MY STORY

Hello, I’m Alice, a qualified mental health nurse of 30 Years, former NHS Manager, Interpersonal Psychotherapist & Coach.

I have had the privilege of working in some amazing services, and accessed a wealth of training, from Psychodynamic group therapy, art therapy, CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, community mental health nursing, CAMHS, alcohol & drug rehabilitation, clinical team management, and working in New Zealand as a nurse, I have gained so much enriching experience.

In 2009 and I was selected to train as an Interpersonal Psychotherapist through the prestigious Anna Freud Centre. After 18 months of training, client hours and supervision, I became an accredited psychotherapist, since then, I have been offering one of only a few NICE recommended talking therapies. Alongside this, I have studied an art foundation, and completed a degree in 2021 in Decorative Art specialising in ceramics.

I started my private practice in 2022, after leaving the NHS in 2019 due to my burnout and needing to be more flexible when it became clear that my neurodivergent children (adhd & autism) were unable to attend mainstream school.

In 2024 I studied again and added Somatic EMDR to my skillset, along with becoming a certified and accredited coach.

​​​​In 2021 I received my ADHD diagnosis during peri-menopause, which came as a huge life affirming, but mind blowing realisation.

Yes, I had been learning a lot about how to care for my children in a more neuroaffirming way for several years, and had completed training with The Autistic Advocate to ensure my clinical practice was as neuro informed as possible. But it wasn’t until I recognised my own neurocomplexity, that I really understood and reframed my whole life, and got deeper into my understanding of who I was.

I have always been a highly sensitive, empathic soul with deep feelings, and a strong inner critic, shame and guilt were never far from my thoughts. Now, I am able to recognise my needs in a way I couldn't before, I can make accommodations for myself with ease, and focus my energy on the things that give me joy.

I love drawing, making pottery, writing and cooking. I love cuddling my dogs and sitting staring at my pond and all the wildlife it has brought into the garden. I dislike injustice of any kind, and have been a passionate advocate of improving access to mental health services for all, climate justice and the rights of marginalised groups.

I can also help you learn to prioritise self care & self compassion, to quieten the shame, guilt and paralysis that the inner critic brings. To have better relationships with yourself and those around you, to understand why you may be stuck in a pattern of overwhelm and burnout. We'll review the past in detail, alongside practical ways to make the here and now easier.