Life is full of ups and downs, and each stage of life brings its own challenges and uncertainties. At times, we may feel unhappy, alone, overwhelmed or unwell. Sometimes we simply find ourselves not thriving. We can find ourselves in unhelpful patterns or relationships and struggle to move forward in our lives.
With the right support at the right time, we can make different choices and discover a new way ahead. This can move us from ‘stuckness’ and ‘dis-ease’ to greater fulfilment, wellbeing and flourishing.
Taking the first step to seek help is often the hardest and takes courage. Yet it can set us on a different path, helping us create a better present and find the future we desire.
Whether you are a young adult in your twenties, navigating mid-life, or in your nineties, whatever your circumstances or stage of life, welcome to my website.
My Approach
My approach places you at the heart of our work, offering a non-judgemental space shaped by empathy, curiosity, care and compassion. I see counselling as an alliance between counsellor and client.
As an integrative counsellor, I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches and adapt my style to your individual needs. Together, we will find what works best for you.
I will support you at every step of your journey, offering both encouragement and the right amount of challenge to ensure meaningful change is possible, whilst working at your own pace.
Confidentiality, trust and safe practice are fundamental to my work. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within its ethical framework. I am DBS checked, fully insured, committed to clinical supervision and maintain records in line with data protection legislation.
Where helpful, I incorporate creative approaches into therapeutic work, supporting you to create images, such as maps or sketches or share stories, photographs, etc.
"Julie's unjudgemental and kind approach made me feel safe. I feel differently about myself and my relationship is better than it has ever been"
About Julie
My counselling training is humanistic and integrative, drawing on Person-Centred Therapy, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, as well as trauma-Informed and somatic practices.
Alongside my private practice, I am a counsellor at Blackmore Vale Medical Partnership. I have previously worked at Relate, the Affordable Counselling Network, Parentline Plus and Action for Happiness.
I originally trained as a coach and saw how a practical, future-focused approach can be transformative. However, I came to recognise that coaching does not always address the deeper relational patterns that often underpin our difficulties. As part of my practice, I incorporate a coaching style and solution-focused approaches where appropriate.
Before training as a counsellor, I worked in learning and development, parent education and human resources in the UK, and overseas. This which enabled me to work alongside people with diverse ages and cultural backgrounds.
Qualifications and memberships
Qualifications
Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling — Heartwood College of Counselling and Psychotherapy
Certificate in Counselling Skills — Iron Mill College
Mental Health First Aid — MFHA England
Certificate in Understanding Autism - Wiltshire College
Certificate in Art Therapy - St Albans School of Art
Certificate in Parent Education — Open College Network
Advanced Coaching Certificate — Business Coaching Academy/Institute of Leadership and Management
Understanding Mediation — Association of Psychological Therapies
Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resource Management — Portsmouth University
Certificate in Learning and Development — University of West London
Professional Memberships
Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)