My philosophy about self help is that one size does not fit all…
As a child growing up I always felt as if I never really fit… the proverbial square peg. Looking back, I can see now that this feeling was the origin of my desire to help others find their true potential. I was always curious about people, wanting to understand why they acted the way they did, what they really felt, what they were thinking.
The Stand Tall Way
Since founding Stand Tall, I have combined my role as an Integrated Therapist with offering Clinical Supervision and Counselling training to the next wave of Therapists. My philosophy has always been that one size does not fit all and Integrative Therapy allows me to draw upon various theories to support clients and ensure the approach is right for them as an individual.
Expanding my passion and knowledge in the area of Therapy, I now offer a variety of workshops for both professionals and people who simply want to learn more about self-growth, awareness and personal development. I also work within the Corporate world with businesses and organisations, delivering talks and EAP support from training and focus groups to one-to-one support for employees and teams.
I believe the more we can learn and understand about ourselves the more we can tap into our inner strength and happiness.
Everyone has a story…
Growing up in a working class Liverpool household, talking about our thoughts and feelings wasn’t something we did, nor was it encouraged. I think like many people I never really felt completely understood and listened to by the people around me. I used to think I was quite strange because I seemed to have the ability as a young person to try to understand what other people were thinking and what other people were feeling. Years later, I would discover that this was called empathy! Wow, it had a name and it was real, not just something I was experiencing alone.
As a young woman during a maternity break from my then career as a photographer, I entered Therapy for the first time myself. I also stumbled upon a short course introducing Counselling. Both of these experiences changed the course of my life. Suddenly I realised that there were ears that wanted to listen. There were people out there who thought like me…more square pegs! People had actually written books and developed theories around empathy and the ideas living inside my head. Experiencing self-development, counselling and studying what influences our behaviours was like coming home.
I went on to study to become a Therapist which to this day over twenty years later is still one of the best jobs in the world. I have experienced the truest, most beautiful intimacy one can have with another human, to be a passenger alongside them on their journeys of self-discovery is the greatest honour. Alongside this, I also studied as a teacher in Higher Education. It feels amazing to stand in a room with a group and talk about all that I am passionate about and have them really understand its power. To then see how this can not only develop their understanding of self but to pay it forward to support others is truly amazing.
Work With Me
Counselling
Online or in-person, this is designated for individuals or couples to process and explore their thoughts, feeling and experiences. Typically, sessions are weekly or bi-weekly.
Supervision
Online or in-person. Clinical support for qualified therapist as well as counsellors in training, I also work with groups and staff teams to support their work. My approach is integrated and relational in order to adapt to your modality and or the organisations requirements.
Teaching & Workshops
Online or in-person, I run a centre for training Counsellors at all levels. I also deliver various CPD sessions to therapists and therapists in training. In addition to this I offer many workshops focused on self development and wellbeing. I deliver training within organisations based on coaching and raising awareness in mental health as well as increasing productivity.
Public Speaker
In-person only, I deliver motivational and inspirational speeches for events as well as seminars on various topics around mental health, wellness and self development.