maybe you are feeling lost or unhappy, I can help you reconnect with yourself and find a way forward”

About me

Combining 20 years of experience as a musician, educator, and therapist I have witnessed how the right relationship at the right time can heal and help a person to thrive. This is what I bring to my clients, valuing each person as unique, and aiming to connect on a deeply human level.

Why Life’s Work?

Life can be hard and at times painful. We do not choose everything we go through or experience, but I believe to live fulfilled lives we can take responsibility for what happens next. This is the beginning of the work to heal and move forward.

Only you can do it…

The road to healing is unique for everyone. It can require you to be vulnerable, to be seen and learn to trust yourself, to tolerate discomfort, and to show up. This can help you gain insight, self awareness and to work towards your own solutions

…. but you don’t have to do it on your own…

I will journey with you, holding a safe space to empower you to work through the challenges you face.

How we will work together

My approach puts you at centre, as the expert on your internal world. With compassionate questioning and reflection we will explore the areas of your life you might be struggling with. Much of our lives and relationships are built around a framework of internalised beliefs and values. At times this can limit our emotional landscape, and stop us knowing how to meet our needs or sharing our authentic selves. This might cause struggles in our relationships, feelings of anxiety and depression or developing self-destructive coping behaviours.
I employ a range of techniques and approaches to help you understand your world. Our work together will focus on helping you make sense of your feelings, and bring your framework into focus. This aims to help you identify what you need, to reconnect with yourself, to heal and open up solutions to move forward.

More about me….

I came to counselling through my work with students as a drummer and educator. I noticed how the space I created with students helped them navigate and overcome emotional challenges and the impact this had on their well being. The desire to develop this in a safe and boundried way lead me to want to train as counsellor.
I am a fully qualified Integrative counsellor which means I incorporate ideas and approaches from a range of theories to best suit my clients need. Primarily my focus is on the therapeutic relationship, creating depth and connection and using it a tool to help clients. I draw from the philosophical under pinnings of humanistic therapy and use creative methods and interventions to facilitate clients in exploring and understanding their world.
I use my lived experience as a gay man to support clients in the LGBTQIA+ community, and some of the shared challenges faced by other marginalised groups. It has also offered a unique perspective on the issues faced by men in addressing their emotional and mental well being, which is often at odds with cultural attitudes to masculinity.
I also have lived experience working in the creative industries as freelancer and have helped clients navigate the pressure and insecurity of these types of roles and working environments.
Counselling Qualifications:
Level 4 Diploma in Integrative counselling Jan 2018-Nov 2020- Life force School of Counselling
Level 3 Certificate in counselling skills Jan-Dec 2017-Life force School of Counselling
Level 2 introduction to Counselling Skills May 2016-Life force School of Counselling
CPD:
Metanioa PCE-CfD training May 22-present.
3 day intensive course in creative interventions in Counselling 2021
2 day intensive course in walk and talk and outdoors therapy 2020
- Since Aug 22 as part of the team at “That Day” platform for therapeutic support, training and physical and emotional wellbeing.
- Since 2020 I have worked at Herts Mind Network as a volunteer counsellor working with a wide variety of clients and issues from separation, work anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, sexual assault, childhood trauma, chronic and long term health issues, bereavement, sexuality and self-destructive behaviours.
- 1 year as part of the team delivering IAPT delivering PCEfD counselling for depression at Herts Mind Network
- 20 years of instrumental teaching coaching and mentoring children, adults and young people and groups.

Services and fees

I offer 50 minute face to face sessions just outside Epping . My therapy room is located on a working farm in the countryside offering a feeling of seclusion and escape from the day to day. Sessions are priced at £60 for 50mins
I offer 50 min walk and talk sessions in the stunning countryside surrounding the farm. This offers the benefits of getting outside, experiencing the outdoors and moving the body. It can also be a less intense experience for those who might struggle with the intensity of sitting face to face in the therapy room. Walk and talk sessions are £70 per session.
I am also able to offer sessions over zoom and telephone. While different to face to face sessions for many it is a more convenient way to access therapy and can be highly effective. Sessions are £60 for 50 mins.

Location:

I offer both face to face and remote counselling from my practice located on a working farm in Essex. It’s three miles from Epping, five miles from Loughton and Ongar, and ten miles from Harlow. This peaceful and beautiful location offers a sense of seclusion and escape, where I also offer walk and talk therapy in the stunning local countryside.