My journey into mental health began as a peer mentor, drawing from my own experiences to support others. Over the past 5 years, I've worked with a mental health charity, offering one-on-one support and leading therapeutic groups.
I had experienced my own mental health challenges from the age of 10, but despite some therapies proving extremely useful, there were some areas where I just felt stuck. While training as a counsellor and working in the mental health sector, I began to explore autism and ADHD, and eventually received diagnoses of both in my late 30s.
Through my own journey and the work I was doing, I realised the need for our therapeutic techniques to be adapted and tailored to neurodivergent experiences. Through this work and my training, I've discovered the importance of self-understanding and self-compassion. I advocate for holistic therapies, including mindfulness, creative therapies, and nature-based practices. My specialisation lies in LGBT+ issues, with a focus on the experiences of transgender clients in medical and psychological settings.
In my own self-care, I find tranquillity in hiking in the hills and mountains, practising yoga, and in creative pursuits such as writing and music. I also adore animals and love to spend time with my two cats, Tybalt and Horatio. I am hoping to study animal therapy, and I dream of owning alpacas in the mountains of Scotland!