
AboutHeidi
My Approach
I am a Relational Counsellor and Expressive Arts Facilitator who enjoys supporting people to explore themselves, make sense of their experiences, and make choices that feel right for them. I love to see people grow and develop. I believe in people and their ability to create meaningful change. I bring my true self to my work rather than simply playing a role, and respond to what feels most important in the moment. This might involve processing emotions, exploring patterns, thinking through practical challenges, or simply taking time to understand what is happening beneath the surface.
I integrate creative and expressive ways of working when words are not enough. Sometimes mindfulness can be drawn upon to help deal with difficult emotions and be more present.
What I love most about offering therapy is that it can deal with not only the symptoms but it can work with the root cause of the issue. Progress can therefore be applied to a wide range of areas in your life. Growth is long lasting and often helps in areas of your life that you did not anticipate.
My Experience
Working in a school for autistic pupils taught me much about the need to have a flexible approach with people. In that environment, it was important to allow students to take control of the pace of their learning. That experience has influenced my approach to therapeutic counselling.
I have many years of experience supporting individuals from disadvantaged families in the Manchester area. Through mentoring, motivating and guiding my clients, I have helped people explore their strengths, overcome challenges, and identify steps towards positive change in their lives and communities.
As a Childline Helpline Counsellor, I developed the skills needed to offer comfort, support and practical advice to the young people who called in for help. Many of these were young people in crisis, sometimes they were victims of abuse or neglect, and often they were working through issues of anxiety, depression and self-harm.
Working as an Employment Advisor I have gained a greater understanding of the cause and effect of work related stress.
My Personal Experience
I come from a neurodiverse family, some of us are diagnosed, others are self diagnosed and some are still on a journey of self discovery. I have gained a practical understanding of sensory processing differences, dyslexia, ADHD, autism and dyspraxia.
Being diagnosed later in life as Dyslexic and inattentive ADHD made me look back at my childhood experiences with a new understanding of myself. It answered many questions but also created many more! It has been a journey for me to come to terms with them.
I’m especially interested in working with people from mixed heritage backgrounds, partly because of my own experience. My parents immigrated from different cultural and racial backgrounds, so I grew up shaped by their two distinct cultures as well as the British culture around me. I’ve lived in three different countries, which has helped me see the world from a range of perspectives and better understand how people’s values and identities are shaped. This also gave me my own issues to work through, particularly in understanding where I feel at home.
My Practice
I have been in private practice since 2017 and I continue to find it incredibly fulfilling.
I am a registered member of the BACP and I am fully insured to practice. I have regular supervision to ensure my work is effective. I work in a welcoming and vibrant therapy room in Manchester City Centre.
