
AboutHeidi
My Approach
I am a Person Centred Counsellor who enjoys empowering people to make the best decisions for themselves. I love to see people grow and develop. As a humanist I believe in people and work relationally which means I bring my true self to my work rather than me playing a role. 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 working to support individuals from disadvantaged families in the Manchester area. I have mentored, motivated and guided my clients, using the principles of guided discovery, to better their life situations and improve the sustainability of their 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. Both of my parents are immigrants, and they come from different cultures and racial backgrounds, different from each other, and also different from mine. I’ve lived within three different cultures, 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.
