About me
Discover my unique and compassionate approach to therapy, designed to help you navigate life's challenges and find inner peace.
A Trauma-Informed Approach
I am a trauma informed therapist based on the beautiful south coast of England. I feel most at peace when surrounded by nature and the calming rhythm of the coastline. One of my favourite ways to unwind is by watching the sunset on the beach. There is something deeply grounding in that quiet golden light, a reminder of how each day can close with softness and reflection. For me, sunsets bring a sense of perspective, stillness and renewal. I try to bring this same energy into my therapy work: a steady, open space where emotions can settle and people can simply be themselves. I also have a love for animals, especially horses, and a curiosity for sixteenth century history and Greek mythology, interests that reflect my lifelong fascination with people, stories and meaning.
From the NHS to Therapeutic Practice
My career began in the NHS, where I worked as a phlebotomist. That role, while very different to therapy, required a calm presence, sensitivity, and the ability to care for people in often vulnerable moments. These qualities have always been central to how I work. While exploring different paths in healthcare, I began working in mental health services and eventually found myself in an inpatient hospital setting. This gave me rich experience with a wide range of complex issues, and it was here, encouraged by a mentor who recognised something in me, that I made the decision to train as a therapist. I have always been someone who loves to learn, and I continue to deepen my knowledge through regular training and study. I am a naturally curious person, always wanting to understand more about the mind, trauma and the healing process.
Experience Across Specialist Areas
Over the years, I have worked across several specialist areas. I spent significant time on a Mother and Baby Unit, supporting mothers experiencing postnatal depression and anxiety. This work gave me a deep appreciation for how intense and isolating early motherhood can be, and how important it is to offer care that is both knowledgeable and nurturing. I also worked within the prison system, supporting individuals facing emotional crisis and suicidal thoughts. That experience was profoundly shaping. It taught me how to be with people in their rawest, most painful moments with no judgement, only presence. It also gave me insight into the psychological impact of prison, how shame, disconnection and identity loss can take hold, and how crucial it is to meet people with humanity and respect.
The Profound Power of Presence
One of the most meaningful chapters in my career was my time spent working in palliative care. Supporting individuals at the end of their lives, and walking alongside their loved ones, was an experience that touched me deeply. It was a true privilege to be present in those intimate, sacred moments: to hold a person's hand as they passed, to cry with families, and at times, to share unexpected laughter amidst the sadness. That role taught me the profound power of simply being with someone, not to fix or change, but to witness, to honour and to accompany them with care and presence. It shaped me in ways that words struggle to capture. It deepened my understanding of what it means to truly connect, to be present and to offer comfort when it matters most. These lessons have become a quiet foundation in my work as a therapist, reminding me of the importance of helping people find meaning, resilience and moments of peace in the lives they are living now.
Begin Your Healing Journey
Take the first step towards a more meaningful and empowered life. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and discover how Laurel Tree Therapy can support you.